Review: Who Wants to be Greek? By Jeffrey L. Carrier

Embracing tradition while chafing against the constraints of a predestined future makes for a compelling premise in Who Wants to be Greek?, a colorful coming-of-age novel by Jeffrey L. Carrier.

Giorgos Balaskapoulos’ extended family owns boats, curio shops, a sponge diving business, a tourist guidance center, and six or seven Greek restaurants in Tarpon Springs, Florida. All of his cousins work in the family businesses and Giorgos grudgingly works part-time in his uncle’s curio shop. At almost eighteen, he wants to be a great Greek like the rest of the men in his family. The only problem is that his grandmother Lenka wants him to become a sponge diver like his older brother, get married to a “nice Greek girl” and make Greek babies.

Giorgos knows he wants something more from his life – even if he doesn’t exactly know what that “something” is. That all changes when he gets his first computer and Felicity Jones takes up residence in Tarpon Springs. At first, Giorgos is intimidated by the computer, not knowing what email is or even how to turn on his computer but with the help of a disabled vet, he slowly embraces all that technology has to offer – especially Skype – the preferred mode of communication for his new teacher friend, Felicity, who appears to love everything about Giorgos’ Greek culture…

Carrier has masterfully captured the essence of what it means to be Greek – from the food and the music, to the traditions and the celebrations. More importantly, he’s given us a rare glimpse into the souls of a wondrous, boisterous family headed by a grandmother who embodies spirit, love, and loyalty. The tropical setting and the unusual Balaskapoulos family business of sponge diving add extra elements of interest, giving the story the feel at once of a travel book, a book on Greek culture, and a family drama.

At times, the book reads too much like non-fiction, with far more telling than showing. For example, there is much interesting information about sponge diving – a dangerous practice where divers must hold their breath underwater for long periods of time, which Carrier conveys fascinating detail and a sense of urgency. However, he could have let his readers experience sponge diving through the eyes of one of his characters, rather than merely describing the practice. Given that it is so instrumental in the personal crossroads Giorgos is facing, these moments could have been better woven into the overall story.

Additionally, although Giorgos’ personal growth and change are important aspects of the story, there is no tangible conflict to speak of in Giorgos’ relationship with Felicity or her relationship with his family, which is somewhat surprising given his young age. Fleshing out these important aspects of the story would have made the plot far more realistic and the ending all the more satisfying.

Overall, Who Wants to be Greek? is an engaging read – a lighthearted coming-of-age tale with endearing details about growing up in a Greek community, which will be relatable to most everyone.