Athens' Victoria Square, once a beacon of high society and home to the capital's most exclusive shops and restaurants, has undergone a profound transformation. The area, which experienced a period of decline, has now been reborn as a vibrant and multicultural neighbourhood, a shift that has inspired a new novel exploring its diverse character.
The author, drawing on deeply personal experiences, has crafted a tragi-comic narrative centered on siblings who steal their father in his coffin. This fictional premise stems from the author's own painful family circumstances, specifically being barred from their father's funeral alongside their siblings. While the emotions are rooted in lived experience, the characters and plot are entirely invented, creating a unique exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships.
The novel's setting in Victoria Square is integral to its narrative, reflecting the area's current incarnation where, as the author describes, 'the air resounds with a Babel’s Tower of languages.' This vivid imagery captures the essence of a district that has embraced a rich tapestry of cultures and communities, moving far beyond its former identity as a purely upscale locale.
This transformation of Victoria Square from a crash to a rebirth offers a compelling backdrop for the novel. It highlights how urban spaces can evolve, adapting to new demographics and societal shifts. The book, therefore, not only delves into personal grief and family drama but also implicitly comments on the broader social changes occurring within European cities.