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A Parthenon in Pefki: Further Adventures of an Anglo-Greek Marriage
The award-winning, bestselling A Parthenon in Pefki takes us back to Greece with Peter and Alexandra.
After perfecting their new apartment (complete with mini Parthenon) in a cosmopolitan suburb of Athens, Englishman Peter and his Greek wife Alexandra check out life in an authentic fishing village on a Greek island. They instantly fall in love with Pefki and plan to build a house there.
But all is not as it seems. As Peter and his feisty wife delve below the surface, they discover the sleepy village is hiding a wealth of secrets. Unperturbed, they embrace the fascinating village culture with unexpected and hilarious results.
What could possibly go wrong in paradise?
After perfecting their new apartment (complete with mini Parthenon) in a cosmopolitan suburb of Athens, Englishman Peter and his Greek wife Alexandra check out life in an authentic fishing village on a Greek island. They instantly fall in love with Pefki and plan to build a house there.
But all is not as it seems. As Peter and his feisty wife delve below the surface, they discover the sleepy village is hiding a wealth of secrets. Unperturbed, they embrace the fascinating village culture with unexpected and hilarious results.
What could possibly go wrong in paradise?
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2023
About the author
Peter Barber
82 books31 followersPeter Barber is the award-winning, bestselling author of Greek travel memoirs, including A Parthenon on our Roof and A Parthenon in Pefki.
A native Londoner, he lives between England and Greece. Marrying his fiery Greek wife Alexandra not only made him part of a Greek family but also immersed him in Greek life and culture. Fascinated by the people, history and traditions, Peter dove in head first. He wished to be among the locals and experience Greek life first-hand.
From his cultural and language flubs to the trials and tribulations of life in Greece, Peter sometimes got more than he bargained for. But with his signature wit, he found humor in their escapades. And, as he learned more about Greece’s history, his new family, and modern life in Greece, he knew he had to share his insights.
His humorous and heartfelt travel memoirs reveal the real Greece—not just sun and sea, but the wonderful people, rich history and culture. If you can’t get to Greece, live Greece through his books.
Peter is a proud member of the UK’s Society of Authors.
A native Londoner, he lives between England and Greece. Marrying his fiery Greek wife Alexandra not only made him part of a Greek family but also immersed him in Greek life and culture. Fascinated by the people, history and traditions, Peter dove in head first. He wished to be among the locals and experience Greek life first-hand.
From his cultural and language flubs to the trials and tribulations of life in Greece, Peter sometimes got more than he bargained for. But with his signature wit, he found humor in their escapades. And, as he learned more about Greece’s history, his new family, and modern life in Greece, he knew he had to share his insights.
His humorous and heartfelt travel memoirs reveal the real Greece—not just sun and sea, but the wonderful people, rich history and culture. If you can’t get to Greece, live Greece through his books.
Peter is a proud member of the UK’s Society of Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 29, 2023
Sailing and Silliness in Pefki
After completing their building project on the Greek Mainland, Peter and Alex spend some relaxing time away from home, and manage to buy a parcel of land on a Greek island. What could be better than building another house? Of course with Peter, nothing is straightforward. Risking the wrath of officialdom for building a wall, being the worst sailor on the island, and a source of hilarity for the local fishermen, are all part of daily life. But as well as the humor, there's some interesting and emotive history relating to Alex and her family. This is one of those books you don't want to end, but you can't stop reading it because it's so good. I enjoyed learning about Greek bureaucracy, and the myriad forms you need to do anything. It would drive me crazy! And I loved meeting all the characters that inhabit Pefki - quite a mixed bunch, but Peter's words bring them all to life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I'd suggest you read A Parthenon On Our Roof first, if only because it's such an entertaining read. You can enjoy this as a stand alone book. Now, when did you say book three will be published?
After completing their building project on the Greek Mainland, Peter and Alex spend some relaxing time away from home, and manage to buy a parcel of land on a Greek island. What could be better than building another house? Of course with Peter, nothing is straightforward. Risking the wrath of officialdom for building a wall, being the worst sailor on the island, and a source of hilarity for the local fishermen, are all part of daily life. But as well as the humor, there's some interesting and emotive history relating to Alex and her family. This is one of those books you don't want to end, but you can't stop reading it because it's so good. I enjoyed learning about Greek bureaucracy, and the myriad forms you need to do anything. It would drive me crazy! And I loved meeting all the characters that inhabit Pefki - quite a mixed bunch, but Peter's words bring them all to life. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I'd suggest you read A Parthenon On Our Roof first, if only because it's such an entertaining read. You can enjoy this as a stand alone book. Now, when did you say book three will be published?
November 29, 2023
A Parthenon in Pefki by Peter Barber is an engaging memoir that intricately tells the story of Alex and Peter's marriage. The book celebrates enduring love and the merging of Greek and British cultures. With her lively Greek personality, Alex perfectly complements Peter's more measured British temperament. Their past marital hurdles have been overcome and fortified their bond, offering a genuine portrayal of relationship growth.
Set against the charming backdrop of an ancient Greek neighborhood, their tale evolves intriguingly as they take a bold step to buy land for their dream home despite financial uncertainties. The book skillfully recounts their endeavors to realize this ambition, encompassing economic challenges, interactions with developers, and the complexities of government red tape. The creativity displayed in their garden design is particularly noteworthy, providing a delightful contrast to the conventional ways of their neighbors.
