My Greek Books
This summer, we traveled to Greece. My husband and I decided to make it a real holiday—that means we left our laptops at home. That was a much-needed break! We packed a lot into that trip.
Libraries seemed to find me. I visited several bookstores, and while I did bring a few books with me, I came home with even more. Yes, my suitcase was jammed, but there is always room for more books! Ultimately, I didn’t get in as much reading time as I’d hoped, but I’ve made up for it since we’ve been home.
I hope you’ve had time to enjoy the summer—and of course some great summer reads. Now, let’s get to it! Here’s what I’ve been reading.
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Daughter of Ruins by Yvette Manessis Corporon
Harper Muse (October 8, 2024)
About the Author
Yvette Manessis Corporon is an international bestselling author and Emmy Award-winning producer. She’s the author of Where The Wandering Ends (Harper Muse, 2022), Something Beautiful Happened (Howard, 2017), and When the Cypress Whispers (Harper, 2014). This New York native’s books have been translated into 16 languages. The daughter of Greek immigrants, Yvette studied Journalism and Classical Civilizations at NYU.
A three-time Emmy Award winning journalist, Yvette has traveled the world covering the biggest stories in news and entertainment. She is currently a Senior Supervising Producer for EXTRA. She’s a recipient of the Silurian Award for Excellence in Journalism and the New York City Comptroller and City Council’s Award for Greek Heritage and Culture.
About the book
Born in America in the 1930s, when her mother died, Demitra’s father took her to live with his family on the island of Cephalonia. She soothes her loneliness by reading Greek mythology and pretends that her mother is a goddess who watches over her. As she grows older, her family tries to marry her off. She refuses and becomes embroiled in an affair with a forbidden man who ignites her passion for art and encourages her to paint those goddesses that she believes protected her.
Beautiful Elena dreamed of a life away from the Italian brothels where she was raised. But her station in life dooms her to take up the vocation she hoped to escape. While Italians occupy Cephalonia, she makes a living entertaining the soldiers. She’s content—until 1943, when the Germans arrive.
In a poor mountain village in 1921, a father grows desperate to feed his family and he sends eighteen-year-old Maria to America as a picture bride. Not only will she take the journey alone, but she’s also to marry a stranger—and she’s terrified of both.
Are these women resigned to their fate or are they brave enough to change their destiny? You’ll have to read it to find out!
My Greek Books review
Yvette Manessis Corporon delves into Greece’s rich history, mythology, culture, and traditions to shine a light on the experience of Greek women in the 1920s and 1950s. Daughter of Ruins is a riveting and inspiring tale about the power of friendship and ultimately, the power of women to change their own destinies. You won’t be able to put it down.
I’m fortunate to have had a sneak peak at the book. Though it won’t be out until October, it is available for pre-order.
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Last Days in Plaka by Henriette Lazaridis
Pegasus Books (April 9, 2024)
About the author
Greek-American Henriette Lazaridis is also the author of Terra Nova (Pegasus Books, 2022) and The Clover House (Ballantine Books, 2013). She is a multiple published essayist and was a founding editor of The Drum Literary Magazine. Henriette earned degrees in English literature from Middlebury College; University of Pennsylvania; and Oxford University, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. She’s taught English at Harvard University and currently teaches at GrubStreet in Boston. She also runs the Krouna Writing Workshop in Greece.
About the book
Anna, a young Greek-American woman, moves to Greece to reconnect with her roots. Passionate about art, she lands a job in a gallery, and paints street art at night. Longing for a connection to the past, she rents a place in Anafiotika, in the shadow of the Acropolis. She attends a nearby church and is befriended by the priest and his wife. One afternoon, the priest sends her on an errand—to deliver a basket of figs to an elderly woman. Irini isn’t looking for friendship. She came from a wealthy family but lost everything, and now lives in an apartment in Plaka, paid for by the church. She’s cultured and educated, still sharp and well-dressed.
While her friends don’t understand why she spends so much time with the old woman, Anna and Irini form an unlikely bond. Irini shares stories of her glamorous past. Anna is drawn in further as she listens to grand tales of Irini’s life, including a glorious mansion destroyed by earthquake–and an estranged daughter.
The priest arranges for the ladies and a few other parishioners to travel to Patmos and in preparation, they study the Book of Revelations. As the date of the pilgrimage nears, Anna seeks answers in her own life but gets caught up in Irini’s stories. She makes a decision that puts her in danger, then learns that Irini’s tales are a collection of lies. She must confront the limits of her own forgiveness and determine what it all means for her future.
My Greek Books
I brought this book to Greece and began to read it in the Plaka! In Last Days of Plaka, Henriette Lazaridis reveals a study of contrasts—Athens in classic and modern wonder, of truth and lies, of young and old. You’ll feel her love for this city, with all its layers and contradictions. It’s a story that will challenge your notions of faith and forgiveness and the world outside our bubbles, as well as our place in it. Add it to your list.
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Greekscapes: Illustrated Journeys of an Artist by Pamela Jane Rogers
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 3rd edition (March 18, 2017)
About the author
Born in Winston-Salem, NC, Pamela now calls Greece home. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1970. For five years, she worked as an interior designer, but then returned to painting and teaching classes exclusively at art centers and colleges. In 1981, she began studying with the renowned Artist Jacquelin Jenkins (1934-1988) exhibiting and traveling with her Studio Gallery workshops in the US and Greece. Pamela has also studied at Art Students League in New York City with two residences awarded from the Vermont Studio Center. An award-winning visual artist, Pamela’s work has been exhibited widely and is part of corporate and private collections in the US, the Far East and Europe, including the British Royal Collection. Since 1989, she lives and paints on the island of Poros.
I had the privilege to meet Pamela on our recent trip to Poros and she was an absolute delight! Over a local white wine, she shared her journey with me, and I felt like we were old friends. A few years ago, I started reading a Kindle copy of her book, but soon realized I needed to read the print version so I could truly appreciate the artwork. Lucky for me, she gifted me a copy.
About the book
Pamela Jane Rogers always loved art, but a marriage for all the wrong reasons sidetracked her dreams. She and her husband struggled with infertility and after 12 years of trying to have a baby, she dove into a career as an interior designer. Pamela enjoyed the work, but it wasn’t her passion, and her depression grew. She returned to her art and fate led her to a mentor who’d change her life in numerous ways.
When her mentor organized a trip to paint in Provence, which had always been a dream, Pamela seized the opportunity. The fates had other ideas, and instead of France, she ended up on a flight to Greece, unsure of what she’d paint or find there. The answers came in an olive grove, with the help of a four-legged friend. She knew what she had to do. But could she leave her life in the States to live her dream? Greekscapes is the story of her journey, including her poetry and images of some of her artwork. This travel memoir was awarded Best of Expat Nonfiction 2015 by thedisplacednation.com.
My Greek Books review
Pamela Jane Rogers reveals a story of sidelined dreams that refuse to be forgotten. Through her inspiring journey, she shows us that it is possible to redirect a life that veered off its path, rediscover yourself, and recapture your dreams. Greekscapes: Journeys of an Artist is a love letter to Greece, a marvelous ode to the healing power of art, and that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and create the life you want. You’ll love it!
My Greek Books—August 2024 Edition
Well, that’s it for this month. Add these three books to your list. Until next time, READ MORE BOOKS!
Read more:
My Greek Books—August 2023 Reads
My Greek Books—August 2022 Reads
