Walking on Fire: A Novel

In 1974, Kate, a 25-year-old speech therapist, moves to Thessaloniki, Greece, to work at a center for children with cerebral palsy. She falls in love with Thanasis, a Communist, and becomes involved in the anti-American sentiment of the time. As she learns more about the past dictatorship, her loyalty to her country is challenged. When her safety is threatened, she must decide whether to stay in Greece or return to her homeland.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

In the aftermath of a failed marriage and fueled by a burgeoning sense of feminism, twenty-five-year-old Kate embarks on a transformative journey by accepting a position as a speech therapist at a center for children with cerebral palsy in Thessaloniki, Greece. It is 1974, and the recent end of Greece's seven-year dictatorship has ignited a fervent anti-American sentiment within the country. Despite this backdrop, Kate's proficiency in Greek language and cultural immersion allow her to form deep connections with the severely disabled children she works with, fostering meaningful friendships and finding a sense of belonging in the ancient and storied city.

As her world expands, Kate experiences a series of captivating cultural events, including a dramatic Christmas pig slaughter and a mesmerizing fire-walking ceremony. However, her journey takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with Thanasis, a charismatic Communist. Through Thanasis, Kate becomes exposed to a group of individuals who are determined to shed light on the atrocities committed by the former dictators during their reign, including the massacre of university students and the widespread censorship and torture of dissidents.

As Kate delves deeper into the political landscape of Greece, her loyalty to her country and the values she was raised with begin to be tested. She confronts the reality of the country's complex history and the ongoing struggles for democracy and social justice. The more she learns, the more her perspective on the world changes, challenging the beliefs she once held dear.

Kate's odyssey transforms her in profound ways, but when her safety is threatened by the politics of her lover, she faces a crucial decision. Should she risk everything to stay with Thanasis and the Greece that has captured her heart, or remove herself from harm's way by returning to her homeland? This decision weighs heavily on her conscience, as she navigates the complex web of love, politics, and danger that surrounds her.

In the end, Kate must find her own path, balancing her love for Greece with her own safety and well-being. Her journey serves as a testament to the power of personal growth, cultural exploration, and the pursuit of truth and justice. Through her experiences in Greece, Kate emerges as a more empathetic, understanding, and resilient individual, ready to face the challenges of the world with a renewed sense of purpose.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647424381