Ο Πεντάρφανος

A novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers around the life of Stamou Kavoulis, a young man who is referred to as ''pentarfonos'' — or ''five-orphaned'' — due to the tragic losses of his parents at a young age. The narrative begins with a crisis in his family, tied to a fight between his two aunts over his marriage prospects, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of familial relationships, social norms, and the consequences of love and rivalry. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a dramatic incident involving a fierce altercation between Stamou's two aunts, Aretis Kavoulaina and Aretis Haranina, which leads to one of them sustaining a serious injury. This dispute is set against the backdrop of Stamou's impending marriage, which complicates the familial dynamics further. As the story unfolds, we learn about Stamou’s challenging upbringing and the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of his parents, revealing a complex web of family ties and unresolved conflicts that shape his life. The narrative style combines humor and pathos, hinting at the tensions that will arise as Stamou navigates his relationships in a society steeped in tradition and expectations.