Loretta Proctor holding her book, 'Dying Phoenix' Dying Phoenix comes from this author’s soul. It reaches a different level of intensity, because events take place on an epic scale, before and during the military coup that took place in Greece in 1967. The characters, I’m speechless, they are so real and full of all the contradictions and fallibility that plagues the highest idealist. I particularly appreciated the skill with which Loretta Proctor gives all sides of the story. Tyrant, fascist, mother, wife, worker, idealist, journalist, lovers, villagers, all points of view are presented. The author gives each of her characters an individual voice, so that we understand all their actions. Even if we don’t sympathise.
The different Greek families are affectionately portrayed, so real and individual that by the end of the book I felt that I knew them. And Greece. Greece is a living presence. The descriptions of Greece. The love for Greece. I loved the poetry the author has included in the book. There is so much pain for Greece, so reflective and relevant, particularly at the moment. A universal message.
The coup is expertly described. We experience one of the characters waking up as the tanks rumble into Athens then going out onto the streets to investigate. Dying Phoenix also stands as a salute to the courage of the idealists in the face of terrible repression and cruelty. The rape and torture is shocking, a secret horror that is ongoing as normal life continues for many Greek citizens.
The different Greek families are affectionately portrayed, so real and individual that by the end of the book I felt that I knew them. And Greece. Greece is a living presence. The descriptions of Greece. The love for Greece. I loved the poetry the author has included in the book. There is so much pain for Greece, so reflective and relevant, particularly at the moment. A universal message.
The coup is expertly described. We experience one of the characters waking up as the tanks rumble into Athens then going out onto the streets to investigate. Dying Phoenix also stands as a salute to the courage of the idealists in the face of terrible repression and cruelty. The rape and torture is shocking, a secret horror that is ongoing as normal life continues for many Greek citizens.
The details of life in late nineteen sixties London and Greece add another layer of depth to the writing. I cannot be a plot spoiler but for me Loretta Proctor’s writing reached an extra powerful level in the scenes in the garage in Thessaloniki. Amazing passion and intensity.
At the centre of this book is the complicated love story of Max and Nina. This is a very different kind of marriage, both characters change and evolve throughout the book and we are never sure what will happen next. I found the last part of 'Dying Phoenix' beautiful and inspirational. The author manages to combine the essence of romantic love with love for the spirit of Greece. What a book! My only complaint is that it finished too soon. MUCH too soon.
At the centre of this book is the complicated love story of Max and Nina. This is a very different kind of marriage, both characters change and evolve throughout the book and we are never sure what will happen next. I found the last part of 'Dying Phoenix' beautiful and inspirational. The author manages to combine the essence of romantic love with love for the spirit of Greece. What a book! My only complaint is that it finished too soon. MUCH too soon.
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