My Greek Books
This month, follow me to Ancient Greece for a myth-retelling, to Cyprus for a novella-in-flash, and to a tiny island in the Ionian Sea for a cozy murder mystery. Let’s go!
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An Unexpected Ally: A Greek Tale of Love, Revenge, and Redemption by Sophia Kouidou-Giles
She Writes Press (October 3, 2023)
About the author
Sophia Kouidou-Giles was born and raised in Thessaloniki, Greece. Her mother was born and bred in the same city, and her father’s family arrived in Thessaloniki after fleeing oppression in Asia Minor. Sophia attend university in the U.S., and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work. She settled in the Pacific Northwest, and is now retired after a 30+ year career in child welfare. She has published articles in both Greek and English, regarding service for abused and neglected children. She’s also a poet and previously published a poetry chapbook, called Transitions and Passages. Her essays and poetry have been published in several anthologies.
She is the author of a memoir published in Greek as Return to Thessaloniki (Tyrfi Press), and in English translation as Sophia’s Return: Uncovering My Mother’s Past. The story delves into the secrets that veiled her childhood, but ultimately led her on her career path. The book was a Silver Seal Finalist of the American Writing Awards. Read more about it here.
The story
In this myth retelling, we follow Circe, as the dolphins transport her to Delos to help mend her broken heart after Odysseus’ departure. There, she falls for the amphibian god Glaucus. Unfortunately, he’s only got eyes for Skylla—but she’s not interested. Circe spends time with Glaucus, teaching him about herbs—they can both heal and harm. When Circe meets the Skylla, she learns that Skylla is in love with a mortal. Skylla follows her heart, and in a jealous rage, Glaucus turns her into a six-headed monster with twelve legs. Upon Circe’s return home, she learns of the events. She must decide whether to go to Delos to save her new friend and return her to her father, or let the fates decide. But are her superpowers enough to right this wrong? You’ll have to read it to find out!
My Greek Books review
Lovers of Greek myth and myth retellings should not miss this soaring tale. With An Unexpected Ally, Sophia Kouidou-Giles takes the oft-maligned goddess of sorcery to new heights and dimensions. In this fresh take, love, hate, and jealousy are channeled into a compelling story of sisterhood.
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Kipris by Michelle Christophorou
Ad Hoc Fiction (December 8, 2021)
About the author
Born in Lancaster, UK to a Greek-Cypriot father and Liverpudlian mother, Michelle Christophorou previously worked as an attorney in London. Her stories have garnered numerous awards, including Strands International Flash, Retreat West Flash, and Blinkpot. She’s a two-time runner up for the Funny Pearls UK Short Story Competition. “Wearing You” was published in National Flash Fiction Day’s FlashFlood journal and included on BIFFY 50 Best UK and Irish flash for 2019-20. Kipris is part of a 25-book series of novella-in-flash by multiple authors. She lives in Surrey with her husband and son.
The story
Through a series of vignettes, we see the hopes, struggles, and dreams of Cypriots on their island from 1937-1981. We follow struggles for independence from the Brits, to patriotism, and ultimately, migration and return. And we meet a deity, an ethereal being named Kipris, who keeps watch over her island and its people.
My Greek Books review
Michelle Christophorou packs so much emotion and depth into these 64 pages. She has a rare gift of economy of words—in so few, she tells so much. Through her stunning prose, you’ll feel all the feels right alongside her characters. These vignettes could easily stand alone, but woven together create a powerful narrative. Drawing on history, myth, and magic, Kipris is an unforgettable story of tragedy, love, political upheaval, family, and the ties that bind. It’s a quick read, and you won’t be able to put it down. In fact, you’ll likely read it again. And then again. I’m looking forward to reading more from this gifted author.
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Murder at the Mill (A Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery) by Debbie Young
Boldwood Books (January 28, 2023)
About the author
Born and raised in Sidcup, Kent, UK, Debbie and her family moved to Germany when she was 14. After four years, she returned to the UK to attend university. After completing her degree in English and related literature, she lived in London and West England, where she worked as a journalist and PR consultant. She’s written for Cotswold Life, Country Garden & Smallholding, Writing Magazine, Mslexia, and Romance Matters, and the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook Guide to Self-publishing.
In 2014, she self-published her first novel, followed by three collections of short stories, nine novels, a novella, and two three novelettes. Two of those novels were shortlisted for the Bookbrunch Selfies Award, given for the best independently published adult fiction in the UK. In 2022, she signed a 13-book contract with the multiple-award-winning Boldwood Books for her novels, a seven-book audio contract with Saga Egmont, and a German rights deal with DP Verlag. She calls her stories “feel-good contemporary fiction, full of English humor, and inspired by life in the Cotswolds.” She lives with her husband and daughter in the Cotswolds.
The story
Book 6 in the Sophie Sayers Cozy Mystery Series, previously published with the title, Murder Your Darlings, finds Sophie on a writer’s retreat on a tiny Greek island in the Ionian Sea. Her boyfriend Hector, whom she considers the “real writer” owns a bookshop and encourages Sophie with her writing. He enters her work in a contest, and she wins a spot at the retreat. There, she’s hoping to find the inspiration and the courage to complete a book that’s a collection of stories written by her late aunt, a famous travel writer. And figure out her future.
While traveling, Sophie encounters an arrogant author, the Bestselling Romance Writer Marina Milanese, who leaves a bad impression. Much to her chagrin, Sophie learns that Marina is also attending the retreat. From the moment she arrives, Marina rubs everyone the wrong way. As the retreat kicks off, Marina takes a solo jaunt to an old windmill, the only spot on the island where there’s a cell signal, so she can post selfies for her fans. She goes missing and is presumed dead. Sophie is the first to discover the tragedy and becomes the prime suspect. But a storm hits, and the police are delayed to the island, forcing Sophie to investigate to clear her name—and solve the crime. This proves a daunting task, as her fellow retreat members all have a motive. While searching for the truth about Marina, Sophie uncovers her own.
My Greek Books review
Debbie Young’s Murder at the Mill is a fun and fast read that takes us on a Greek island escape. It stirred my longing to attend a writing retreat in Greece! You’ll root for Sophie, not only for her writing aspirations, but to reveal “whodunit”. It could be any of them, and you’ll enjoy trying to figure out who it is. I won’t spoil the ending, but I sure didn’t expect it. Now I want to know what happens next for Sophie! For a light and enjoyable read—and a little Ionian adventure, add this one to your list.
My Greek Books—September 2023 Edition
That’s it for this month. No you have three new books to add to your list! Check back next month for more My Greek Books. And remember to always make time for reading.
Read more:
My Greek Books—September 2022 Reads
My Greek Books—August 2021 Reads
