Epic Novels Presented At Cephalonian Association

Photo Catherine Tsounis Dr. Athansios Livanis (l.) and President Vasilios Kokkosis at Cephalonian Association 'Aenos' Book Presentation with author Manos Thanopoulos (third from l.) and publisher George Kiourtsis. A return to epic movies and novels is the trend. Manos Thanopoulos presented his epic novels H Afentes (The Bosses) and H Ohia (The Poisonous Snake) to the Cephalonian Association "Aenos", Inc. on Wednesday evening, April 9 at their Astoria Culture Center. Publisher George Kiourtsis added to the lively presentation.

Thanopoulos is a screenwriter, actor and author who is from Cephalonia. His first novel, H Ohia, was published in Cyprus and later in Greece in 2003. Unique reviews were given by critics. Thanopoulos was inspired to publish H Afentes in 2006. The novel has Cephalonian heroes who travel Europe, the Middle East and other international centers in search of identity and adventure.

The author described 85 original photos from various societies, showing 20th century Greece, Asia Minor, Constantinople, Cyprus and the United States, where his heroes/heroines lived. H Afentes describes the thirst to become an "afenti" (boss) of the hero, Kostanti. This quest for respect and power is transmitted down several generations from the 1900s to the present time. The adventures take place in Cephalonia, Piraeus, during and after the Cephalonian earthquake of 1953, Alexandria, Ammochostos (Famagusta), Cyprus, New York and other international spots. "My novel shows if one becomes a powerful 'Afenti' (Boss), it is worthless if one's soul is lost," Thanopoulos explained.

"I thank my supporters from Olympic Airways, Cephalonian Association 'Aenos', and local Cephalonian businessmen who made our book Presentation Tour possible," Thanopoulos added. "Someday, we may have a trip across the United States promoting our epic novels." Thanopoulos spends part of his time in Cyprus involved in theater productions. The remaining time is spent in Cephalonia creating novels.

The 2008 Cephalonian Association Board of Directors includes Vasilios Kokkosis, president; George Menegatos, vice president; Panagis Vagelatos, secretary; Gerasimos Theodoratos, assistant secretary, Andreas Dorizas, treasurer; Spyridon Menegatos, assistant treasurer, Gerasimos Minetos, public relations, and Anna Papasavva, culture center administrator. For more information, contact Cephalonian Association "Aenos", Inc. 23-17 29th St., Astoria; 718-726-1840, email assaenos@cephalonia.com.