Read

Below are links to books and other blogs that I've enjoyed and would recommend if you're an avid reader of Greek-themed works. Now and again I drop some entries to make room for new ones, so as not to make this page too long. This page changes quite frequently, so do re-visit regularly won't you.

 I've split the works into three sections.

 1. Fiction
2. Factual
3. Blogs

 The title of each work/blog is the link.

 • FICTION
The Messenger of Athens - Anne Zouroudi
The first in her series of seven "Greek Detective" series, this ought to get you hooked, as it did me. Hermes Diaktoros doesn't do things by the book, yet gets the results he searches for. Oh, and for some reason he always wears plimsolls. Anne's written a lot of books, and they're all worth checking out.
Disorganised Crime, Alex A. King - Alex is female BTW. I'm reading this at the moment and it's a complete riot. Based on this I'll be reading all her other works too. I wish I could be half as witty as Alex!

Jason and the Sargonauts, James Collins - I wrote in my review on Amazon that it's "Dan Brown meets Whitehall Farce with a bit of education about Symi's history thrown in for good measure".
Judging from the meagre number of reviews on its Amazon page, I believe that this book still hasn't received the exposure that it truly deserves. It's an absorbing, enjoyable, adventurous romp. Give it a go if you haven't already read it.


The Embroiderer, Kathryn Gauci - This is a sweeping epic of a story, worthy of a "War and Peace" type TV series. It's not only a really good tale of a family caught up in a series of major political and social developments that rocked Greece and Turkey in the early and mid-20th century, but it's in essence a human story. The reader feels the experiences, many of them tragic, of the main characters. Superb. 

Another epic tale. It's written as a novel, but is based on a true story. A little bit slow starting, but stick with it. It'll grab you like it did me. I loved it and learned something at the same time.
Among the Olive Groves - Chrissie Parker
I didn't like the writing style at first, but once the story really kicks in it doesn't matter. This is a very good book and it was hard to put down once it really got into gear. Set primarily during the Second World War on Zakynthos, I'd say it was that island's version of Captain Corelli's Mandolin!
Cave of Silence - Kostas Krommydas
I really enjoyed this book. It did take a little while to really involve me, but once the storyline really kicks in, I found it hard to put down and when I wasn't actually reading it, it was occupying my thoughts continually. There are a few errors in the language and grammar, but it's a Greek book translated into English by a Greek publishing house (I read the paperback), so that can be excused. By and large the English prose is very fluent and readable. Highly recommended.

The Necklace of the Goddess Athena - Effrosyni Moschoudi
Fantasy and history meld in this time travelling epic in which the action centres around ancient and modern Athens. A great 'escape' novel with a very clever plot.


  • FACTUAL
Falling in Honey - Jennifer Barclay
If this doesn't make you want to sample life on a Greek island, then nothing will!
Symi, Stuff and Nonsense - James Collins
James Collins decided, laudably, to contribute a percentage of the revenue from this book to the Symi relief effort (after disastrous floods in the winter of 2017-8), in particular to the Symi high school, to replace books etc., lost in the floods and mud. If you'd like to help him, Buy it now! James is a gifted and witty writer anyway, so you won't be disappointed.

Eleni - Nicholas Gage
A tremendous book. Every self-respecting Grecophile should read it. The book educates but also explores some of the most basic human emotions, including integrity, loyalty and revenge. Of course the author is writing his own mother's life story too, so the personal involvement and passion for what she stood for and suffered emanates from the narrative.
Greek Islands Anthology - Richard Clark
Anything by Richard Clark is a joy to read for anyone who loves Greece. I could post all of his books, but if you go to this link you can find all the others from there. Essential reading for anyone going to Greece for a vacation.

 
Things Can Only Get Feta - Marjory McGinn
This is the first in a series, so if you check this one out you'll discover the rest. Marjory's experience mirrors my own in many of her experiences. In fact once or twice I had to pinch myself to remind myself that I was reading some else's book and not one of mine! A lot of fun and very insightful for anyone thinking of making the move.
The Greek For Love - James Chatto
Evokes all those feelings which you want to savour from the best things about a Greek Island. Chatto takes one back to the days before mass tourism changed certain "resorts" on Corfu and draws the reader through some warming and deeply human experiences as he and his young wife inter-act with the people among whom they chose to make a home. If you are a Grecophile, you won't be disappointed by this book. Ignore the one-star review on Amazon. All the rest give it 3, 4 or 5. I gave it 4.

It's All Greek to Me - John Mole
The title's maybe a little on the unimaginative side, but don't let that put you off the delightful book about moving to Greece. I found it charming, amusing and beautifully written. I didn't want it to end and I'm quite disappointed that there hasn't been a follow up.
100 Days of Solitude - Daphne Kapsali
This book wasn't at all what I thought it would be. It's quite different to most 'travel' books about time on a Greek island. It's a personal journey in some ways and comes at it from a different perspective to what one expects. I enjoyed it immensely.
Talking to Zeus - Jane Shaw 
A delightful, gentle, joyful read. The author took a position as a volunteer gardener for a year at a house in Greece. What she encounters during her stay is funny, poignant and hugely entertaining.
Ekaterina is seriously witty. This book has laugh out loud moments and will cheer you up, unless you're dead that is! Even then it may liven you up a bit!!!
It'a a while since I read this so can't remember many details now. All I do know, though, is that I enjoyed it!  It's set on Patmos, so I found it resonated with me because I simply love the island.
A Kilo of String - Rob Johnson
Although I found Rob's wittiness a tad too much sometimes, this is a fun read and will certainly lighten your mood as you read it on your sun-lounger. If you're reading it back home (possibly in the UK), it may well bring a little Greek sunshine into your afternoon by the fire. It'll either make you decide to sell up and come over, or be very glad you didn't! Depends on your general pre-disposition I suppose.


• BLOGS







More books/blogs will be added from time to time. Meanwhile, don't forget this page on my web site too.

1 comment:

  1. Yvonne Payne11 May 2019 at 08:16

    Thank you, John. Proud to see Kritsotopoula, Girl of Kritsa with such good company. Thank you for your comments too. X

    ReplyDelete

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