Athens

Athens is the second book in a trilogy that spans the lives of three generations of strong women, the author's grandmother, Calliope, the author's mother, Thiana, and Silver, the author herself. Thiana the first book, depicts Calliope's and Thiana's struggles with life's adversities, and Thiana's courage and determination in forging a better life for herself and her family, and Thiana's journey from her native village in northwestern Greece-AVDELA-to Romania. Athens, the second book, depicts Silver's life and adventures while in Greece. Silver, a young, inexperienced woman, fresh out of college, escapes from the Communist Romania and returns to her mother's native land, Greece, hoping to make a better life for her, and later to bring over the entire family. Silver's dreams, fueled by her mother's stories, of finding acceptance, love, and security are crashed, one after another, as she faces the harsh reality. After only 14 months of staying in Greece, Silver is faced with the dilemma that will change hers and her family life's: to return back to Communist Romania or go forward to America. Athens is a love story, as Silver is fascinated by love, like a butterfly fascinated by the light, which goes too close to the source of heat, burning its delicate wings over and over again. Athens is a true recollection of stories and events that occurred during the author's stay in Athens.