We have nothing but awe and admiration for the New York-based experimental publishing house, New Directions, and their “old fashioned, patrician way of doing business…(with) the most unlikely product, avant-garde literature.” We need more publishers like them in the world. Continue reading
Thank you so much Publishing Perspectives for publishing my article on the lack of translated Greek literature.
You can read part 1 below: Continue reading
It was a great honour and a privilege to have been named a Zev Birger 2015 fellow at the Jerusalem International Book Fair this year.
Thank you Jerusalem International Book Fair, our incredible coordinator Idit Ben Or, and my wonderful fellow fellows for making this such an unforgettable and magical experience! Continue reading
I cannot think of a writer who could have made a better case for fiction’s power to transcend stereotypes and identity politics than Elif Shafak. Next time I pitch a Greek book to a foreign editor, I will make sure I use her wise words: Continue reading
This week I was lucky enough to meet in Athens the wonderful Courtney Collins, one of Australia’s most luminous and powerful new literary voices. Over organic smoothies at a vegan cafe in the centre of town, Courtney talked to me in detailabout what inspired her first novel, THE BURIAL (based on the life of legendary bush-ranger, Jessie Hickman) drawing interesting parallels between Jessie and the plight of the Greek people during the crisis. Continue reading
If happiness is fleeting moments of unsuspected joy then I’ve been very happy at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair. Upon reflection, these moments have little to do with Frankfurt itself. The architecture of the city is not conducive to joy. The skyscrapers are misplaced: they look like glass thorns in the heart of the city. And the river is too solemn and neutral for my liking. The people, however, are another story. Continue reading
It is only during book fairs that the solitary nature of my profession comes into sharp focus. I do get daily reminders, of course –it is hard not to when you run a one-woman business from home- but during books fairs I get the chance to review it from a distance, to evaluate it against the wonderful backdrop of fellowship, comradeship and professional allegiance that I feel amongst my co-agents and fellow book professionals. Continue reading
I am not sure if I can sufficiently explain my fascination with Calvino’s Invisible Cities and the important role it has come to play in my life. I cannot recall how I discovered it; when and where I bought it or on whose recommendation. It’s as if it has always been in my life which, I suppose, is the exact reason why I can’t write about it. All I know is that over the years it has become more than a book: it has become my dictionary; my encyclopedia of cities; my paper flat globe of the world; my book of dreams; my pain-killer. Continue reading