About the Book

The title, from Homer, sums up the story perfectly:

“And what if one of the gods does wreck me out on the wine-dark sea? I have a heart that is inured to suffering and I shall steel it to endure that too." 

The combination of Hislop’s meticulous research and expert storytelling provides a book that is as absorbing as it is informative. I had no previous knowledge of the sheer brutality of the Greek Civil War, which took place just as WW2 ended, and went on for three long, bloody years. This book brings this period to life in a way that stays with you, long after you finish the final page.

Focussing primarily on the fate of the children left orphaned or imprisoned during the war through one woman’s journey to find the child she lost, The Times and Sunday Times say it all in their recent reviews:

'She brings Greek history to compelling life' The Sunday Times
'Fascinating and moving ... Hislop writes unforgettably' The Times 

As always, Hislop undertook hundreds of hours of careful research and interviews with people who still remember the horrors of that time, either first hand or as part of their own family history, to weave a fictional story based on fact. 

The Wines

Choosing our two Greek wines to pair with the book has been a joy, and we know you are going to be thrilled with both the white and the red which will transport you instantly to another time and place.

Both are made at the family vineyards of the Lantides estate, from indigenous grape varieties that are worked with precision and skill. 

The white is packed with exotic fruit aromas, notes of citrus and jasmine, with a lovely peachy palate and a freshness that speaks of the Aegean. No surprise it also won the sought-after Gold Medal in the prestigious Concours Mondiale in Brussels this year.

The red takes me back to warm sunny holidays with the smell of rosemary and oregano in the air. Lots of blackberry and ripe strawberry aromas underpinned by notes of vanilla and clove. Beautifully constructed and well-balanced wine that is hard to find in the UK.

As always, our Wine & Book club members get a special discount on both of these wines - but hurry - as stock is limited.

Use the code BOOKCLUBWDS for 10% off both.