I Really Liked Your Latest Work!: Thomas Korovinis presents his novel “Μπέμπης” (Bebis)

A Few Words About the Novel: Dimitris Stergiou, known as “Bebis” (Piraeus, April 16, 1927 – December 24, 1972), was a distinctive figure in Greek popular music. Renowned for his genius, education, unparalleled skill on the bouzouki and guitar, captivating charm, and self-destructive anxiety, he achieved legendary status both during his life and posthumously. Thomas Korovinis, having studied the available biographical and artistic data about him and having “conversed” with his personality for years, presents an extensive literary portrait of Bebis—a self-referential confession addressed to a fictional close friend as well as to all of us. Through the narrative, significant figures of our popular music, iconic songs, and the analysis of characters such as composers, lyricists, performers, and fans are highlighted. It also delves into the socio-cultural fabric of Piraeus during the artist’s time, the lives of our musicians during the Occupation and post-war Greece, and American entertainment centers, with a particular focus on the “angelic and dark light” that defines the soul of this unique and irreplaceable “aristocratic rascal.”

–

“I Really Liked Your Latest Work!”

Five authors from Thessaloniki, five live interviews.

As part of the “I Really Liked Your Latest Work!” series, five prominent authors rom Thessaloniki will engage in live discussions with Angelos Mallinis about their latest books. These interviews, part of this year’s Dimitria Festival’s literary section, explore both their literary contributions and personal lives. Angelos Mallinis, President of the Parthenon Film Festival and author of the column “Between the Platform and the Track” in Exostis (exostis.gr), which features writings on books and reading experiences, will present Giorgos Skambardonis, Sofia Nikolaidou, Isidoros Zourgos, Thomas Korovinis, and Sakis Serefas over five unique Thursdays. Through photographs and Q&A sessions, the authors will reveal their lives through their works and the macro/microhistory of Thessaloniki. The detailed schedule is as follows.