So, nothing dies within us? Nothing can die as long as we live? The moving and simultaneously bitter novel by Nikos Kazantzakis The Brothers unfolds in the fictional village of Kastelos during the years of the Civil War. The village is under the control of the army and is besieged by the partisans.
Its priest, Father Yiannaros, does not accept death as a foregone conclusion of the division and constantly wonders where the true meaning of justice lies. Although the social and revolutionary vision of the partisans sometimes seems right to him, he is troubled by the violence they deem necessary to achieve their goals.
The situation in Kastelos continues to remain tragic, and the division, which spreads violently and sweeping, pushes the hero to act, making a significant decision, ultimately aiming for reconciliation, brotherhood, and peace. However, peace will come at the greatest cost: the sacrifice of human life.
The Brothers is a book-ode to the existential freedom of man, to the supreme value of life above any ideology. For a moment, Father Yiannaros stood over the grave happily. "Death, I do not fear you!" he murmured, and he suddenly felt in his mind that he is free. What does it mean to be free? One who does not fear death. Father Yiannaros caressed his beard, satisfied. "My God," he thought, "is there a greater joy in the world than not fearing death? No, there is not."
The new editions, with new covers and specially designed fonts, are accompanied by introductory texts and an epilogue that provide more details regarding the work itself and the era in which it was written.
