Das Spiel mit der Angst: Und andere Geschichten (German Edition) - Petros Markaris

In Das Spiel mit der Angst, the acclaimed Greek author Petros Markaris—best known for his Kostas Charitos detective series—presents a captivating collection of short stories that blend suspense, humanity, and subtle humor.

These tales go beyond the boundaries of crime fiction. While Inspector Charitos appears once more to battle the everyday injustices of Athens, Markaris also introduces a cast of ordinary yet unforgettable characters who confront their own private struggles.

An elderly painter, shaped by war and hunger, resists the cruel twists of fate by inventing a daring “game with fear.” Meanwhile, two rival restaurateurs—a Greek and a Turk—locked in years of competition, accidentally share a meal and discover unexpected common ground.

Through these stories, Markaris paints a vivid portrait of modern Greek society, balancing melancholy and irony, realism and compassion. His writing reveals both the absurdities of everyday life and the enduring strength of those who face it with dignity.

Main Themes of the Book

• Human resilience: ordinary people confronting hardship with courage and wit.
• Cultural identity: the shared humanity between rivals, neighbors, and nations.
• Fear and fate: exploring how individuals cope with uncertainty and loss.
• Irony and compassion: a warm, observant look at contemporary Greek life.

Why You Should Read This Book by Petros Markaris

• A richly layered collection by one of Europe’s most insightful storytellers.
• Blends social commentary, humor, and psychological depth.
• Ideal for readers of literary short fiction and Mediterranean realism.
• Showcases Markaris’s talent beyond the detective genre.

With Das Spiel mit der Angst, Petros Markaris delivers a collection that captures the essence of human experience — fragile, resilient, and full of contradictions. Each story offers a glimpse into the everyday heroism and quiet defiance that define modern Greece, making this book a poignant and memorable read.