Tatiana Averoff's second novel lives up to the expectations aroused by her first. An interesting and moving work, it maps the soul in its most genuine, stirring moments.

Averoff's writing contains elements of realism which serve to link together her narrative, and which are sometimes subverted by and sometimes melded with the stuff of magic symbolism. This unique synthesis makes for an entirely personal prose style which has much to offer Modern Greek literature in this winter of its discontent...

The book reads easily and pleasantly, the voice of its main protagonist is lively and forceful, and its scenes often bring with them the relief that comes with heartfelt laughter. Her writing is imbued with an authentic humour which, if given free rein, can produce small, but real, miracles.

Tatiana Averoff brings a disarming honesty to the tale of Elli, her heroine who experiences the long hot days of August in a different light. With its unforced natural language and limitless supply of delicate humour, the novel keeps the reader riveted while touching deep emotions and bringing tears after laughter, self-knowledge in place of nostalgia.

Like her previous novel, "The Clearing" (2000), "August" ticks every box for a satisfactory - perhaps even a major - commercial success. That said, though, and applying my own somewhat demanding criteria, I can tell you this novel is a lot more than that. Its refusal to rest on its Maker's innate narrational gifts, and attempts - some more successful than others - to gain complete awareness and control of itself, transform "August" from a popular read into a work of art.