From the dusty red soil of a small Cypriot village to the dazzling lights of London and Paris, The Kiss is the sweeping memoir of Makis Lazos, a man whose life journey unfolds like a vibrant tapestry of adventure, artistry, and love. Growing up in Achna, Cyprus, Makis molds clay with young hands, nurtures a love for art, and dreams of a life beyond the boundaries of his village. In 1963, he boards a ship bound for Europe, navigating a world filled with cultural shocks, colorful characters, and unforgettable experiences. As he travels from the medieval streets of Rhodes to the grand boulevards of Paris, he faces challenges of language, love, and the immigrant experience with humor, resilience, and an unyielding passion for life. Told with vivid detail, emotional honesty, and warm Mediterranean humor, Makis shares stories of his artistic aspirations, his unexpected pivot into hairdressing, and the deep friendships and loves that shaped his path. Whether he's learning the intricacies of British fish-and-chip shops, started English learning in London's Morley College and studying art at Sir John Cass School of Art, or winning hairdressing competitions in the swinging sixties, Makis brings readers along on a journey marked by both laughter and heartache. At its core, The Kiss is a tribute to love, romantic, familial, and the love of life itself. It's a celebration of dreams pursued, obstacles overcome, and the power of embracing who you are, no matter where life takes you. Perfect for fans of heartfelt memoirs, immigrant stories, and tales of personal triumph, this is a story that will linger long after the final page.
