"I started reading his book around 10 AM, and I could not put it
down until I finished it hours later".
-Eliséos Paul Taiganides, PhD
A remarkable life is revealed in this City of Books English edition, based on the Greek original by Dafnis PANAGIDES, titled "ПIKРOAANONEZ" (Bitter Leaves of Laurel). Set in Cyprus during the turbulent years from 1954 to 1974, this remarkable book unveils how an individual, encircled by violence like millions of individuals in Cyprus' neighboring countries, becomes a voice for reconciliation and peace.
In his life journey, Dafnis evolved from patriot/terrorist to internationalist/ humanist. His faith developed from the confines of Orthodox Cyprus to the positive values of Christianity. His patriotism shifted from a narrow, fanatical Greekness to an appreciation of Hellenic culture's universality. The important message from the book is Daphnis' life and experience "Between Violence and Peace." Revealing how, amidst the violence and distrust between the Cyprus Greek and Turkish communities, it is possible to achieve peaceful coexistence and cooperation as Cypriots while maintaining their distinct identities. These are lessons applicable to the turbulent Eastern Mediterranean, Greece-Turkey relations, and beyond.
Dr. Stahis Solomon Panagides, the author of this edition, is Dafnis' brother. An economist by training, he has extensive experience in international development and conflict resolution, having worked for the World Bank, the Organization of American States, and the Ford Foundation. From 2005 to 2011, he served as the Resident Country Director of the Millennium Challenge Corporation in Cape Verde, a U.S. Federal development agency. In the years 1954-56, he was a high school youth leader with EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) during the Cyprus liberation struggle for its union with Greece. Dr. Stahis Panagides has a PhD in Economics from lowa State University.
