Here we are, another week of
Covid-19-induced lockdown later, and here’s another post from me containing
book recommendations; this time books to get you in the mood for Greece…or
perhaps you’re reminiscing? Either way, a literary feast awaits. Do you prefer fiction, memoirs, poetry? Greece has inspired it all.
My visits to Greece started
with childhood family holidays and I’ve been lucky enough to continue visiting over the years. The Greek islands hold a special place in my heart (it’s
the sea and the sunsets!) but, the years I lived in Turkey mean the shared history
of these countries is also especially interesting to me, and there's plenty of it!
Here, in no particular
order, are some reading recommendations from me.
FICTION
Mythology: Timeless Tales of
Gods and Heroes – Edith Hamilton
A trip to Greece without a
basic knowledge of the epic tales of Greek mythology would be a waste! This is
a massive book packed full of exciting tales of the many adventures and whims
of the Greek Gods and the poor mortals who got in their way.
Captain Corelli’s Mandolin –
Louis de Bernieres
A tenderly and humorously
told love story about an Italian officer posted on Cephallonia in 1941 and a
local girl, set against the backdrop of World War II. The book was also made into a film.
The Island – Victoria Hislop
A daughter’s desire to know
more about her mother’s past takes her to Crete where she uncovers her
intriguing family history, including her great-grandmother’s sacrifices to
support a former leper colony.
The Thread – Victoria Hislop
This love story and family
saga crosses between modern day and the 1920s. At times harrowing, it is based in
Thessaloniki, and tells the story of a young girl separated from her mother
while escaping a fire in the city. It introduces the reader to a lot of the
turbulent history of that area.
The Girl Under the Olive
Tree – Leah Fleming
An 85th birthday
celebration takes a woman back to Crete and through her memories of the
invasion in May 1941, exposes a long-buried secret.
NON-FICTION
My Family and Other Animals
– Gerald Durrell
Hilarious account of the idyllic
childhood spent on Corfu by a budding naturalist, with extra comedy provided by
his long-suffering mother and the many adventures of his eccentric siblings,
and their encounters with locals.
The Iliad – Homer
For lovers of the classics,
Homer’s epic 8th century poem detailing the final weeks of the
Trojan War and siege of Troy, will be a delicious feast.
