Minas Stravopodis, a 27-year-old author, presents his second socio-political novel, The Clashing Values, released by Armos Publications. Following the success of his debut novel, The Rebel of the Abyss, Stravopodis returns with a powerful new work aiming to expose the pervasive hypocrisy embedded in daily life. The Clashing Values is set to be presented on Monday, November 4, at 18:30 at Yfantourgeio TheWorkplace (69 Lefkonos Street) in Nicosia.

During the event, Stravopodis will be joined by esteemed speakers, including Professor Nikos Trimikliniotis, a specialist in Sociology, Social Sciences, and Law at the University of Nicosia, and Maria Chrysanthou, a historian, educator, and former journalist. The event will be moderated by Orestis Matsas, a Ph.D. candidate in Environmental Engineering at the University of Cyprus and Parliamentary Associate. Co-organized by Hellas Bookstore, Epiphaniou Editions, and Armos Publications, the event aims to engage the public with the novel's themes and characters.

The Clashing Values centers on Kimon Zervos, a philosophy professor of Cypriot descent, who embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a lost letter dating back eight decades. The letter, hinted at in a student’s revealing note, holds a secret that could reshape how society views “truth.” This journey takes Kimon across Europe, with the story unfolding from London and ultimately returning there.

The novel raises challenging questions: Are the values to which we claim allegiance perhaps distorted? Could the practices we follow in the name of freedom be inherently repressive? Do we, in the name of “values,” inadvertently crush the vitality of our lives and our everyday existence? Through Kimon’s exploration, The Clashing Values confronts the constructed narratives society imposes, urging readers to question their choices and beliefs.

As the narrative unfolds, readers are invited to consider: If our way of life is built on arbitrary foundations, are we willing to redefine our values and, in turn, reshape the world around us? The novel’s thought-provoking questions challenge readers to consider alternative perspectives on truth, values, and reality.

The novel’s back cover reads:

• “A ‘crime’ rooted deeply in social complexities…”

• “A student’s revelatory note…”

• “An unexpected encounter bridging generations…”

• “A literary puzzle-guide…”

Kimon Zervos fights against the entrenched elements within and around us that crush us daily. As he asserts, “The worst form of state violence is the everyday life imposed on citizens.” Among the “clashing values” that confront him, Kimon finds the key to survival in a willingness to embrace change.

Born in Zakynthos in 1997, Minas Stravopodis developed a passion for literature, art, and culture from a young age. Fascinated by social and political sciences, he pursued studies at the University of Piraeus and King’s College London and is currently completing his doctoral thesis at Panteion University. Recently, he founded CultArt Zone, a platform that highlights social and political issues through the lens of art and culture.

As Stravopodis frequently expresses, “All we have is art and culture. These are our refuges in a harsh world; places where the human soul finds peace and meaning.”