O Roussos – Despina Spantidaki
A true story from Sfakia, Crete, in 1945. A promise that became a book.
Sfakia, 1945. The Second World War has left behind loss, hardship and wounds that will take years to heal.
Against this backdrop, Roussos, a proud young man from Sfakia, struggles to find his place in the world. Torn between love and duty, personal desires and the deeply rooted values of traditional Cretan society, he faces the challenges that life and fate place before him.
In O Roussos, Despina Spantidaki, known for her contribution to Cretan poetry and the traditional art of the mantinada (Cretan rhyming couplet), presents a novel inspired by real events.
The story was born from a personal promise the author made to Roussos himself: to preserve his life story, his joys, his struggles and his memories for future generations.
Through vivid storytelling, authentic Cretan dialect and richly detailed descriptions, the novel transports readers to post-war Sfakia, offering a glimpse into the everyday lives, customs, traditions and values of its people.
Seven Distinguished Forewords
The book includes introductory texts by Marina Tzakosta, Giorgos Vitoros, Giannis Bizanakis, Elpiniki K. Skoula, Panagiotis Vourdoumbas, Andreas Aerakis and the author herself.
Marina Tzakosta, Professor at the University of Crete, highlights the novel's literary, linguistic and cultural significance.
Why Read O Roussos?
Because behind the story of one man lies the story of an entire era.
A moving novel for readers who love Crete, its history, its distinctive language and authentic stories of human resilience.
A story of love, honour, memory and the enduring spirit of Crete.
O Roussos – Despina Spantidaki
Published by Aerakis Editions – Cretan Music Workshop & Seistron.
Language: Greek. This is the original Greek-language edition, not an English translation.
