Exploring Literary Greece: A Journey Through Novels and Locations
Athens has been awarded the title of the Unesco World Book Capital for 2018, and visitors can enjoy an array of literary events that are taking place in the city throughout the year. However, there are plenty of destinations outside the Greek capital to satisfy any literature lover. Let’s take a short journey around some famous Greek locations that have served as the setting for numerous international bestsellers.
Nature and Humour in Corfu
The Corfu Trilogy by Gerald Durrell – particularly the first volume, My Family and Other Animals – is an ode to the natural world of the island and a humorous autobiographical account of the author’s childhood during the 1930s. When he moved with his widowed mother and siblings to Corfu, the island began to capture the hearts of many. For decades, it has remained among the most popular Greek travel destinations, shaped by a blend of historical influences evident in the elegant Venetian architecture and delicious Italian-style cuisine of Corfu Town.
Life, Exclusion, and Suspense in Crete
Crete is famously the scene of the profound philosophical work about life (and the most translated Greek novel ever), Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. Moreover, it is the setting of Victoria Hislop’s The Island, a magnificent narrative centering around Spinalonga Island, which was a leper colony in the first half of the 20th century. Additionally, part of the action unfolds in the delightful psychological thriller The Two Faces of January by Patricia Highsmith. Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, boasts impressive remnants of ancient Minoan history, excellent local wine, and a diverse landscape ranging from stunning sandy beaches to serene mountain villages and Europe’s longest gorge.
Serial Crime in Mykonos
What better setting for a crime novel, rich in intrigue and suspense, than the windswept jetsetter’s paradise of Mykonos? Jeffrey Siger’s Murder in Mykonos is the first in a series of nine crime thrillers set in Greece, widely acclaimed by fans of the genre. The island itself is adored by local and international celebrities, and its nightlife is unparalleled, offering a myriad of world-class beaches and parties.
A War Romance in Kefallonia
Louis de Bernières’ bestseller Captain Corelli’s Mandolin tells a marvellous love story between an Italian officer and a local girl during the occupation of the Ionian island of Kefallonia in WWII. Together with the subsequent film, the novel firmly placed Kefallonia on the tourist map as a top-tier Greek getaway. It’s a tribute to the island’s stunning natural beauty, pristine beaches, and undisturbed countryside, where outdoor adventures abound, from sea kayaking to donkey trekking.
Cloak and Dagger in Thessaloniki
The historical thriller Spies of the Balkans by Alan Furst is situated in wartime Thessaloniki, just before the Nazi invasion of Greece. In addition to its well-paced suspenseful plot, the novel offers vivid insights into the cosmopolitan and somewhat exotic port that Greece’s second city was at the time, teeming with foreign agents and shady figures. Today, Thessaloniki stands as a vibrant metropolis featuring numerous Byzantine-era sights, top-notch cocktail bars, and delightful tavernas and patisseries.
Soul-searching in Spetses
John Fowles’ postmodern literary masterpiece The Magus is set on the fictional Greek island of Phraxos. However, many locations in this challenging yet rewarding novel exist in Spetses, a place where the author spent time as an English teacher. The picturesque island, with a rich historical background, is an upscale short-break destination for Athenians, offering ample opportunities for swimming, trekking, sailing, and relaxing.
Cultural Insight in the Mani
One of the greatest travel writers of the 20th century, adventurer and philhellene Patrick Leigh Fermor, details in Mani his first journey to the southern region of the Peloponnese, where he would spend the latter years of his life. This compelling travelogue features insightful observations of the Mani, a unique and rocky part of Greece interwoven with walking trails, olive groves, and abandoned stone towers. This rugged region appeals to those wishing to venture off the beaten track.
Homecoming and Devotion in Ithaki
One of the cornerstones of Western literature, Homer’s Odyssey is a magnificent tale of an epic journey and a tribute to spousal loyalty. It reaches its climax on Ithaki, where Penelope patiently awaits the return of her husband, Odysseus, amid aggressive suitors. This small Ionian island has become the ultimate Mediterranean escape, ideal for a peaceful holiday, characterized by scenic mountain roads, windswept cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
Ancient Love in Lesvos
Considered one of the earliest novels in human history, Daphnis and Chloe by Longus is set on Lesvos. This bucolic tale narrates the love story of two adopted children who grow up as shepherds for their foster parents. Lesvos, the third-largest Greek island, remains largely untouched by mass tourism, offering a genuine experience of traditional villages, exceptional food, uncrowded beaches, and the local production of ouzo.
Thrill and Intimacy in Delphi
A forgotten classic, My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart is a charming tale of mystery and romance, vividly portraying the scenery of the Greek mainland surrounding the ancient oracle of Delphi. This magical site, known as the ‘Navel of the Earth’, is located just a couple of hours’ drive from Athens, with ancient ruins nestled among endless olive groves and offers a picturesque town under the shadow of Mt Parnassos. The energy emanating from Delphi makes it one of the most worthwhile day trips from the bustling capital.
