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Act III
A successful Hollywood couple decides that if life is structured like a movie, then why shouldn't the last act be spent indulging themselves in the hopes of realizing any leftover dreams? So the couple sells their house, pack up all of their belongings, and together with their large black standard poodle, Guido, and twenty-two boxes start their last act by deciding to go merrily on their way to no place in particular until they find paradise. Their first stop is Skiathos Island, Greece. What ensues is a comedy where these two Hollywood types are forced to deal with the Byzantine labyrinth of Greek bureaucracy, the peculiar Hellenic version of time, and a complete host of new challenges such as the neighbours' goats who insist on eating their newly planted English roses. In the process the couple learns to appreciate and treasure the innocence and the generosity of the people of this small island and learn things about themselves that they had long forgotten in the pace and glitz of Hollywood. Paradise indeed.
- GenresFiction
242 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2011
6 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Richard Romanus
8 books4 followersBorn in Vermont and raised in Vermont and Connecticut, Richard Romanus (1943) attended Xavier University and received a BS in Philosophy. He then attended the University of Connecticut Law School for a year, after which he left school to pursue a career as an actor. He studied at the famous Actor’s Studio with Lee Strassberg and his first major role came as the character “Michael” in Martin Scorcese’s classic film Mean Streets. In the years that followed Richard Romanus performed in numerous stage productions, films and television shows. In addition to his acting, Richard Romanus is credited as the composer on several films. Together with his wife, Anthea Sylbert, he also wrote and produced Giving Up the Ghost in 1998 and If You Believe in 1999, for which they were nominated for a Writers Guild of America award for Best Original Screenplay. Since the end of 2001 Richard and Anthea have been living in Skiathos, Greece.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 5, 2012
Being from Skiathos, i loved this as i knew every street he talked about, i could relate to his feelings, fustrations and love for the island....i knew some of the people in the book and was so interesting to read! Love it! A must for anyone been or from Skiathos!
September 6, 2012
An excellent book. Vivacious language, unique humor, unexpectedly touching and eduactional. It is light but also full of pictures, ideas, philosophical quests. While reading this book, it feels like travelling yourself.
September 21, 2012
I received this book through a goodreads giveaway.
For those readers who prefer a strong plot line with a lot of action, you may not enjoy this book as much as other readers. The first half of the book seems to be made up of lots of little anecdotal stories that are often cute and funny but don't really interrelate too much. There are no major conflicts, and mostly everything continues along happily. However, towards the second half of the book, there tends to be quite a bit more of self reflection on the part of the author. It is this half of the book that I enjoyed the most.
I really appreciated the stories/legends/myths that Romanus tells about the history of Skiathos, particularly the story regarding Skiathos's involvement in WWII. The bravery and sense of community that seem to connect the people is quite touching. Also, I noticed that the stories regarding the history, traditions, and legends of Greece often led the author to his moments of self reflection, which, again, is what I appreciated most about this book--how through solitude and simplicity we can learn things about ourselves that are not apparent in the hustle and bustle of daily life. As Romanus states, quoting Plato, "The life unexamined is not worth living."
In the past, I have always had a sort of negative outlook on tradition, but something about this book (that I can't quite put my finger on) makes me yearn for tradition, for ritual, for innocence in simplicity. These things really do connect us to our ancestors, our past, and our heritage. Our heritage shapes who we are, whether we like it or not, and we can never really escape it. The older I get, the more I realize this. It is best to try to make peace rather than escape, as Romanus discovers when reflecting on his relationship with his father.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reflective works and don't rely on plot as a driving factor. Also, now I really want to visit Skiathos :)
For those readers who prefer a strong plot line with a lot of action, you may not enjoy this book as much as other readers. The first half of the book seems to be made up of lots of little anecdotal stories that are often cute and funny but don't really interrelate too much. There are no major conflicts, and mostly everything continues along happily. However, towards the second half of the book, there tends to be quite a bit more of self reflection on the part of the author. It is this half of the book that I enjoyed the most.
I really appreciated the stories/legends/myths that Romanus tells about the history of Skiathos, particularly the story regarding Skiathos's involvement in WWII. The bravery and sense of community that seem to connect the people is quite touching. Also, I noticed that the stories regarding the history, traditions, and legends of Greece often led the author to his moments of self reflection, which, again, is what I appreciated most about this book--how through solitude and simplicity we can learn things about ourselves that are not apparent in the hustle and bustle of daily life. As Romanus states, quoting Plato, "The life unexamined is not worth living."
