This weekend at the Kingsmead Book Fair, audiences are in for a rich, flavour-filled journey into the heart of Greek family life, courtesy of Costa Ayiotis — author of Matriarchs, Meze and the Evil Eye. His second book is a warm, hilarious, and deeply human exploration of food, culture, and the family chaos that shaped him. 

Set in 1960s and ’70s South Africa, Costa’s memoir peeks behind the kitchen curtain of a home shared by three formidable Greek women: his strong-willed mother, fiery grandmother, and his father’s divorced sister.  

What began as a practical living arrangement quickly descended into a tempestuous trio of culinary clashes, cultural rigidity, and comic misadventures — all lovingly observed through the eyes of “Little Costa.” 

Family, food and the Evil Eye 

Infused with food memories, old-school superstition, and Greek sayings, the book is a heartfelt celebration of identity, heritage, and the universal hilarity of family dynamics. Whether they were fighting over recipes or warding off the evil eye with garlic hidden under his bicycle seat, these women — as larger than life as their lamb roasts — shaped Costa’s world and voice. 

“It’s not just a Greek story,” he insists. “It’s about anyone who’s grown up in a loud, loving, slightly dysfunctional family where food is a love language and laughter is a coping mechanism.” 

Read More: Epic storytelling takes centre stage at Kingsmead Book Fair with Kate Mosse 

In Conclusion 

With humour as his secret ingredient, Costa Ayiotis takes readers on a nostalgic, mouth-watering journey that leaves them smiling, laughing, and probably a little hungry. 

Catch Costa conversation at Kingsmead Book Fair — it promises to be an entertaining session! For more news, updates and what to expect at the Kingsmead book fair, tune in to Hot Fm today.