Books matching: greek island setting
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- #1
The Magus by John Fowles is a complex and mysterious novel set in Greece, following the story of Nicholas Urfe, a self-absorbed Englishman who takes a teaching position on a Greek island. Nicholas finds himself entangled in a series of mind games and deceit orchestrated by the eccentric millionaire Maurice Conchis. The plot twists and turns, blurring the lines between reality and illusion, questioning themes of freedom, power, knowledge, and love. The writing style is described as beautifully written, suspenseful, and engaging, with a mix of psychological mind games and supernatural events that keep the reader intrigued.
I was born in 1927, the only child of middle-class parents, both English, and themselves born in the grotesquely elongated shadow, which they never rose sufficiently above history to leave, of that mo... - #2
The Garden of the Gods is the third book in the Corfu trilogy by Gerald Durrell, where he continues to share his memories of his colorful family's life on the Greek island of Corfu before the Second World War. The book captures Durrell's happy, sunlit childhood spent exploring the island's beaches and olive groves, observing and collecting various creatures. Durrell's warm, humorous, and engaging writing style brings to life both the wildlife of Corfu and the quirky antics of his family, making it a delightful and entertaining read for all ages.
The narrative of The Garden of the Gods is filled with hilarious anecdotes of the Durrell family's escapades, the unique characters they encounter, and the vivid descriptions of the island's scenery and wildlife. Durrell's ability to blend natural history with family memoir creates a captivating story that is both heartwarming and humorous, offering readers a glimpse into a bygone era and a truly enchanting setting.
That summer was a particularly rich one; it seemed as if the sun had drawn up a special bounty from the island for never had we had such an abundance of fruit and flowers, never had the sea been so wa...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Corfu ) - #3
In 'The Fury' by Alex Michaelides, readers are taken on a thrilling journey following a group of friends on a private Greek Island called Aura. As plans unravel, secrets are revealed, and someone ends up dead, the story unfolds to answer the who, the what, and most importantly the why in a spectacular WHYDUNIT. The book teases readers from one question to the next, exploring relationships and the lasting effects of childhood trauma on shaping individuals, all while keeping them engaged with nonlinearity and unexpected twists.
The writing style in 'The Fury' is intentional and thoughtful, with vivid descriptions, a mix of beautiful imagery, and a nonlinear plot that keeps readers amused without losing them. The narrative technique involves the protagonist inviting the reader to sit beside them, sip a drink, and listen to their story, creating a unique storytelling experience that reveals twists beautifully and encourages self-reflection.
- #4
A group of travelers' lives intertwine on a Greek island as they face their own personal challenges and relationships head-on with the help of each other. The story revolves around four tourists who meet in a taverna on a hilltop in Greece and witness a tragic event, bringing them together in unexpected ways. The book explores themes of friendship, community, and personal growth set against the backdrop of a small town in Greece.
Andreas thought he saw the fire down in the bay before anyone else did. He peered and shook his head in disbelief. This sort of thing didn’t happen. Not here in Aghia Anna, not to the Olga, the little... - #5
Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami is a novel that delves into themes of love, loss, and unrequited feelings. The story follows the protagonist Sumire as she falls in love with a woman and confides in her best friend K, who is secretly in love with her. The narrative explores the complexities of relationships, dreams, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Murakami's writing style in this book is described as a delicate examination of identity and humanity, with elements of magic realism and a touch of mystery.
IN THE SPRING of her twenty-second year, Sumire fell in love for the first time in her life. An intense love, a veritable tornado sweeping across the plains – flattening everything in its path, tossin... - #6
'The Guns of Navarone' by Alistair MacLean is a World War II thriller that follows a small group of Allied soldiers on a seemingly impossible mission to destroy massive German guns on the Greek island of Navarone. The plot involves a daring commando raid, where the team must scale an unclimbable cliff, infiltrate a Nazi fortress, and sabotage the guns to save 1,200 stranded British soldiers. The writing style is described as suspenseful, with well-crafted prose that keeps the readers engaged and turning pages, showcasing the characters' fear, bravery, and human side amidst the intense action.
The match scratched noisily across the rusted metal of the corrugated iron shed, fizzled, then burst into a sputtering pool of light, the harsh sound and sudden brilliance alike strangely alien in the... - #7
'What Strange Paradise' by Omar El Akkad is a gripping tale that follows the journey of two young narrators, Vanna and Amir, as they navigate the challenges of a Greek island while trying to evade soldiers. The story intricately weaves between the present timeline where Vanna and Amir embark on an adventure to keep Amir safe, and the past timeline which explores Amir's harrowing journey from Egypt to the Greek island, encountering various characters and the immorality of those involved in transporting migrants. The author's mastery of language and ability to draw readers in with rich, evocative writing makes this book a poignant exploration of the refugee crisis, showcasing the strength and fortitude of two children from different backgrounds.
- #8
In "One of the Girls" by Lucy Clarke, six women travel from London to Greece for a hen weekend, seeking a respite from their everyday lives filled with motherhood, grief, and guilt. As the weekend progresses, secrets start to unravel, and the women find themselves facing a web of psychological suspense and dark revelations. The book is told from multiple perspectives, offering a deep dive into each character's backstory and inner struggles, leading to a tension-filled plot that culminates in a shocking climax.
The writing style in "One of the Girls" is fast-paced, engaging, and incredibly descriptive, immersing the reader in the picturesque setting of a Greek villa and the complex dynamics between the characters. The alternating perspectives provide insight into each woman's journey, their emotional baggage, and the secrets they carry, all while building towards a thrilling and unexpected ending.
- #9
Michael Frayn's "Skios" is a farcical novel set on a Greek island, where mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and coincidences lead to a series of comedic mishaps and confusion. The plot revolves around a mix-up between a renowned speaker and a charming impostor, exploring themes of identity, human folly, and the capriciousness of events. Frayn's writing style is described as light, satirical, and humorous, with a touch of intellectualism underlying the classic farce elements.
- #10
'The Messenger of Athens' by Anne Zouroudi is a mystery novel set on a Greek island, where a mysterious man named Hermes Diaktoros arrives to investigate an alleged murder that the local police have deemed a suicide. The story unfolds into a complex web of secrets and lies among the villagers of Thiminos, revealing the harshness and difficulties of island life. Through the enigmatic character of Diaktoros, the author weaves a charming whodunnit tale with rich descriptions of rural Greece and interesting character dynamics. As the investigation progresses, the true identity of Diaktoros is gradually revealed, adding depth to the narrative and keeping readers intrigued until the surprising conclusion.
The book is praised for its superb descriptive writing that captures the seasonal backdrop of a rural Mediterranean community, engaging readers with authentic portrayals of Greek village life. The characters are well-drawn, with flaws and complexities that add depth to the story. Author Anne Zouroudi's skillful storytelling creates a captivating and immersive reading experience, blending elements of mystery, Greek mythology, and social commentary to deliver a unique and compelling narrative that keeps readers invested in the plot and eager to explore more of Diaktoros' adventures.
Early morning, and a sombre sky. The sea, stirred to sand slurry by a bitter wind, had turned opaque. The tyres of the slow-moving garbage truck spread wide the pools of overnight rain; water ran thro...