The Odyssey of Kostas Volakis

About the Book

"Every man's life is an Odyssey: it does not matter if the body remains rooted in one place. For it is the heart and spirit that journey to Ithaca."

Those words from Father Marlas, parish priest to Kostas Volakis, embody the theme of this novel, which carries Kostas and his bride, Katerina from the harsh life on Crete, to the United States, through their struggles with poverty, and through their joys and sorrows with children and grandchildren.

For one of their children, Kostas feels not love, but hate, which leads inexorably to murder, and, finally, to a dramatic redemption in prison.

About the Author

Harry Mark Petrakis, raised in Chicago as the son of a Greek Orthodox priest, has written 16 books, including novels, short stories and essays. Twice nominated for the National Book Award in fiction, he has adapted his stories and novels for television and film. He also teaches and lectures extensively as a storyteller in the old Homeric tradition.