Representations of 1922 in modern Greek prose (2000 – 2022)

Abstract

This study focuses on texts that appear in the period 2000 – 2022 and develop the theme of the Asia Minor Catastrophe: The Only Journey of Their Life by Ilias Maglinis, A Friendship in Smyrna by Maria Iliou, 6 blue pencils for Smyrna by Angela Kastrinaki, Emmanuel and Catherine by Rhea Galanaki, The Greek Doctor by Karolina Mermiga, Gkiak by Demosthenes Papamarkos, Aivali by Soloúp, The Heigh Commisioner of Smyrna by Sotiria Maragozaki, The Maze by Panos Karnezis, The Gleam and The Truths of Others by Nikos Themelis and Synaxari Andrea Kordopatis. Balkan wars – ’22 by Thanasis Valtinos. In this heterogeneous corpus of texts (romans, short stories, play, graphic novel), certain characteristics are highlighted. In particular, the unusual point of view expressed as well as the integration of the perspective of others. Furthermore, a removal from the national narrative, and the emphasis on difficult and unspoken topics, one such being the action of the Greek army against civilians. The majority of these texts clearly establish their historical and further sources, both within the text or paratextually. Thus, this constitutes “descendant search,” that being, a search from the second or third generation into the ancestors as well as family past. It constitutes a journey back in time in an attempt to heal a transgenerational trauma.