The publication of the bilingual Greek-English edition of the classic American poetry book, The Sadness of Happy Times, by Lou Duro, was celebrated with poetry and music evening attended by more than 30 guests.

The event, hosted by Kiki Alexaki-Hronaki, a philologist at the Iraklion School of Art, was held at Katafigio meze house in Kokkini Hani and featured readings in both English and Greek and original music compositions.

Readings from the Greek version of the book were performed by Gouves Mayor Yiorgos Nikolakakis and philologist Nikos Yigourtakis. Selections from the English version were read by David Sharp, husband of noted British author and poetess Jane Sharp of Vrahassi, and Dr. Nikos Hronakis performed several songs with original music he composed to complement the poetry.

In introducing the book, Mrs. Alexaki-Hronaki said: "The sensitivity of the poet personally inspires me to support the process of his poetic interpretation of a world where an intense erotic mood exists with the happiness of fulfilment, which presumes acceptance, but also because of the inability in expressing erotic sentiment due to situations. There is also a genuine sentiment appealing to all ages because feelings are not placed in chronological boundaries.

"It's poetic writing that I can pass on to my students because they deserve to know, through the poet's words, how the beauty and magic of love is expressed, and be able to compare it to the indiscreet banality of just being together sexually, which doesn't let you transform each moment by giving it the appropriate gravity in the uniqueness of a relationship."

Mrs. Sharp commented: "Anyone who has ever been in love will recognise love's beauty and love's loneliness, in the timeless words of Lou Duro. His understanding of poetry invokes all the passion that being human really means."

Marina Panayiotaki, one of the guests, said: "Beautiful thoughts and incredible sensitivities pour out of Lou's poetry. Looking at the poet you would never think he commands such tenderness…he hides it very well with a stern though courteous façade."

Mr. Yigourtakis commented: Though Lou talks about the sadness of happy times, his writing is not about depression, but rather very clear thoughts that are uplifting. The style is very much like what you find in the eastern cultures, with much philosophy in his poetry."

Among the guests was noted poet Kostas Kargakis, a long-time resident of Gouves and who is actively involved in the cultural events of the municipality.

The Sadness of Happy Times was originally published in the United States in 1971 and has gone into multiple printings with sales of more than 20,000 copies. The new bilingual edition is available at all bookstores in Iraklion, Kokkini Hani, Gouves and Hersonissos, and online at http://www.ko-go.gr/booksales.html.  

Mr. Duro, a native New Yorker who moved to Crete many years ago, is also the editor of The Khronicles.