Tasoula Georgiou Hadjitofi

Had to make a list of the long unpronounceable Greek names in order to keep track of what was what. The author's family was Greek Cypriots who fled during the Turkish invasion of 1974 which divided the country into Greek and Turkish. The author is obviously coming from the Greek point of view. She is Greek Orthodox (seemingly very devote and at other times stating she is "not practicing"; however, she becomes totally consumed with retrieving icons from the many Greek Orthodox churches that were raided following the invasion.

Apparently there is a huge market for ancient religious icons (mosaics, paintings, doors, etc). The story begins in a very confusing way about a sting operation taking place in Munich Germany then proceeds to tell the story leading up to that point.

Although interesting to a point about the marketing of cultural items, at last there was so much detail, so much political and legal maneuvering that it became tedious. I did Google some of the names involved - interesting background, and everyone has their own story to tell.

Was difficult for me to truly understand the importance of many of these icons and they seemed to be at the forefront of their faith rather than acts of faith itself.… (més)