Anyone who knows my books won't need me to tell them that my stories are not only set in Greece, but the Greek village I write about could almost be described as a character in it's own right.

And with the summer months upon us I know many of you will be heading for Greece and it's jewel-like islands to indulge in the unique culture, perfect beaches, turquoise seas and incredible food.

Through writing my books I have come to realise how important Greece is as a story setting for many readers (and can I blame you?), so I thought I would compile my own book shelf here on Goodreads for books based in, or inspired by Greece, of which you can have a nose through for yourselves here.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

I have selected eight of these books to recommend to you, which I would most certainly take to the beach to read as the sea lapped at my toes. Some are recent releases, some are well known and some maybe not so known.

It was a difficult choice, I could have taken them all but I somehow don't think over 80 books would fit in my case!

So here goes:

The Magus
by John Fowles
An intriguing story that become a page turner. As reality and illusion intertwine, Urfe is caught up in the darkest of psychological games. John Fowles expertly unfolds a tale that is lush with over-powering imagery in a spellbinding exploration of human complexities. By turns disturbing, thrilling and seductive, one of my favourites.

Falconera
by Alexis Ladas
This is not the sort of thing I usually like. It is about a guerrilla fleet that was based on the Turkish coast in the second world war. They disguised their boats as Greek fishing boats and, during the night, they would attack German war ships. So beautifully written.

Zorba the Greek
by Nikos Kazantzakis
Most people have heard of this and maybe seen the film, but, for me, the book is richer and more evocative of human nature. Definitely worth reading even if you have seen the film.

Eleni
by Nicholas Gage
Quite a hard read at times due to what is being described. But over all this book takes you on a journey in which I found myself completely absorbed.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin
by Louis de Bernieres.
I saw the film, but again the book is so much richer. There are sections in the book that are missed out of the film entirely which I think gives great depth to the main character.

My Family and Other Animals
by Gerald Durrell
A delight. Wonderful storytelling following a family who relocate from a grey damp UK to Corfu. Light, fun, one you can dip in and dip out of.

The Odyssey
by Homer
This one needs no introduction. It reads like it is an adventure but it is more a reflection on the human condition. A timeless classic and of course if you like this The Illiad is a good book too.

Crete – A Notebook
by Richard Clarke
This is such a personal view of a personal journey. If you like history it is packed to the gills. I, however, like the intimate description of the writer as he makes his travels, bobs on boats and drinks Cretan wine. Clark has a gist with words.

Nights of Rain and Stars
by Maeve Binchy
This is a story of one summer when a group of people all have to face the particular life crisis which first made them leave their homes and end up in Greece. I love Maeve Binchy. You cant go wrong with this book. Perfect for the beach.

I hope you've enjoyed this brief nose through my Greece bookshelf. Please do take a look at all the books on there and let me know if there are any you think I should add.

Happy reading!

Sara