Overview

Nicola Petrakis is a clinical psychologist who has taken indefinite leave to look after his ill parents; his Mother has dementia requiring specialized care and his Father has just passed from lung cancer. When Nicola buries his Father Nectarios after a long battle with cancer, he expects peace. But his cousin Petra reveals a shocking secret and he is drawn into seeking her revenge, instigating chaos he could never have foreseen. His Mother Lidia, held tight by dementia's cruel grip and begging to die, hallucinates about an old love she says visits her every afternoon, while Nicola's true love has vanished from his life. The old man's will reignites family tensions, a female stranger visits his Father's grave, and his widower uncle forms an unlikely friendship with a woman that reminds him of his dead wife. What's real and what's imagined? Who will rise and who will fall? The crows that signalled death's embrace in his childhood rule Nicola's waking hours and his dreams - their haunting caw predicting an impending doom. A tragic accident. A murder. A reconciliation. And then - against odds - new life. Inspired by a powerful and defining moment in his childhood, Koraki is the startling new debut novel of George Ploumidis.

Full Product Details

9780645074505

Table of Contents

Reviews

In his first novel, George Ploumidis displays a flair for storytelling and a refreshing look at the lives of people who could be living next door. Immediacy, familiarity, and unpretentiousness are easily recognizable in his writing. The dialogues are kept short and sharp and reveal the nature of his characters. The story moves among generations and ethnicities bringing a tapestry of views well known to the Australian audience. Particularly powerful is the plight of Lidia, the main character's Italian mother, who is in a nursing home. Dina Gerolymou, Senior Producer, SBS Radio ---------------------------------- Thoroughly enjoyableAustralia needs more migrant fiction like Koraki - the story is as Australian as that old t-shirt said - Holdens, Kangaroos, meat pies - I am so pleased the author called the book 'Koraki' and not 'Crow' -my Greek friends taught me this word when I worked with them in the 70s - when they saw a Koraki they said they know when someone is dying' - the cover is amazing and the story - it has much emotion and strong characters. Like Nicola, I went through what he did while his Mother suffered greatly from dementia- and Claudio is my hero. Grazie, George Enrico D, Sydney (Booktopia review) ---------------------------------- I'd like to have a coffee with Nicola...Familiar characters in familiar places in a web of intriguing plots. I could relate so much that I didn't want the end to come. Looking forward to Ploumidis' next books after this brilliant debut. Ferlo, Mount Eliza (Booktopia review) ---------------------------------- Hard to believe this is a debut - it packed an emotional punch - forget cliched unexpected plot twists, this story kept me guessing and made me laugh/cry in equal measure. Even though I'm as white a Brit as they come, the story of Greek and Italian immigrants was something I could easily relate to, especially as I get older. It told me a story that made me relive the past and wonder if there was a future. It was a quick read too - started it on Friday, finished it on Sunday afternoon. I hope he has another one in him. UK Kenny, Port Macquarie (Booktopia review) ---------------------------------- A great first novel by a great up-and-coming writer. We want more. Evan Binos (Goodreads review)

"In his first novel, George Ploumidis displays a flair for storytelling and a refreshing look at the lives of people who could be living next door. Immediacy, familiarity, and unpretentiousness are easily recognizable in his writing. The dialogues are kept short and sharp and reveal the nature of his characters. The story moves among generations and ethnicities bringing a tapestry of views well known to the Australian audience. Particularly powerful is the plight of Lidia, the main character's Italian mother, who is in a nursing home. Dina Gerolymou, Senior Producer, SBS Radio ---------------------------------- Thoroughly enjoyableAustralia needs more migrant fiction like Koraki - the story is as Australian as that old t-shirt said - Holdens, Kangaroos, meat pies - I am so pleased the author called the book 'Koraki' and not 'Crow' -my Greek friends taught me this word when I worked with them in the 70s - when they saw a Koraki they said ""they know when someone is dying'"" - the cover is amazing and the story - it has much emotion and strong characters. Like Nicola, I went through what he did while his Mother suffered greatly from dementia- and Claudio is my hero. Grazie, George Enrico D, Sydney (Booktopia review) ---------------------------------- I'd like to have a coffee with Nicola...Familiar characters in familiar places in a web of intriguing plots. I could relate so much that I didn't want the end to come. Looking forward to Ploumidis' next books after this brilliant debut. Ferlo, Mount Eliza (Booktopia review) ---------------------------------- Hard to believe this is a debut - it packed an emotional punch - forget cliched unexpected plot twists, this story kept me guessing and made me laugh/cry in equal measure. Even though I'm as white a Brit as they come, the story of Greek and Italian immigrants was something I could easily relate to, especially as I get older. It told me a story that made me relive the past and wonder if there was a future. It was a quick read too - started it on Friday, finished it on Sunday afternoon. I hope he has another one in him. UK Kenny, Port Macquarie (Booktopia review) ---------------------------------- A great first novel by a great up-and-coming writer. We want more. Evan Binos (Goodreads review)"

Author Information

Author of Koraki and Terra, George Ploumidis was born in rural Glen Innes to immigrant Greek parents, and it is from here that the images of crows as a symbol of death inspired Koraki. Forty years later, he wrote Koraki and its follow-up, Terra, both about the Petrakis and Liverani families' journey to Australia. George is an experienced Optometrist, trivia obsessive, music and soccer tragic. He lives in Melbourne and speaks Greek, Italian, Spanish, and the odd word of English.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available