So, nothing dies inside us?
Nothing can die as long as we live?
The shocking and simultaneously bitter novel by Nikos Kazantzakis The Brothers unfolds in the imaginary village of Kastelos during the years of the Civil War.
The village is under military control and besieged by the insurgents.
Its priest, Father Giannaros, 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 rebels sometimes seems right, he is troubled by the violence they consider necessary to achieve their goals.
The situation in Kastelos continues to be tragic, and the strife, which spreads violently and overwhelmingly, pushes the hero to act, making a significant decision, with the ultimate aim of reconciliation, brotherhood, and peace.
However, peace will come at the greatest cost: the sacrifice of human life.
The Brothers is a hymn to the existential freedom of man, to the supreme value of life above any ideology.
For a moment, Father Giannaros stood above the grave, happy. "Death, I do not fear you!" he murmured, and suddenly felt in his mind that he is free.
What does it mean to be free? One who does not fear death.
Father Giannaros stroked his beard, satisfied. "My God," he pondered, "is there greater joy in the world than not fearing death? No, there is not."
