New Releases

MNEMOSYNI’S MUSINGS…

Maria A. Karamitsos

You’ve heard of Mnemosyni, the Greek goddess of memory. Mythology buffs will know that she’s also the goddess of storytelling—and mother of the Muses! So, it’s only fitting to name a literary column in her honor. Here, you’ll learn about authors, poets, books, and all things “Greek” literary.
By: Maria A. Karamitsos
New Releases

There is no shortage of great new releases to tantalize your literary senses. From history, to poetry, to fiction, and more, here are some fabulous new releases by Greek authors to add to your list.

Young Conquerors: A Novel of Hephaestion and Alexandros by Christopher Cosmos

Peninsula (September 10, 2024)

Greek-American Author Christopher Cosmos’ second historical novel combines history and myth to tell the story of Alexander the Great—before he was great. Told by the person who knew him best, we learn what experiences influenced and shaped the man who would become “the greatest conqueror and visionary the world had ever seen”.

The Magic of Miramare by Soulla Christodoulou

Kingsley Publishers (November 8, 2024)

The latest novel by Greek-Cypriot-Brit Author Soulla Christodoulou takes us to the island of Kefalonia, where three women meet on holiday. They forge an unlikely friendship, subconsciously guided by the magic of the island. We learn each woman’s story, as they navigate their attitudes about love and life to determine what their future holds.

Enemies Domestic by John DeDakis

Speaking Volumes, LLC (July 3, 2024)

The latest in the Lark Chadwick political thriller series by former CNN Editor John DeDakis tackles a host of contemporary topics. The story follows Chadwick on her first day as White House Press Secretary, where she is confronted by a reporter on live TV about something incredibly personal, which puts her smack in the middle of extremists as she battles a controversial decision.

The Mother Must Die by Koraly Dimitriadis

Puncher & Wattmann (September 1, 2024)

The new short story collection from Bestselling Greek-Cypriot-Australian Poet and Performer Koraly Dimitriadis gives voice to “disenfranchised characters, troubled men, children who live in two homes, and women trying to break free.” Her compelling stories tackle multiple themes, including the working class migrant experience, parenthood, rebellion, domestic violence, and identity.

I Ain’t Afraid: The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild West Cowgirl by Diane Helentjaris

Alkira Publishing (August 16, 2024)

Though Lulu Bell Parr was a celebrity in her day, most don’t know about her. The Wild West queen of the cowgirls gets her due in this new biography by Greek-American Author Diane Helentjaris. Learn about Lulu’s early years, her work in Pawnee Bill and Buffalo Bill’s shows, her life and loves, and more.

Esemplastic: Many and One by Karian Markos

Highland Park Poetry Press (August 1, 2024)

Greek-American Karian Markos’ debut poetry collection is the 2024 winner of Highland Park Poetry’s Prairie State Poetry Prize for a 1st or 2nd Book. This collection contains more than 40 poems written over a period of several years. Markos culls inspiration from her Greek heritage and culture, nature, and her life’s journey.

Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon

Harper Muse (October 8, 2024)

The latest historical novel by International Bestselling Author and Emmy Award-winning Journalist Yvette Manessis Corporon is set on Corfu and Kefalonia, and partially in the US. The author delves deep into Greece’s rich history, mythology, culture, and traditions to shine a light on the experience of Greek women in the 1920s and 1950s, including the early immigrant experience for Greek women in the US. It’s an inspiring tale about the power of friendship and ultimately, the power of women to change their own destinies.

Dendrites by Kallia Papadaki English translation by Karen Emmerich

World Editions (September 3, 2024)

Greek Author Kallia Papadaki’s debut literary fiction, winner of the 2017 European Union Prize for Literature, is now available in English, thanks to the skillful translation by Karen Emmerich. Set in troubled 1980s Camden, NJ, we follow the Campanis family in multiple generations. From Antonios’ immigration and storied early days in America that leave their mark on his son Basil, to years later, when Basil and his ex-hippie wife Susan take in a young orphan named Minnie, much to the chagrin of their daughter Leto, who is dealing with her own teenage crises. It’s a story about the quest for meaning amid life’s challenges and lost second chances.

Unlucky Mel by Aggeliki Pelekidis

Three Hills (September 15, 2024)

The debut satirical novel by Greek-American Author Aggeliki Pelikidis has been called “smart and funny”. The book follows Melody, a PhD candidate who’s in the last year of her creative writing program and so close to publishing her first novel. The pressure mounts and she counts on her friend’s support. But when she becomes her father’s caregiver and the stresses threaten everything she’s worked for, her friend betrays her. So when the opportunity to get back at him arises, will she take it?

Survivor Testimonies of the Greek Genocide 1913-1923 by Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center

Primedia eLaunch LLC (January 1, 2024)

I just learned about this important new book by the Chicago-based Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center, with a foreword by Founder and President George Mavropoulos. The book includes a selection of 200 firsthand accounts from the original five-volume set printed in Greek by The Center for Asia Minor Studies in Athens, Greece. The chilling stories preserve the experiences of those who endured this horrific event, reminding us the importance of learning about—and from—the tragedies of the past.

There’s something there for everyone. Happy reading!  See you next time for more of Mnemosyni’s Musings.

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Maria A. Karamitsos is a journalist, author, and poet. She’s the founder & former publisher/editor of WindyCity Greek magazine and former associate editor & senior writer for The Greek Star newspaper. Maria also contributes to Greek City Times and TripFiction. Her work has been published in The Magic of Us-A Moms Who Write Poetry Anthology, The Pen Poetry Magazine, Voices of Hellenism Literary Journal, Highland Park Poetry, GreekCircle magazine, The National Herald, GreekReporter, Harlots Sauce Radio, Women.Who.Write, KPHTH magazine, and more. Maria has contributed to two books: Greektown Chicago: Its History, Its Recipes and The Chicago Area Ethnic Handbook. She’s currently working on her 1st novel. mariakaramitsos.com