Η ΚΑΘΟΔΟΣΤΩΝ ΕΝΝΙΑ / THE DESCENT OF THE NINE
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Autor:
THANASSIS VALTINOS
Country:
Greece (GR)
Book Theme:
Contemporary writers of your country
Publisher:
ESTIA
Publishing Year:
2011
Thanassis Valtinos, born in 1932 in the village of Kastri, Arcadia, Greece, is a celebrated Greek novelist, screenwriter, and translator. Valtinos is known for his profound narratives that often delve into Greek history and society. He gained significant acclaim with his novel “The Descent of the Nine,” which provides a harrowing depiction of the Greek Civil War. In addition to his novels, Valtinos has contributed to Greek cinema as a screenwriter, including the film “Voyage to Cythera” directed by Theo Angelopoulos. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Literature in Greece, solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary Greek literature.
National Award for Children’s and Young People’s
Abstract
“The Descent of the Nine” by Thanasis Valtinos is a poignant and gripping novel set against the backdrop of the Greek Civil War. The historical novel was first published in 1963. The story follows nine guerrilla fighters from the Democratic Army of Greece as they navigate the perilous landscape of the Peloponnese in 1949, after their faction’s defeat.
Valtinos crafts a narrative that interweaves historical events with personal experiences, revealing the psychological and physical toll of war. The novel explores themes of loyalty, disillusionment, and survival, offering a raw and unflinching look at the human cost of conflict. Through a series of fragmented memories, dialogues, and internal monologues, Valtinos delves into the characters’ inner lives, depicting their hopes, fears, and regrets as they confront the reality of their situation.
The structure of the novel, with its non-linear timeline and shifting perspectives, mirrors the chaos and uncertainty faced by the fighters. Valtinos’s sparse, yet evocative prose captures the desolate beauty of the Greek countryside and the harshness of the fighters’ journey, creating a powerful atmosphere that lingers with the reader.
“The Descent of the Nine” is not just a war story but a deep exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Valtinos’s portrayal of the nine fighters serves as a microcosm of a nation torn apart by ideological strife, making the novel a significant reflection on Greece’s turbulent history. Through its compelling characters and vivid storytelling, the book offers a profound meditation on the complexities of human nature and the enduring impact of war.
