On Saturday, November 18th 2023 in the early evening, at the Fougaro Art Center in Nafplio, the presentation of Thalia Antoniadi's new book, "Alkiessa," will take place. Autumn has returned to the city, with a good book, cozy places, and beautiful people...
The book is introduced by the publisher, Mr. Nicolas Tellidis. Speakers will be Mrs. Kleio Karagiannopoulou, philologist-dramaturge, and mathematician Mr. Tolis Koinis. Pianist Mrs. Nina Karamanoli will be accompanying on the piano.
"To touch the sky, you must first endure the darkness of hell" (as written on the cover)...
The story
In the autumn of 1147 AD, the Normans of Roger II of Sicily invade Thebes and Corinth, with their main goal being the flourishing silk industry, the skilled craftsmen, and their valuable technical knowledge. Among the countless spoils and captives on the heavily laden galleys of the Admiral Antiochus, two thirteen-year-old girls are found chained: Alkessa and Agapia, who now belong to the ruler of Palermo.
Alkessa, brutally uprooted from her homeland and family, is led as an embroiderer in the silk workshops of the palace. Later, she is transferred to the mansion of the Norman knight d'Anville, as his protegée. Agapia, along with her childhood friend David, is led to the dyeing workshops of the silk threads. Two personalities diametrically opposed, with deeply differing backgrounds, experiences, education, and instincts, will coexist through the caprice of Fate and people. The religious fanaticism of the era, the unholy hidden passions, and suppressed desires, the constant conspiracies and intrigues, the murders of the innocent and guilty, violent instincts and the imposition of corruption on innocence will distort the initial fate of the girls with tragic consequences.
An historical novel of ambition and an allegory of the present, with a breathtaking plot, constant twists, and an unpredictable climax that captivates the reader, leaving indelible impressions! (back cover)
The writer
Thalia P. Antoniades was born in Australia in 1958. She studied at the University of Athens, and in recent years, she has been living and working in Nafplio. She is a member of the Women's Literary Society and the Greek Circle of Children's Books. She has been awarded in the Panhellenic Short Story Competition in 1986 and in the short story/poetry competition of the Hellenic Literary Prize Union in November 2008. Her short stories, poems, as well as various articles, have been published in literary and art magazines and in three of the annual journals of the Women's Literary Society, of which she is a member. In the last thirteen years, she has been a founding member and contributor to the Fairy-tale Stage of the Municipal Theater of Nafplio, with which she collaborates by adapting, adjusting for the stage, directing, and bringing ideas to performances of fairy tales. She works at the 2nd General High School of Nafplio.
Date - Starting time
Saturday, November 18th 2023 at 18:00
Admission
Free
Reservations - Information
Fougaro Art Center, "Anthos" Library, 98 Asklipiou Ave., Nafplio
Τ. +30 27520 47380
Ε. info@anthosfougaro.gr
Did you know that?
After the library and the discussion about good books, it's time for beautiful music and relaxed conversation, with good company! Enter the Fougaro Café-Bistrot and enjoy it, with snacks or a meal and a fine glass of wine!
