Perspective: A Greek American finding his way in Greece

by Peter Manouselis

Peter is a thirty-one-year-old, first generation Greek-American who made a small fortune as an investment banker. Now four years after he’s left his career on Wall Street, he’s a struggling screenwriter and at a point in his life where he’s absolutely confused, so he leaves behind his aspirations in America, sells his belongings, and moves to the island of Crete, the place where his parents were born and where his father still resides. Peter has never been close with his father, and when he is compelled to help him harvest grapes and olives and slaughter goats on his primitive spit of land, tensions run high. While Peter searches for a connection to his roots and his own way in life, he weighs the pressures of society—both American and Greek—and strives to come to terms with his heritage. Embarking on an amazing journey where he learns a new language and culture, serves in the military, and gains an indelible understanding about himself through his family. Candid and full of humor, his story is a remarkable testament to a new perspective that comes from slowing down and embracing the unknown.

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 7, 2020

Reviews

[Laura Maty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great and fun book! Very genuine, from and to the heart. I connected to some of the aspects of the book regarding his family. He was in search for something and I think he found it. Anyone who thinks they have a similar background, being born elsewhere, not the native land of your parents you will specially enjoy it. Very detailed and you get to enjoy the journey with him as you read.
I hope we get more books from Peter ;)

[Alec · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful true story about a journey to find one’s roots.

[Gail · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this memoir, Peter Manouselis takes you through a spiritual journey of self-discovery, which unfolds in Greece. The story begins in the U.S. as Peter says his final goodbyes before embarking to Greece where his father, who lives there, registered Peter as a Greek citizen. Given the opportunity to build a life in Greece, Peter committed to learning Greek culture and language, reconnecting with his father and fully participating in the responsibilities of a Greek soldier. With these experiences, he yearned to frame his purpose in life.

Peter is forthcoming in his conflicted emotions about his relationship with his father as well as other frustrations, disappointments and revelations. Throughout the book, Peter shares his appreciation for the picturesque scenes of Greece, delineating panoramic views of nature's bounty. With each trek, he describes his awe of the land, sea, olive trees and mountains.

The sky was cloudless and the sea placid and creamy. As the sun rose, wonderful hues of orange and red and yellow spread across the sky. I watched, awestruck, as the colors deepened in shade and the sun bathed the earth in a powerful radiance and the sea grew clearer.

Here are two examples of the many insightful gems embedded in the story:

The moment one says, 'You can't,' is the moment when greatness begins.

What if the cause of my utter confusion and rebellion was the fact I thought my only chance of success was to define myself.

Male bonding and machismo were strong elements of the book in terms of the army experience and interactions with women. But also evident was a sensibility about the value of emotional connection and shared dreams. I recommend the book to readers who love memoir, travel and stories about making peace with your family, your heritage and yourself.

Disclaimer: I received an Advanced Review Copy (ARC) on Reedsy Discovery.
Also posted on Reedsy/Discovery and my blog.