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Some of you may remember that I recently reviewed another book by Karagatsis, “The Great Chimera.” I have since learned that this book is part of a trilogy, although the stories aren’t connected to each other. Rather, all the books in that series tell stories about strangers coming to Greece and their experiences with the local communities.
In this case, the stranger is Colonel David Borissitch Liapkine. Stripped of all his titles and land after the Russian Revolution, the former nobleman settles in Greece, where he is named stable master at an agricultural school near Larissa.
Liapkine is an opaque character who seems distant at first only to become increasingly unlikeable over the course of the story, which does build up to a marvellous revelation.
What I quite liked about this book is that, with a few exceptions, we as readers do not get much more insight into Liapkine as a person than those around him. In a way, this almost makes us feel part of this local community, observing this mysterious newcomer whose actions seem so contradictory.
This is where this book really shines. The protagonist is surrounded by a colourful ensemble of characters that are almost elevated by the (intentional?) blankness of the main character. Karagatsis offers us a glimpse into Greek society that is rich, gritty, and jagged around the edges.
Whereas Chimera is a true tragedy, Liapkine takes a different approach, and it does so in a way that makes me want to highlight an observation. I find it noticeable that the female protagonist of Chimera, who, while certainly not without fault, does not actively wish to harm those around her, appears to suffer a way worse fate compared to the alcoholic, abusive, and compulsively unfaithful Liapkine. Whether this is meant to be a commentary on social class (Liapkine is still treated as an aristocrat in Greece) or something else would surely be an interesting topic for discussion in a comparative reading of the books in this trilogy.
As far as I can tell, this book has only been translated into French and Italian thus far. I like Karagatsis’ style, and I do recommend this book, if it is available to you.
just thoughts 