48 pages • 1 hour read
Zorba the Greek
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Book Brief
349
Novel • Fiction
Crete, Greece • 1940s
1946
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis follows an intellectual narrator and his friendship with the exuberant and life-loving Zorba during their venture to operate a lignite mine in Crete. The novel highlights their differing personalities and philosophies of life, as the bookish narrator learns from Zorba's passionate approach to living and experiences conflict between his intellectual pursuits and worldly desires. The book contains instances of violence and discusses themes of death and grief.
Adventurous
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
54,903 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis offers readers a vibrant narrative focused on the exploration of life and freedom through the bond between a bookish narrator and the exuberant Zorba. Most reviews praise its philosophical depth and dynamic characters, although some find its pacing uneven. Overall, it's lauded for its rich storytelling and profound reflections on humanity.
Who Should Read Zorba the Greek?
Readers who enjoy Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis are typically drawn to existential and philosophical literature, exploring themes of freedom and the human condition. Fans of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha or Albert Camus' The Stranger will find a similar appeal in its deep introspection and life-affirming narrative.
54,903 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alexis Zorba
Alexis Zorba
A charismatic and experienced man of many trades, he becomes the foreman for the narrator and shares his worldly wisdom through stories of his adventurous life. Zorba is passionate and unrestrained, enjoying music and life to the fullest.
The Friend (Stavridakis)
The Friend (Stavridakis)
Once a student of the narrator, he is an action-oriented individual who embodies self-control and nationalism. Their friendship is deep, and they have a pact that highlights their bond.
Madame Hortense
Madame Hortense
An aging former cabaret singer from France who now runs a hotel in Crete, she becomes romantically involved with Zorba. Conscious of her lost youth, she shares colorful stories of her past.
The Widow (Sourmelina)
The Widow (Sourmelina)
A village woman perceived as a temptress and who becomes an object of desire for the narrator. Her presence stirs tension in the village due to past events involving the villagers.
349
Novel • Fiction
Crete, Greece • 1940s
1946
Adult
18+ years
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