This image is the cover for the book Passage of No Return

Passage of No Return

Passage of No Return is based on the author’s own story, cleverly written as a piece of fiction. After her mother’s death, Maria Velizanos finds a box of old photos that evoke vivid memories of people and events in her past, giving the reader an insight into her struggle to break with the traditions of her cultural heritage, her ambition to become an artist and the impact that her mental instability has on her marriage. It is an immersive and emotive portrayal of the fragility of the human condition and our complex relationships. Memorable characters are vividly drawn and include a relentless Greek chorus that passes judgement and won’t hold its tongue.

Helen Zervopoulos

At the age of three, Helen’s parents emigrated to Australia from Greece on a government assisted passage. Her first days at school were disorienting as she did not speak English. Growing up in Australia in the 50s and 60s was not easy for someone who’s upbringing was at odds with to the dominant culture. Multiculturalism was not espoused as a cultural alternative to assimilation, until 1975. Helen graduated from Melbourne University with a major in Fine Arts and Classical studies. She was an English as a Second Language teacher for a short time and then ditched teaching to pursue a short-lived career in acting. She lives in Melbourne Australia.

Austin Macauley Publishers