A Good Year

Despo is newly married and pregnant in 1925 Rural Cyprus. She is afraid of the kalikantzari, who come up from Hell to wreak havoc during the twelve days of Christmas. Her husband Loukas is drawn to an Englishman, and they must protect themselves and their unborn child from ominous forces.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Fairlight Books

In the heart of rural Cyprus, 1925, Despo finds herself newly married, carrying a precious bundle of joy within her womb, and plagued by an overwhelming sense of fear. As the twelfth day of Christmas approaches, a time when local folklore tells of the arrival of kalikantzari, malevolent creatures that emerge from the depths of Hell to bring chaos and destruction, Despo's anxiety intensifies. However, her husband, Loukas, is grappling with his own set of troubles. Haunted by dreams and desires that elude his understanding, he finds himself irresistibly drawn to an Englishman, a newcomer to the island.

Nestled within a village steeped in superstition, Despo and Loukas find themselves in a precarious situation. They must shield themselves and their unborn child from the malevolent forces that loom over them, while also navigating the treacherous waters of their own emotions and desires. The air is thick with anticipation, and the villagers, consumed by fear and suspicion, watch with bated breath as the days unfold.

Amidst the shadows of doubt and uncertainty, Despo and Loukas must rely on each other and their faith to survive. They delve into the ancient rituals and beliefs that have been passed down through generations, seeking solace and guidance in the face of impending danger. With each passing day, the kalikantzari grow closer, their presence palpable in the village.

As the Christmas Eve approaches, the villagers gather in the church, praying for protection and offering sacrifices to ward off the evil spirits. Despo and Loukas, too, join in the prayers, their hearts filled with hope and determination. In a final act of defiance, they light a bonfire, symbolizing the light that will dispel the darkness and bring peace to their troubled souls.

In the aftermath of the Christmas celebrations, the village breathes a sigh of relief. The kalikantzari have retreated back to Hell, and the villagers can once again live in peace. Despo and Loukas, united in their love and resilience, begin a new chapter in their lives, cherishing the precious gift of life and the bond that has been strengthened through their trials.

Rural Cyprus, 1925, becomes a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience in the face of adversity. Despo and Loukas, two souls intertwined by fate, navigate the treacherous path of fear and desire, emerging stronger and more united than ever before. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the light of hope and the warmth of human connection can guide us toward a brighter future.

Weight: 136g
Dimension: 112 x 175 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914148057