Greek Gazette

Philip Larkin once observed that a poem should directly depend on actual experience, on “ the impulse to preserve” adding that this is what really “lies at the bottom of all art”.

Leaving aside issues of form and content which the above remarks were made in the context of, specifically with reference to Larkin’s own ideas about the writing and  presentation of poetry, it would be nonetheless profitable if we looked at Katsirea’s poetry with these views in mind, especially since the latter part of his comments  seem to hold true for her own kind of poetry; Katsirea herself, emerges very much as a poet who wishes to articulate, to make known too, and share with the reader her own experiences, feelings, and conclusions about life.

Her poetry, although sometimes deceptively simple at first glance it is in fact quiet complex and intricate. It possesses a density of meaning that the form of blank verse renders particularly difficult to translate.

This dense, economic style enveloped in a metaphoric, rhythmic veil of loneliness, all fused together produces the most extraordinary feeling; that the reader instead of simply reading a poem, is confronted with a picture as a mental painting, a sort of mirror effect, reflecting of an embracing, infinite number of possibilities, always fading and emerging again, making the reading of her poetry a most memorable experience.

Her prose very much like her poetry, is characterised by the same simple, economic style, compressed and dense in meaning.

Her novel Mr Raymond is clearly written from a woman’s point of view where the search for fulfilment of love, for satisfaction in a successful career dominates the thematic preoccupations. In her collections of short stories women’s issues become again sometimes dominant, whilst on others she deals with simple, moving, human stories which in their simplicity of style but attractive narrative captivate the reader.

The Guardian ( Mr Raymond )

A very interesting and moving story with beautiful images of calm greek seas and sunshine at the background. Well written.

The Woman (Mr Raymond)

This is a story of a woman’s efforts in fulfilment of love, career, but above all truth in life and in her relationships. The simple and economic style of writing is captivating making this book a very enjoyable read.