‘Visceral, heartbreaking stuff… realistic and thoughtful.’ – The Observer
'Panos Karnezis is possibly the leading Greek novelist of his generation, and one of Europe’s most distinguished storytellers… In We are Made of Earth he takes us, perhaps irresistibly, to the current refugee crisis [and] examines with both love and cruelty his characters’ attitudes to fate. He is both a sensitive and honest observer. This is a fine addition to Karnezis’s already impressive list.' – Richard Pine, Irish Times
'This is a challenging, insightful and melancholic book with well-drawn characters who were not hugely likeable, but I was left reflecting on their often questionable behaviour. It’s empathetic: the characters do the things they do for survival, connection and out of longing. A timeless, relevant story about displacement, loneliness and moral dilemmas.' – Silver Linings and Pages, Bookstagrammer
'We Are Made of Earth is heartbreaking and deeply poignant but definitely not the expected narrative of the refugee crisis that you might have become accustomed to hearing about. In the news, a lot of focus is given to faceless statistics and the physical journey but only Karnezis writes about the inner compass of an individual with nothing to lose but everything to gain.' – The Candid Book Club, Bookstagramer
'A novelist of unusual gifts.' – Financial Times
'Exploring sin, guilt and atonement, this dazzling study of displaced lives has the universalising succinctness, moral complexity and ironic force of the greatest novellas. Disaster looms in the seed of every phrase—and yet its tone is neutral, distanced, and the dark narrative is spellbinding.' – Stevie Davies, The Guardian
'Karnezis’ story stirs the emotion, the anger and sadness, and empathy for refugees. He has a way of telling a story that feels grounded and flighty at the same time, not exactly surreal but just a little bit off-kilter, both entertaining and hard-hitting. Melancholic, loaded with pathos, this is a gripping read. It is also an important one.' – Paul Burke, NB magazine, 4/4 stars
'An entirely individual writer in full command of his material.' – Sunday Times
'The mad beauty of Karnezis's imagination is entirely his own.' – The Guardian
'Karnezis's great skill is in evoking the haunting beauty of lost places and souls.' – The Times
'A masterful storyteller.' – The Independent
'Karnezis' writing has intensity and directness as he takes on the relationships between humans and their gods.' – Kate Saunders, The Times
'Gripping and worldly-wise... a novelist who is already well-respected but deserves to be better known.' – Phil Baker, Sunday Times
'Written in simple, uninflected prose, this short fifth novel from Greek-born Karnezis packs a punch. Switching efficiently between perspectives, Karnezis creates a web of painful ironies, misunderstandings and moral dilemmas. All the while, he emphasises the fragility of human bonds and the persuasive fictions we spin for ourselves.' – Stephanie Cross, Daily Mail
