Reviewed by Ian Thomas Shaw
Irena Karafilly’s Arrested Song takes readers on a compelling journey through contemporary Greek history, as seen through the life of Calliope Adham, a woman striving to shatter the constraints of Greek patriarchy on the island of Lesbos. Unlike many feminist novels in Canadian literature, which often steer clear of political entanglements, this novel boldly immerses itself in the fraught political landscape of 20th-century Greece. Karafilly spares neither the right nor the left dismantling simplistic narratives of heroes and villains in a nation twice enduring military occupation—first by foreign forces, then by its generals. Yet, beyond its political dimension, Arrested Song beautifully evokes the vanished world of small-town Greece, a world still lovingly preserved in the collective memory of its people.
The story begins in 1939, as Greece faces the looming threat of Italian aggression and prepares for battle on the Albanian front. Calliope Adham, married for several years to Kimon Alexiou, has been unable to bear her husband a child—a source of disapproval in the tightly-knit village of Molyvos. The tension escalates when Kimon is conscripted and sent to the front, where he disappears without a trace. Left behind, Calliope defies the societal expectations of widowhood by resisting the symbolic black robes of mourning, a quiet act of rebellion that signals her growing independence.
The war takes a darker turn as German forces occupy Greece, including Molyvos. Calliope, well versed in German and French thanks to her father’s tutoring, is obliged to serve as a translator for the German troops, led by the cultured and charismatic Lieutenant Lorenz Umbreit. Despite the village enduring severe hardships under the occupation and her sense of patriotism, Calliope is drawn to Umbreit’s kindness and intellectual depth, particularly his love of German literature. Her fellow villagers grow suspicious of her proximity to the enemy, suspecting collaboration. Unbeknownst to them, Calliope is secretly aiding the resistance, smuggling supplies to partisans. The conflict between her emotions and her loyalties becomes the crucible in which she transforms into a stronger, more resolute woman.
This wartime narrative sets the stage for the broader scope of the novel, which spans decades of Greek history. Karafilly deftly navigates the turbulent periods of the Greek Civil War, the nation’s post-war modernization, the oppressive regime of Colonel Papadopoulos, and the eventual restoration of democracy. Through it all, Calliope’s personal journey intertwines seamlessly with the shifting political landscape. Her evolving feminism, layered romances, and interactions with the vibrant, often eccentric villagers paint a vivid portrait of human resilience and frailty, with a particular focus on the deeply entrenched misogyny of the era.
Calliope’s feminism is not merely defiant; it is also deeply human. Her relationships with the men in her life, while imperfect, are rendered with warmth and complexity. She emerges as a character both independent and compassionate, unyielding in her principles yet forgiving of the flaws of those she loves.
For readers familiar with Greek culture and history, Karafilly’s richly textured depiction of life on Lesbos will resonate deeply. As someone with a personal appreciation for Greece and its history, I found the novel’s portrayal of the island both evocative and authentic, a testament to the author’s meticulous attention to detail. While Arrested Song may not challenge its readers on an intellectual level, it offers a deeply engaging and rewarding experience, transporting us to a world of timeless struggles and enduring hope.
Arrested Song is published by Legend Press (UK).
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