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"My Review of Nicholas D. Kokonis' ARCADIA, MY ARCADIA"
By Lynn Reisberg, Triton College
Reading the first paragraph of Arcadia My Arcadia, I knew that it would be a book I would enjoy reading. Although I think that I got something different from the book than most people. The most important theme I found throughout the wonderfully detailed pages was that of the importance of family. It is true that this book touched on many different types of prejudices and discriminations that Angelos, a poor Greek country boy, had to overcome to become the man that he is today.
My favorite parts of the book are the scenes when Angelos is with his mother. Like all mothers she is never short on advice to give. This is something that I found myself being able to completely relate to. For instance, when Angelos got into a sort of quarrel with the townboys at the park and he tells his mother what happened, she immediately replies: "That's nonsense Angelos! You're as good as any of them. Do you hear me? You will see who has the last laugh. One day they will groan with envy."
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And when Angelo prepares to leave for Polis, his mother gives him some last minute words of advice:
"Always dip your tongue in your brain before you talk. Don't get yourself into something that you can't get out of. Mind your manners. Answer kindly when people ask you questions and smile. When they offer you something, refuse it two times before you take it, and always say thank you. If you are ever in need, go the poor people. They are the only ones that will help you."
If those words didn't come straight from a mother’s mouth, then I don't know what.
Throughout the story his mother is always there to lend a helpful compliment or to give some extra encouragement. And it's not only Angelo’s mother who is always there for him, it's also his family and town friends. Soter Ladas, the deli man we meet near the end of the book, gives Angelo helpful advice about life's problems. And Angelo takes all of what he is told and puts it in his back pocket.
The special thing about Angelo that makes him a main character that readers root for is his sense of respect. Respect for everyone; family, friends, animals etc. especially for his family though. He has this undying love and respect for him mother that comes across the pages of the story that just makes one fall in love with his determination and strong will to complete anything. Overall, this book taught me a lot about how great my life really is and how a lot of people come from nothing and are able to rise above. It is impossible not to become motivated to do something great after reading this book.
Lynn Reisberg
May 14, 2007
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