This week, let’s meet Maritina, 25, a true bookworm! Since April 2018, she has been sharing her book recommandations all the way from Greece! Check them out on her Instagram account, « The Mighty Book Dragon ».

What is your bedtime book?

I would say it’s a book named The Last Black Cat by Eugene Trivizas.

When did you read it?

I got it from a book bazaar in Athens when I was 10.

Why is this book so important to you?

I first fell in love with the title and the illustrations. But as my reading proceeded, I came to love the characters, the plot and the humour, whenever I could find it of course. The story may have started as a happy and funny one but some very tragic events take place along the way. And to be honest, I still refer to them when I am thinking about books that broke my heart. And finally, I love it because of the message. To me, the message has anti-racist undertones and it’s about a persecuted group coming together to reclaim their place in the world. Not to mention poking fun at fanatic people.

How many times have you read the book?

Three, if my memory isn’t deceiving me.

Did you lend it to anyone?

I unfortunately, am one of those people who do not know any other readers in real life. No one has asked me to lend it to them, so I have not.

How would you qualify it?

I would probably use the words humourous, heartbreaking and nostalgic to describe it.

What questions would you like to ask the author?

I would like to ask him what was the inspiration behind the story and if the messages I got from it are the ones he intended to put out.

And its publisher?

Since Eugene Trivizas is more well known and loved for his short children’s stories, were you afraid that you were risking too much by publishing a bigger and not so kid friendly book of his?

What is your favorite bookstore?

Generally speaking, my favourite ones are those that offer a large variation of products and some quiet space where you can read your books before or after buying them.