Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era in Greek history, 'The Fratricides' delves into the complex lives of brothers divided by ideology, loyalty, and their personal ambitions. Kazantzakis weaves a tale of conflict where love and hatred intertwine, forcing characters to confront their deepest fears and desires. As the brothers navigate a world riddled with betrayal and moral dilemmas, readers are drawn into a rich tapestry of human emotion and philosophical inquiry. Will their bonds withstand the test of time and turmoil, or are they destined for tragedy? This gripping narrative challenges notions of family and faith, leaving readers pondering the true cost of loyalty.
By Nikos Kazantzakis
Published: 1964
"In the shadows of betrayal and the light of brotherhood, one discovers the true essence of humanity."
The Fratricides is about internecine strife in a village in the Epirus during the Greek civil war of the late 1940s. Many of the villagers, including Captain Drakos, son of the local priest Father Yanaros, have taken to the mountains and joined the Communist rebels. It is Holy Week and, with murder, death and destruction everywhere, Father Yanaros feels that he himself is bearing the sins of the world.
Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957) was a prominent Greek writer, best known for his novel "Zorba the Greek," which explores themes of freedom and the human spirit through the relationship between an intellectual and a passionate laborer. His other notable works include "The Last Temptation of Christ," a profound theological exploration that questions the nature of Christ's sacrifice, and "Saint Francis," which reflects his interest in mysticism and spirituality. Kazantzakis's writing style is characterized by vivid imagery, philosophical depth, and a blend of realism and mysticism, often drawing on his Greek heritage and deep-seated existential questions.
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“In the shadows of betrayal and the light of brotherhood, one discovers the true essence of humanity.”
The Fratricides
By Nikos Kazantzakis
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