DIDO SOTIRIOU THE VISITORS

WE MET DIDO SOTIRIOU FEW YEARS AGO AND NOW WE ARE PRESENTING HER INTERVIEW…

WHERE AND WHEN WERE YOU BORN? TELL US, IN GENERAL, ABOUT YOUR LIFE.

I was born in Aydin, a town in Asia Minor, in 1909 and then I moved with my family to Smyrna. I experienced the catastrophe of Asia Minor very vividly, as I left when I was thirteen years old and then I moved to Piraeus and Athens.

WHICH IS THE MOST POPULAR BOOK OF YOURS?

The book that brought me to the top of Greek Literature was «Bloody Earth», which was released in 1962. This book has been published in approximately 250.000 copies and it has been translated into many languages. This is the reason why I was considered as the novelist of «national disaster».

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORK? 

The core of my storytelling is History. Generally, my work is based on Realism combined with the presence of autobiographical elements and my emotional involvement in the adventures of my heroes. I think I am a representative of the 20th century as I have taken my subjects from the contemporary reality, the Asia Minor Disaster and the period before, during and after the Civil War until the latest change in the political status of Greece.

AND ONE LAST QUESTION; WHICH AWARDS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO YOU?

The first prize was the Greek-Turkish Friendship Award «Abdi Ipekci» in 1989, then the Special National Prize for Greek Literature, the award of the Greek Institute of England in 1993. But for me these awards are not so important. I am glad that my readers love my books and this is my greatest satisfaction.

DIDO SOTIRIOU DIED OF LUNG INFECTION IN ATHENS, ON 23RD SEPTEMBER 2004 AT THE

AGE OF 95 AND SHE WAS HONORABLY BURIED OF PUBLIC EXPENSE. HOWEVER, SHE IS STILL

ALIVE THROUGH HER WORK!!!

THE END !

TEAM'S MEMBERS : Abramidou Anthi Golik Sophia Kefala Evi Kefala Sisi Koukaki Efi