ΔΥΣΚΟΛΕΣ ΝΥΧΤΕΣ / TOUGH NIGHTS
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Autor:
MELPO AXIOTI
Country:
Greece (GR)
Book Theme:
Contemporary writers of your country
Publisher:
KEDROS
Publishing Year:
2008
Melpo Axioti (1905–1973) was a prominent Greek writer and poet, known for her contributions to modern Greek literature. Born in Smyrna, she moved to Athens after the Greco-Turkish War. Axioti began her literary career in the 1930s, producing poetry, short stories, and novels. Her works often dealt with themes of human suffering, personal identity, and the struggles of women in society. Axioti was influenced by existentialism and modernism. Despite facing criticism for her unconventional style, she remains a significant figure in 20th-century Greek literature. Her legacy continues to inspire readers and writers.
National Award for Children’s and Young People’s
Abstract
“Tough Nights” (original title “Dyskolies Nychtes”) by Melpo Axioti is a groundbreaking work in Greek literature, first published in 1938. The novel is deeply autobiographical, tracing the life of a young girl from childhood to adulthood through a series of experiences that shape her identity.
The narrative begins in the idyllic summers on the Greek island of Mykonos, where the protagonist enjoys the natural beauty and freedom of her childhood. This period is characterized by the innocence and vitality of youth. However, the story soon shifts to the dark, oppressive winters spent in a convent school, where strict discipline and isolation create a stifling environment. Here, the young girl experiences alienation and the yearning for personal expression.
The transition to Athens marks a new chapter in her life, where she encounters the complexities of urban existence and the discovery of love. The introduction to love proves to be a jarring experience, filled with emotional turbulence and challenges. These formative experiences transform the girl into a woman, as she seeks to understand her identity and place in the world.
The novel is notable for its innovative writing style, employing a spontaneous and elliptical narrative that vividly captures the inner world of the protagonist. Axioti uses a unique technique that blends personal experience with collective memory, creating a multi-dimensional portrait of the female psyche. The language is rich and expressive, with particular attention to the details that animate the scenes and characters.
“Tough Nights” was immediately recognized for its originality and literary merit, winning the first prize from the Women’s Society of Letters and Arts in 1939. The book solidified Melpo Axioti’s reputation as one of the most important voices in Greek literature, offering a profound and sincere exploration of a woman’s coming-of-age journey.
