Zorba the Greek

The novel, originally titled 'Víos kai Politeía tou Aléxē Zorbá' (Life and Times of Alexis Zorbas), tells the story of a young Greek intellectual who, feeling stifled by his bookish life, hires the charismatic and experienced Alexis Zorba to manage a lignite mine in Crete.

The narrative revolves around the conversations and interactions between Zorba and the young 'boss', highlighting their vastly different approaches to life.

Zorba, with his passionate and practical worldview, challenges the boss's more passive and aesthetically inclined nature.

The book delves into themes such as the meaning of life, religion, women, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of rural Cretan life and the characters' personal struggles and adventures.