Kiki Denis | Author

“A tribute to a poetry-loving father so tender you will want to read it more than once. From the sounds of the lines he read her as a child to the understanding that these poems would guide her to the woman she became, "Father, the more loving one" pays a touching, delightful homage to the conspiracy between a daughter and her parent and the connection between lyric verse, the generosity of selfless love, and a girl’s awakening.”

"This book is so tender! All memories of our loved ones should feel like that. With simple writing, Kiki writes about deep, universal truths and symbolisms, like the light, the mother who doesn’t appreciate poetry, the solitary flight, the danger of strangers, the fear of love… Additionally, it serves as an introduction to Greek poetry. I believe parents will find this book especially meaningful. As I read, I couldn't help but feel nostalgic for the nights spent reading bedtime stories to my children when they were small.”

“This book captures, with a simple yet warm language, one of the most essential human relationships: the relationship between daughter and father, a deep, unique bond capable of shaping the way we perceive life!”

“In this heartwarming little book, Kiki welcomes you into her cherished memories with her father. She invites you to meet her father—a man whose love for poetry, music, and life shines through each story. With his gentle love and guidance, a once shy little girl has blossomed into the amazing woman Kiki is today. After finishing this book, you may want to turn to your loved ones and hug them as tightly as you can, while you still can…”

“Father, THE MORE LOVING ONE” by Kiki left me a little speechless. Kiki has a way of using words that convey so much emotion and meaning, without redundancy or shock. Her careful choices as a writer are as thoughtful and direct as she is in real life. Her ability to arrange words like a masterful piece of music is a joy to read. Somehow, a simple concept told in her voice sounds injected with meaning, and demanding your attention.
In this little book Kiki gives us all a reason to call our parents, if still lucky enough to be able to reach them by phone. I first read the piece after Kiki’s own father passed away. I was moved and saddened for Kiki that she had lost such a wonderful presence in her life. Also, I felt a bit envious that I didn’t have a father like hers. After losing my own father, and rereading it, it was a bit emotional, but somehow put me at ease. To be honest, it still left me feeling a bit envious I didn’t have a father like Kiki’s.
I’m so proud to have known Kiki for years before she was a successful writer. I know her to be just as thoughtful, direct, and poignant in her real life, as she is as a writer - weaving her stories with a magical spell she casts on the English language.”

“Born of her father's mind, like a curious owl, Kiki builds a "Fatherworld." As modern Athena, with a spear of creative prose and multiple arrows of poetry, she fights against memories in pursuit of resurrecting a girl's first hero.”

“By reading this little book I was transported back to my youth in Greece, amidst the antiquities and the tender heart of a young girl, amidst snowflakes and the timeless messengers of love and light, witnessing the birth of love's flame and its transformation into eternal light.”

“Reading quietly every night on his old couch or next to Kiki’s bed is the image of my pappou I’ll always have. Peaceful man with calm thoughts and an endless appetite for life and books. This little book lets you travel in time where worries fade away and everything is eclipsed by a father’s love.”

“I've known Kiki all my life. We grew up in houses opposite each other in a small village on the north part of Greece. Our families would visit each other without calling, just by knocking on the doors and entering. I called Kiki’s mother "aunt" and Kiki’s father "uncle." He was always there, kind, quiet, radiant with bright eyes and a peaceful, kind of mystifying smile, like he knew a secret nobody else did...
After reading Kiki's short book about her father, I realized what that secret was. It truly was a secret! A beautiful, magical secret that made me understand Kiki’s amazing life path, her talents, and her serene personality and inner strength. It also made me regret not having had the chance to know Kiki’s father better. Thank you, Kiki, for this strong and heartwarming sentimental throwback... You have been very lucky to have had him.”

"This little book brought to mind a scene from a play, a room with a skylight and the moonlight appearing periodically, a door, and a bed with books, two protagonists or maybe just one, the author herself monologuing her dreams, where she continues to see her father who never left. He simply lives Elsewhere, in a secret life."

“FATHER, THE MORE LOVING ONE, is a captivating journey into the depths of innocence. At first glance it may seem to draw inspiration from Auden's poignant poem of the same name, sharing themes of love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. While  Auden's verse delves deeply into the idea of unrequited love, Kiki's narrative instead, is an exploration of the profound bond between father and child, celebrating the enduring legacy of paternal love. In this engaging prose, Kiki seamlessly blurs the lines between storyteller and protagonist, drawing readers into a world where innocence takes center stage. Whether weaving fragmented stories of childhood or young adult Kiki's writing exudes a purity that is irresistible. Each page is a testament to the power of innocence, as the author subtly navigates the complexities of love, grief, and longing while also integrating verse and elements from folklore that are passed down through generations.  This short yet remarkable piece echoes the timeless wisdom of la Fontaine’s Fables, reminding us of the fleeting nature of innocence. Yet in the midst life’s hardships, Kiki reminds us that the light of innocence can still radiate within those lucky enough to embrace it. Through tender memories and poignant reflections, Kiki emphasizes the profound impact it has on shaping our lives.”