Amánda Michalopoulou

This story reminds me of Elena Ferrente's My Brilliant Friend. It tells of two friends (Maria and Anna) who meet at age nine and remain friends (mostly) or frenemies throughout their lives. The characters are well drawn, and the story is interesting as the girls have returned to Greece after living in Africa (Maria's father works for an international oil company) or Paris (Anna's parents are political dissidents). As outsiders at age nine, they form a strong bond, with Anna clearly the "leader" in the relationship, having things her way, including taking Maria's boyfriends. Maria was ostracized before Anna's arrival, and seems to believe she needs Anna's love and approval no matter what.

It's a good story, but I found the politics were not brought in appropriately. Some say they were a backdrop; others describe them as a character. What I didn't like was the way the author often seemed to be making overt political statements rather than using the politics to drive the story or motivate the characters. You don't get to rant in a novel -- write an op ed piece!… (mehr)

Thoroughly enjoyable and readable book of two girls' friendship from age 9 through to adulthood against the backdrop of political upheaval in Greece. The overt territory is similar to Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend, but the tensions of the best friends (or "frienemies") Anna and Maria is cleverly mirrored against the national and international upheavals in the same timeframe. An honest and brutal exploration of friendship and growing up with all its attendant rivalries, jealousies, insecurities and misunderstandings. For me, along with the interwoven sly humour, make this a important and lasting book with more to offer on rereading. Thanks publisher Open Letter and translator Karen Emmerich!… (mehr)