She transformed her nostalgia into spiritual creation

War, occupation, and civil strife shaped the dystopian world in which Dina Amanatides was born and raised in Meligalas, Messinia. The agony of loss sculpted both her pen and soul, forging the spirit of the future writer, who emigrated to the distant Antipodes in search of an escape from poverty and deprivation. It was in Australia that the poetic expression of this courageous Greek woman found its refuge. Yet, it was also in Australia that Dina took a leading role in the cultural life of the Greek community, with her contributions to literature and the arts leaving an indelible mark on the literary heritage of Greeks in Australia.