In the past, I have always had a sort of negative outlook on tradition, but something about this book (that I can't quite put my finger on) makes me yearn for tradition, for ritual, for innocence in simplicity. These things really do connect us to our ancestors, our past, and our heritage. Our heritage shapes who we are, whether we like it or not, and we can never really escape it. The older I get, the more I realize this. It is best to try to make peace rather than escape, as Romanus discovers when reflecting on his relationship with his father.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those who enjoy reflective works and don't rely on plot as a driving factor. Also, now I really want to visit Skiathos :)
November 16, 2011
A Hollywood couple who's retiring to Skiathos, a small Greek island - will it be a bigger adventure for them or for the people living there? 'ACT III' is a heartfelt autobiographical story of friendship and other life treasures. How does life on a small island feel like, after having spent years in Hollywood? Just as exciting as a Broadway movie! Find it out by yourself... a very humorous and yet philosophical book.
June 19, 2012
I can't wait to read this book, I won it via Goodreads Giveaways and it arrived this morning - on first impressions, the cover is lovely, it's a paperback but formed like a hardback sleeve and the pictures on the filmstrip design are explained inside the cover too, which I think is another nice touch. I'm looking forward to reading this as I've been to Greece and absolutely loved it; the premise behind the storyline suggests something ultimately hopeful, adventurous and effervescent :)
March 11, 2021
Found this book by accident. I've never heard of Skiathos and I know very little about Greece but after reading this, it's now on my bucket list. Aside from the rich cultural history and charming encounters with locals, I also like the moments of introspection the author has in this book. I found it extremely relatable, it feels like a lengthy conversation you have with a friend over coffee. I'm currently in my early 20s and I find the idea of getting old extremely depressing but this book changed my outlook on that. Great book, highly recommend.
January 31, 2018
husband and wife moved from la to a greek island. they sold everything and moved there without even seeing it other than on the web. they rented a villa for 6 months at $400 a month , utilities included.
when they got there everyone made them feel welcome.
they bought some land and built a house in a year. they became friends with everyone on the island. their dog got sick and died before they moved into the new house.
they loved their house in spite of the troubles of living on a greek island and embraced their new friends and neighbors.
they took a few journeys in greece, experienced different weather in seasons. learned a lot about food and growing things.
when they got there everyone made them feel welcome.
they bought some land and built a house in a year. they became friends with everyone on the island. their dog got sick and died before they moved into the new house.
they loved their house in spite of the troubles of living on a greek island and embraced their new friends and neighbors.
they took a few journeys in greece, experienced different weather in seasons. learned a lot about food and growing things.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2015
Shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award
A well produced and enjoyable book from an accomplished writer, a film actor and his wife, both of whom have enjoyed considerable success in Hollywood. It is an account of their move to an idyllic Greek island in retirement. The location, Skiathos, is portrayed vividly and with much affection, and the narrative came to life for our readers. It was felt by one of the judges that, although some of the characters had fascinating stories, they were not explored at sufficient length. The writer’s background enables him to drop in regular references to his previous Hollywood life - well-known people and films– and this is an added attraction.
A well produced and enjoyable book from an accomplished writer, a film actor and his wife, both of whom have enjoyed considerable success in Hollywood. It is an account of their move to an idyllic Greek island in retirement. The location, Skiathos, is portrayed vividly and with much affection, and the narrative came to life for our readers. It was felt by one of the judges that, although some of the characters had fascinating stories, they were not explored at sufficient length. The writer’s background enables him to drop in regular references to his previous Hollywood life - well-known people and films– and this is an added attraction.
September 11, 2014
I found this book in an English bookshop in Crete. It appealed at once; the story of a middle-aged couple who packed in their lives in Hollywood and set off with their standard poodle Guido in search of paradise. They found it in Skiathos. The book tells of their travels and first two years on the island. It relates how they settled in, learned the language, made friends, built a house and generally acclimatised to their new life. It is backed with historical information about the area. A worthwhile read for anyone who is considering following their dreams.
February 7, 2012
I had no idea what to expect when I first picked this book up. In all honesty, I finished it in one go! The book is funny, it's entertaining, and it's educational, but above all else, it is honest and delicately written in a style that is soothing, calming and beautifully descriptive. It certainly manages to paint Greece in her true colors.
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May 26, 2013I appreciated this true story. An accomplished actor and his talented wife decide to retire in Skiathos: a small island in the Mediterranean. The couple's transition to a life on the island is blended with other information about Greek customs and religion and the great friends that they made. A wonderful read.
May 18, 2022
*I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway*
February 24, 2015
This book bred so much nostalgia for home. Thank you, Niki mou, for sending it. Happy to have made this the first read of the year!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews