With the exception of a few last sentences in the epilogue your novel 11 minutes is a record of disappointment and despair that no human being escapes. Yet it seems that you only dwell on them in order to show – in passing and almost inadvertently – that disappointment is but a stage of personal development, at the end of which comes a new passion for life. Is this what you are trying to say?
The Greek poet Kavafis, referring to Ulysses, says: “keep Ithaca in mind, but I hope that your journey will last many years, and you will learn everything you need to learn.” Although he was forced to face difficult circumstances, he knew that Penelope was waiting for him at the end of his ordeals. This happens to all of us – we must have confidence that, in the end, we will find what we have been struggling for.
Finally kapios ap’ tin patrida!Cheers to Greece!Stin Ellada menis ‘h ise tu e3wteriku? Tha ithela na epikinwnisume.Den vrisko kai pollous pu na diavazun Coelho kai na einai mes ta pragmata.Anyway my e-mail is sfsrfr23@yahoo.gr kai myspace: http://www.myspace.com/sarreth_aiston
if u wish contact me…
It is good to mention dear Paulo that some of ur books(Valkyries, Like the flowing river) haven’t yet been traslated to Greek, so I had to buy them in English from the tourist shop… lol.It was a good thing though, because then I bought the rest of ur books from there because they were smaller and cheaper(Greek:17.50euro,English(small):7.50euro!!).But not all Greeks have good knowledge of english
Yes dear Sarreth, I am Greek, and Kavafis is indeed a great poet!
Love to you
Annie
In my life i’ve been always rushing on things.What I realised is what a friend said “GOD ACTS INDEPENDENTLY TO THE ONES THAT ACT INDEPENDENTLY(of him)”.So, there is sort of a payback when u do things ur way, the fast way.If u are smart u enough can rush and earn things from that rushing.But even so, some things such as “love” will not come with rushing.And by rushing u may also “loose yourself” in the way
I loved the book ,and I love the poem too ..its the highs and lows of the journey the self discovery ,of who we are ..not what we are ..and at the end of our ordeals we come back to unconditional love again .We must enjoy every moment of the journey and drink in what has to be learned along the way ..its something that can not be rushed in ,it must soak in …Blessings Tania
I’m not Paulo but I have a simple answer to that question Alexandra.Ithaca is a SOLID, STABLE target.Ulysses is the one STRUGGLING to get there.If he didn’t wish of Penelope he would erase her from being his wife, being the king of Ithaca.He actually had two targets:one is Ithaca, 2nd is Penelope.He wanted both.
Now, if ur question has to do clearly with the stories, well, I’d say that in both stories, both people waited for each other.As far as life is concerned, you should know that only we are the ones to judge whether somebody is waiting for us or not, there is no recipe for that.Fighting and Being patient are equaly a struggle.Being patient is usually worse because you don’t earn anything “on the way to Ithaka”.
Annie said “Odysseas” that is the Greek name of “Ulysees”.Are u Greek Annie?
Have in mind peolpe that Kavafis is only one of the many after-christ great Greek poets.There is lot of Greek reading to be done if u wanna get really wise. Not to mention the ancient Greek Philosofers
A sort of a bildungs roman,of course,more than well written.I like how you use the myth of Ulysses,mainly in Zahir.But,here,is Ulysses waiting for Penelope?In 11 minutes,the woman is the one roaming,travelling,experiencing.Am I wrong?
the journey..the quest…to reach Ithaka…
We are all like Odysseas…
sailing between heaven and hell…
………
and someday we ll arrive
and our spirits will soar
Love to all of you
Annie
Hmm…life.. beautiful, exciting, though full of surprises, sacrifices;
we should cherish every moment, of love, kindness, every smile..every sunhine..
“kindness in your eyes..” like George Michael sings.
love
Agnieszka
Well,you made me read again ITHAKI, by CONSTANTINOS KAVAFIS, one of my favourite poets. I am lucky, I can read it in the language it is written [being a Greek]. The music of the words is full of harmony and the …lesson!!! You must wish the road to be long..full of adventure, and knowledge..to learn and learn from the wise men..You must always have in your mind Ithaki, your aim is to reach there.., but do not be in a hurry..you will be rich with what you gained on the way..Ithaki gave you the beautiful journey..LOVE THELMA