Interview with Iuli Tsakalou
Words, promises and secrets shake the ground. A crumbling ground and then she arrives.
THE IMOGI.
A heartbreaking cry is the new book by Stefanos Alexiadis, a psychological thriller, with today’s heroes and references to stereotypes and social phenomena that society has not yet managed to eliminate and overcome.
-Imogi, a difficult title, why did you choose it?
I wanted a distinct title, a title that makes the reader think, wonder. “Emogi”, which means shout, is a word that we don’t often use in our everyday life. Now that time has passed, I don’t know if I might find a more fitting title.
-Your new book, which was recently released by Minoas publications, although it has been characterized as a psychological thriller, I would also put it in the social category, what do you think?
To be honest with you, I consider it a combination of psychological and social thriller. That’s why I try to mention it at every opportunity. I’m generally not in favor of labels, but I do understand that books need to be categorized in some way. “Imogi” therefore has the characteristics of a psychological thriller, such as tension and anxiety, but it also extends socially, due to the issues it touches upon.
-What is the beginning of the thread for this trip?
The occasion was an image of Euripides’ Medea. When I realized that this woman killed her children, I was shocked. We often hear regarding crimes but pass them by as something very ordinary. I wondered if I might write a novel in which the accused of murdering a child would be his mother.
-From the teenage novel you switched to the psychological thriller, with a rather difficult subject. What was it that led you to this change? Diversity as a topic appeals to you?
I don’t know what is actually “different” and if it appeals to me. But I want to touch on issues that perhaps don’t often come to the surface. Literature exists to highlight every side, every person. This is what we writers are meant to serve. To have stimuli, to collect stories, to weave them together and to create an outcome that has something to give to the reader. Not didactic, for God’s sake. However, identification is very important and this identification must concern all people without exception.
-Autism is a taboo subject for Greek society. Was it a motivation to get involved? Do you like difficult things?
I want to tackle issues I know well so I can be as accurate as possible in what I write. In addition to philology, my studies also concern special education. This contributed to me choosing autism as a small part. Anyone who reads the book will realize that the disorder is not the dominant theme of the story but simply exists. Visibility is important.
-The soul commands the body becomes weak, the redemption that exists?
Regarding the book, I hear from many readers that they are redeemed through the last pages while others would like a different ending. Of course, this is purely subjective, just like the way each of us is redeemed. I personally choose to follow the soul.
-To “break” the taboo once and for all, a large part of society must be properly informed. How is the world informed regarding these issues today, outside of school?
The school of course plays a very important role. However, the family environment plays a key role. If there are no discussions and examples, nothing will be taken for granted. It is important to show children from a very young age what understanding and acceptance means. Of course, this is not only done with admonitions but with ourselves as role models. Children imitate from the first day of their life and we must provide them with something worthy of imitation.
-Now, let’s get down to writing. Describe to me your relationship with the characters in your book. Are you living a secret life through them?
When I start writing a book, I have mixed feelings. I still don’t know my heroes, I don’t know their strengths, their flaws. As the chapters go by, I grow attached to them. Some I like while others I wonder why I created them. Of course, that’s the only way a story is interesting, having both sides. Just like in real life. As for whether I live a secret life through them, I do indeed subliminally infuse many of my own characteristics, whether positive or negative.
– In our country, diversity issues are not resolved, and a large portion of our fellow human beings are treated as pariahs. When do you think we will have the strength to actually go further and accept that everything is not just regarding us?
When we shed the masks we wear every day. I think that only then will we be ready to realize that no one is superior to anyone. “We” is much more important than “I”. So when this pronoun is inflected and reaches the plural number, then it will mean that we have made progress. It should not be done superficially, not for looks. I am optimistic regarding the new generation.
One last question
What is the best thing that follows a recognition of a writer’s efforts like the Public prize you won in 2022, and what is the worst price of this success?
The light I see in the eyes of people who come to the presentations, we discuss and share experiences, for me is the biggest prize. I make this light my ally in everything dark and toxic that is born. Undoubtedly, having readers honor me with their trust gives me the strength to keep writing knowing that I have someone waiting to share another journey with me once more. Worst price? Nothing! I hold the light.
#Stefanos #Alexiadis #talks #Oimogi
