Alexis Zorba
A stunning new translation of the classic book--and basis for the beloved Oscar-winning film--brings the clarity and beauty of Kazantzakis's language and story alive.First published in 1946, Zorba the Greek, is, on one hand, the story of a Greek working man named Zorba, a passionate lover of life, the unnamed narrator who he accompanies to Crete to work in a lignite mine, and the men and women of the town where they settle. On the other hand it is the story of God and man, The Devil and the Saints; the struggle of men to find their souls and purpose in life and it is about love, courage and faith. Zorba has been acclaimed as one of the truly memorable creations of literature--a character created on a huge scale in the tradition of Falstaff and Sancho Panza. His years have not dimmed the gusto and amazement with which he responds to all life offers him, whether he is working in the mine, confronting mad monks in a mountain monastery, embellishing the tales of his life or making love to avoid sin. Zorba's life is rich with all the joys and sorrows that living brings and his example awakens in the narrator an understanding of the true meaning of humanity. This is one of the greatest life-affirming novels of our time. Part of the modern literary canon, Zorba the Greek, has achieved widespread international acclaim and recognition. This new edition translated, directly from Kazantzakis's Greek original, is a more faithful rendition of his original language, ideas, and story, and presents Zorba as the author meant him to be.
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Community Reviews
Wonderful story about the dichotomy between the Dionysian vs Apollonian life, the need for a balance between the mental and the sensual, and Greek culture.
This one is a bit spotty for me. I listened to the audio from Audible (and the narrator is amazingly good) for a IRL book club. But I missed the book club with 5 hours left to go and then didn't get back to it until later.
Zorba is both endearing and damn annoying. An older man, he fancies himself a ladies man, who declares that if you just go up to a woman and squeeze her breast, she will be yours. *eyeroll* In the author's world, and Zorba's, this is apparently true. Madame Hortense falls head over heels for Zorba but, it seems to be more of a case of the old lady's loneliness than anything to do with Zorba himself. Zorba shows interest and beds her and she wants marriage and stability. Their back-and-forth is heartbreaking.
Zorba pairs up with the unnamed narrator, I'll call him George, and they head off to re-open an old lignite mine. George is the boss and Zorba supervises the works and works himself to the bone. George is more of an intellectual who wants to finish his manuscript on Buddha while Zorba and the men do the backbreaking work.
I'll say the two end up on several adventures, including setting a monastery on fire (or at least heavily encouraging a crazy monk to do it) but adventures isn't the right word for these two. Joined at the hip, it's their combined lives becoming one.
In the end, I can see why this has been called one of the great friendships ever written.
Zorba is both endearing and damn annoying. An older man, he fancies himself a ladies man, who declares that if you just go up to a woman and squeeze her breast, she will be yours. *eyeroll* In the author's world, and Zorba's, this is apparently true. Madame Hortense falls head over heels for Zorba but, it seems to be more of a case of the old lady's loneliness than anything to do with Zorba himself. Zorba shows interest and beds her and she wants marriage and stability. Their back-and-forth is heartbreaking.
Zorba pairs up with the unnamed narrator, I'll call him George, and they head off to re-open an old lignite mine. George is the boss and Zorba supervises the works and works himself to the bone. George is more of an intellectual who wants to finish his manuscript on Buddha while Zorba and the men do the backbreaking work.
I'll say the two end up on several adventures, including setting a monastery on fire (or at least heavily encouraging a crazy monk to do it) but adventures isn't the right word for these two. Joined at the hip, it's their combined lives becoming one.
In the end, I can see why this has been called one of the great friendships ever written.
The book has good lessons regarding life. It tells you to seize the day, enjoy life, be as happy as you can be. However, this book is very misogynistic. It’s not a lot at the beginning, but by half of the book, it’s too much to take. I will not say it’s a terrible book, it definitely has good phrases that can invigorate the reader. However, the way it treats women makes it a one-time read for me. Not a book I would recommend.
Perhaps being unfair with this review. I listened to this as an audiobook and I find that often I am not absorbed as much into a book when I am a passive listener compared to an active reader. I would often get distracted or drop off to sleep while listening which yes may not be a reflection on the novel itself.
When I was awake and listening I found I didn't connect with the characters, particularly zorba. I can understand why people are impressed by him - he's a force to be reckoned with and do appreciate his "live life to the fullest" philosophy. But I just found him to be brash, chauvinistic and rather unpleasant.
So all in all I didn't enjoy this book. I'd like to say I'd give it another chance in a different time, space and medium but I don't think I could convince myself to invest more time in it. Sorry zorba!
When I was awake and listening I found I didn't connect with the characters, particularly zorba. I can understand why people are impressed by him - he's a force to be reckoned with and do appreciate his "live life to the fullest" philosophy. But I just found him to be brash, chauvinistic and rather unpleasant.
So all in all I didn't enjoy this book. I'd like to say I'd give it another chance in a different time, space and medium but I don't think I could convince myself to invest more time in it. Sorry zorba!
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