Set in late 19th-century Greece, Πρώτη αγάπη follows Alekos, a university student spending his summer in the countryside. His quiet holiday is turned upside down when he meets Rene, the elegant and sophisticated daughter of a visiting French diplomat. Alekos is immediately smitten. The story tracks his journey from that first dizzying glance through the agonies and ecstasies of his infatuation. He navigates social awkwardness, writes passionate letters, and experiences the rollercoaster of hope and despair that comes with loving someone who seems just out of reach.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. I expected a simple period romance, but it’s so much more honest than that. Kondylakes doesn’t just show us a love story; he takes us inside the mind of a young man experiencing love’s full, messy impact for the first time. Alekos’s feelings are intense, sometimes irrational, and completely relatable. The writing is clear and direct, making a story from over a century ago feel immediate. It’s a powerful reminder that the core emotions of youth—longing, idealism, and heartache—don’t really change, no matter the era.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven stories and timeless coming-of-age themes. If you liked the emotional honesty of novels like A Separate Peace or the nostalgic tone of some Chekhov stories, you’ll connect with this. It’s a short, poignant read that leaves a long-lasting impression about the indelible mark of a first love.