Ioannes Kondylakes
Ο Πατούχας
"Ο Πατούχας" by Ioannes Kondylakes is a novel first published in serialized form in 1892. Set in mid-19th century Turkish-occupied Crete, it follows Manolis, a primitive eighteen-year-old who suddenly descends from years of isolation as a shepherd in the mountains to enter village society. His wild behavior, ignorance of social conventions, and unrestrained impulses create chaos as he navigates love, rejection, and community life. Through humor and vivid detail, the novel portrays rural Cretan life while exploring one youth's turbulent journey toward social integration.