"Literature has a magical power; it can speak about things without addressing them directly. Through stories, we can describe feelings, situations, difficulties, or problems that are not easily articulated in words but can only be felt. Literature has captured the entire spectrum of human existence," said Greek writer Christos Armando Gezos during the European Literature Festival held in Tirana this December.
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| Christos Armando Gezos speaking from the left and other participating writers in Tirana |
Gezos elaborated on the themes that inspire him: "The subjects that concern me are eternal—death, the meaning of life, the human struggle to shape the future as they wish, and freedom, especially spiritual freedom. I aim to convey that life is both beautiful and painful, and that is not a contradiction. It is beautiful because it is painful, and because it is painful, one can appreciate the small moments of beauty. In this sense, I would call myself an optimistic writer. My themes may appear dark at first glance, but they are, in fact, a celebration of life." His reflections sparked lively discussions during the festival's opening, which was organized by the EU Delegation in Albania in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Albania.
From the ancient "Epic of Gilgamesh" to Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, literary works have reflected the lives and thoughts of people across different epochs, cultures, and nations. Whether fictional or inspired by true events, literature—with its complexities, dilemmas, and underlying meanings—poses questions, offers answers, and encourages critical thinking. It guides readers on psychological and historical journeys, shedding light on the human condition.
Many contemporary authors, aware of today’s societal challenges, use their writing to deliver direct messages. Irish author Katherine Prasifka explained her motivation: "Literature is deeply personal, allowing you to step into another person’s shoes and experience something you haven’t lived through. My work focuses on social media and how the internet has fundamentally changed how we interact with ourselves and reality. I want to explain this to people who may not fully grasp it."
Literature is more than aesthetic structure or storytelling. It often embodies public stances, beliefs, values, or warnings. Italian writer Paolo Giordano emphasized this: "Whenever there is a festival of European literature or anything 'European,' I strive to be present because if there is one thing we need today, it is to strengthen our connection to what Europe is and what it means. I believe you can truly appreciate Europe and the privilege of being part of it when you look at it from its borders. From the inside, you sometimes lose sight of the importance of the idea of Europe and European values." Giordano’s books address environmental issues, human rights, and gender concerns.
Polish author Margo Rejmer, reflecting on Albania's communist era, shared her insights on resilience and the essence of human nature: "Sweet Mud is a book about Albanian communism, but it is also about human nature, endurance, and the spaces of freedom within us. It explores how we navigate and act kindly—or unkindly—under specific circumstances. The extreme isolation and limited access to information in communist Albania resemble a sociological experiment." Rejmer stressed the importance of reconnecting with books, as they teach empathy and link us to other people and perspectives.
For Croatian author Miro Gavran, literature’s primary message is to be truthful and foster closeness among people. "My message is that nothing is more beautiful than human relationships. Think of a person living alone on an island. They cannot be good or bad because we need others to become complete. Novels, dramas, and comedies give us the opportunity to express ourselves and become fully human. Life is a vital adventure, and by writing a book, we teach others how to be themselves," he said.
Literature can also serve as a safe haven, a space for revisiting cherished memories. French writer Dominique Barbéris explained that certain themes emerge naturally during the creative process rather than being consciously chosen. "I don’t try to convey anything. My books revolve around women’s issues, love, and sometimes childhood, which for me is like a matrix of things—a calm place I return to repeatedly," she shared. However, Barbéris also expressed concern about the declining interest in literature: "I’ve noticed this trend in France. Literature is being replaced by other things. A philosopher once said we celebrate things most when they begin to disappear. I hope this is not the case. But even so, there will always be people for whom literature remains central because it is perhaps where legends return."
The European Literature Festival in Tirana celebrated these diverse voices, underlining how literature transcends cultural and national boundaries, revealing shared human experiences and encouraging dialogue. Through their stories, these authors reminded audiences of literature’s enduring role as a mirror of life and a bridge between people.