Dido Book:

Farewell Anatolia (Modern Greek Writers) Reviews:
Haunting
2009-08-08 - Haunting fictional account of the horror and heartbreak of the end of the Hellenic presence in Asia Minor. If you've wondered what Smyrna was like in its glory; have journeyed through Anatolia and been fascinated by the remnants of the Hellenic, Armenian, and Assyrian Christians who lived there (for millennia) until 1922; or have ever wished you might travel back in time to see the delicate harmony between Turks and non-Turks of Asia Minor, this is a riveting read.

Poignant echo of the painful past
2006-07-08 - This is vital, poignant reading for anyone with an interest in the truth of the Asia Minor events pre-1922. About 1.5 million Pontian Greeks were murdered by the Young Turks during World War I, a statistic that's hushed by the Turkish government, or else waved away with the excuse that many people died during the war. If you've ever been to Anatolia, you'll know that the Greeks (and the Armenians) flourished there for thousands of years before the Osmanlis conquered the land. But conquer they did, and in the process, the land is seeped in the blood of the dhimmi (the ones whose land they conquered). So now what? All we can do is acknowledge the horrific truth of what went down in the nationalistic fervor of Mustafa Kemil Ataturk's plans; and honor those who lost their lives so horrifically. And yes, those plans were urged on by the Germans, let's not forget that, and yes, perhaps the Greeks were foolish to press back into Asia Minor to try to reclaim lost ground, but nonetheless, we must not deny the larger truths of all the lives, and all the blood, that were taken by the Turks. Consider this book a memoir from one of the few voices with enough strength to recall this painful past of fallen humanity. And, buy the book and give it to your local library, since the book is out of print in the US and virtually impossible to find. Let others read it, share the story so that such horror never again happens.

Excellent Reading
Excellent Reading
A great history lesson
2003-03-09 - An powerful narrative, that illustrates the dangers of political and economic games, telling of one of the great forgot tragidies of the 20th century which was the writing on the wall of the Holocaust.

A masterpiece!
2000-03-30 - Actually, I read this book seven years ago, in 1993. Being a Turkish and having heard enough about "never-ending" Turkish-Greek problems from both sides, it was really good to hear somebody crying out about how close we were. A "must" for young brains, both Turkish and Greek. The truth is not what the politicians tell us. Just read the book! Thank you Ms. Soteriou.

An excellent book about people, ethnicity, and nationalism
1999-03-25 - As a Greek-American whose grandfather and grandmother were born in Proussa, Asia Minor (modern day Bursa), I read this book with great interest. It made me feel fortunate to be born in the U.S., with old world hatreds left behind. And it was great reading a Greek book where the Turks weren't described as barbarians. In fact, many of the Greek generals and political leaders came across as the real villains and buffoons. The book teaches and reminds us that people usually get along, at least until nationalism and patriotism get in the way. A great book to read, especially with the Kosovo and Bosnia and Congo in the background.