Lives Between The Lines: A Journey in Search of the Lost Levant

In Lives Between the Lines, Michael Vatikiotis explores the journey of his Greek and Italian forebears from Tuscany, Crete, Hydra, and Rhodes to Egypt and the coast of Palestine, revealing a period of ethnic and cultural harmony in the Middle East.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In his captivating memoir, Lives Between the Lines, Michael Vatikiotis takes readers on a remarkable journey tracing the roots of his Greek and Italian forebears as they embarked on a quest for a better life, leaving their homes in Tuscany, Crete, Hydra, and Rhodes and making their way to Egypt and the coastal regions of Palestine. Through his meticulous research and personal anecdotes, Vatikiotis unveils a captivating era in the Middle East, a time when ethnic and cultural harmony thrived. Arabs and Jews coexisted in bustling bazaars and teahouses, intermarried, and shared a rich family history. This harmonious coexistence was a testament to the region's rich tapestry of diversity.

However, as time passed, lines were drawn, and people, including Vatikiotis's family, found themselves caught in the midst of clashing faiths, contested identities, and violent conflicts. The Levant, once a place of unity and tolerance, had transformed into a region torn apart by strife.

Despite the challenges and hardships faced by his ancestors, Lives Between the Lines remains a tribute to the enduring spirit of tolerance and understanding. Vatikiotis offers a nuanced portrayal of the lost Levant, shedding light on the complexities of its history and the resilience of its people. Through his storytelling, he invites readers to explore the complexities of the Middle East and to appreciate the value of diversity and harmony in a world that often seems plagued by division and conflict.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474613217