Kostas Tachtsis is characterized, apart from his literary qualities, which we gather from the study of his books, by great cleverness. He is undoubtedly a quick-witted and bold person, with a particular sense of candor. When he sees something wrong, something he disagrees with, he says it straight to their face, no matter what happens. There are many anecdotes about his candor.

But I would like to speak about his persona from a somewhat historical perspective. Tachtsis and I have many things in common. First of all, we were both born in Thessaloniki in the same year: 1927. Tachtsis is a little older than me. He has told me this, and I have noted it down as well.

I noted it down on an occasion that arose. That is, years ago. Specifically, 12 years ago. Tachtsis sent me a letter in Thessaloniki asking me, “Please get me a certificate from the registry office, because I need it.” I rushed to get the certificate, but when I saw how close our ages were, I noted the details in a notebook that I still use. In a notebook where I have phone numbers and addresses of friends, acquaintances, etc.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]