The Stolen Life of a Cheerful Man

The Stolen Life of a Cheerful Man explores the contentious yet universal themes of intolerance and understanding, discrimination and acceptance, violence and forgiveness. Dimitris Politis plunges boldly into the reality of contemporary Ireland, but from his own Greek perspective, creating an extraordinary mirror between the two countries, where glittering Aegean waves are crowned by Atlantic rainbows. The reader is drawn into the story through its exciting twists and turns, interlinked throughout by a fast cinematographic pace. An excellent contemporary example of black fiction, the novel voices a loud protest against social and historical stereotypes and warns of how intolerance and ignorance can lead to disaster. In today’s world, where countless countries are mired in financial crisis and where many forget the importance of tolerance and acceptance of their fellow human beings, the author cleverly reminds us that difference and diversity are universally present, shaping our world. This unique novel prompts us to remember that we are all born different and grow up differently, making each of us special in our own way, whatever our circumstances.

Dimitris Politis was born in Athens, Greece, spent his formative years on the Aegean island of Tinos, and later studied economics in Greece and classics and literature in Ireland. He has lived in Greece, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Italy, Luxembourg, and Belgium. An author of articles and reviews on international working conditions and occupational health and safety, he has also published several short stories. His first novel, The Stolen Life of a Cheerful Man, was published in Greek in 2012. His second novel in Greek, The Next Stop, will be published in 2014. He currently lives in Brussels, Belgium, and travels frequently to his homes in Tinos and Ireland.