Zorba the Greek (Faber Fiction Classics)

It's about the friendship between two men; one who is very bookish and the other who lives by impulse, and their journey to Crete to create a mine and make their fortune. I enjoyed it, though I found at times the dialogue dragged a bit as Zorba just seemed too ridiculous with all of his looking at things as if he had never seen them before and rambling about women and the like. And don't...more

It's about the friendship between two men; one who is very bookish and the other who lives by impulse, and their journey to Crete to create a mine and make their fortune. I enjoyed it, though I found at times the dialogue dragged a bit as Zorba just seemed too ridiculous with all of his looking at things as if he had never seen them before and rambling about women and the like. And don't get me started on the woman who had been very grand and dated sea-captains who had scented beards...   hide

Everyone should read this one once. No exceptions. Not my favorite by any means, but nonetheless, I'm glad I read it, and you will be too.

Definitely, one of my favourite books. Full of humanity and simplicity, the story is based on a true story and relates the relationship of an educated Greek from abroad (Nikos Kazanzakis) who meets a quite unusual Macedonian (Alexis Zorba) in the Piraeus while en route to Crete where a big spiritual confrontation awaits them. Just splendid, I warmly recommend this book that also...more

Definitely, one of my favourite books. Full of humanity and simplicity, the story is based on a true story and relates the relationship of an educated Greek from abroad (Nikos Kazanzakis) who meets a quite unusual Macedonian (Alexis Zorba) in the Piraeus while en route to Crete where a big spiritual confrontation awaits them. Just splendid, I warmly recommend this book that also inspired a beautiful movie.   hide

This book was a life changer. I ask myself to this day what Zorba would do. His answer would always be to engage the senses, feel grief, let it go and find joy as much as we can...'cause as you will painfully realize at a point in this book, life is short for all of us. Also brilliant insight into how academia and religion can hamper joy. I love Zorba. He's the man!