Peter Barber does a remarkable job of immersing the reader in Greek culture, history, and language. Sharing the details of their life, from the big moments to the small details, makes readers feel like they are there with Alex and Peter, building their new life in Pefki. Peter's writing is ornate, capturing the magical nature of this Greek island and the mystical nature of the small fishing village.
A Parthenon in Pefki: Further Adventures of an Anglo-Greek Marriage is more than a memoir; it is a journey into cultural discovery and an adventure about taking risks. The portrayal of Greek life and love has left me looking forward to more works in this series to find out where life takes Alex and Peter next.
Set against the charming backdrop of an ancient Greek neighborhood, their tale evolves intriguingly as they take a bold step to buy land for their dream home despite financial uncertainties. The book skillfully recounts their endeavors to realize this ambition, encompassing economic challenges, interactions with developers, and the complexities of government red tape. The creativity displayed in their garden design is particularly noteworthy, providing a delightful contrast to the conventional ways of their neighbors.
Peter Barber does a remarkable job of immersing the reader in Greek culture, history, and language. Sharing the details of their life, from the big moments to the small details, makes readers feel like they are there with Alex and Peter, building their new life in Pefki. Peter's writing is ornate, capturing the magical nature of this Greek island and the mystical nature of the small fishing village.
A Parthenon in Pefki: Further Adventures of an Anglo-Greek Marriage is more than a memoir; it is a journey into cultural discovery and an adventure about taking risks. The portrayal of Greek life and love has left me looking forward to more works in this series to find out where life takes Alex and Peter next.
February 28, 2025
Having just finished the daunting task of project managing the building of their own apartment in Athens, what do Peter and Alex Barber do but start from scratch again with a house in the small fishing village of Pefki. The couple are taking a well-earned rest in the coastal village after the completion of their apartment when they spy a plot of land for sale. From that moment on, the fun begins. What with Alex’s unstoppable force, and Peter’s sometimes inept attempts to follow the nightmarish Greek bureaucracy attached to such an endeavour, there are laughs and frustrations in equal measure until they have their dream home. In the meantime, the villagers look on with amusement, especially when Peter tries to take up fishing. Played like a tiddler on a hook himself, he succumbs to their good-natured manipulation which makes him the subject of much affectionate mirth. This is a delightful book. I loved the self-deprecating humour, the insights into Greek culture and the anecdotes about Alex and her fiery disregard for convention. But what I loved most was Peter’s evident devotion and love for his wife, her family and their cultural history, which was, at times, deeply moving. Thank you, Peter Barber. This was a lovely read with tears of both laughter and emotion. I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 22, 2025
Peter's account of village life in Pefki on the Greek island of Evia seems idyllic - the Greek life we all want. It is, and I stress "if" you have the stamina to navigate Greek bureaucracy, which is an art form and illogical to expats. Fortunately, with the aid of his fearless wife, Alex, Peter has now grown accustomed to all this, and, like the persistent, stoic Englishman that he is, faces it head-on to build the house of their dreams. Through thick and thin, he gradually earns the trust of the wary villagers. Regardless of what chaos is thrown his way, his self-deprecatory sense of humour shines through. I loved it, and in the process, learned how to sail a small boat without vanishing into the murky waters of the Aegean with its myriad of strange sea creatures. Well done, too, to the villagers for risking their lives to fight one of the worst fires on Evia in living memory. An excellent and fun read.
October 1, 2023
A really lovely book
I'd read and enjoyed Peter Barber's previous book, but being senile, I could little about it! However, this book initially reminded me of the essence of Peter and his wife Alex' life in Athens, where they had demolished Alex's family home and replaced it with a block of flats where they have the penthouse.
Consequently, after all this, I am amazed at their sheer positivity and nerve to decide to buy a plot of land on the island of Evia and with equivalent determination have a house built. They have obviously worked incredibly hard to create a home and to immerse themselves in the life of the beautiful village of Pefki. The author gives a great flavour of delightful Greek village life. He writes well, is amusing and thought provoking.
I thoroughly recommend this book
I'd read and enjoyed Peter Barber's previous book, but being senile, I could little about it! However, this book initially reminded me of the essence of Peter and his wife Alex' life in Athens, where they had demolished Alex's family home and replaced it with a block of flats where they have the penthouse.
Consequently, after all this, I am amazed at their sheer positivity and nerve to decide to buy a plot of land on the island of Evia and with equivalent determination have a house built. They have obviously worked incredibly hard to create a home and to immerse themselves in the life of the beautiful village of Pefki. The author gives a great flavour of delightful Greek village life. He writes well, is amusing and thought provoking.
I thoroughly recommend this book
March 21, 2025
More fun adventures in Greece.
At the time of writing this book, Peter and his wife Alex have been together twenty years.
Building and fitting out their new home in Greece is complete. The temperatures are very high in July and August, so, like most locals, they get away to somewhere a little bit cooler. They love Pefki, so much so that they....... well, you'll have to read the book to find out. But what fun and adventures in store. A great read.
Blended with interesting historical info about the area, I enjoyed these bits.
Action-packed chapters with lots of laughs. And what palavers and rigmaroles they encounter too.
Plenty of humour, but also unpredictable with the panic and dramatic scenes in the end section of the book.
I have the next instalment ready on my Kindle!
At the time of writing this book, Peter and his wife Alex have been together twenty years.
Building and fitting out their new home in Greece is complete. The temperatures are very high in July and August, so, like most locals, they get away to somewhere a little bit cooler. They love Pefki, so much so that they....... well, you'll have to read the book to find out. But what fun and adventures in store. A great read.
Blended with interesting historical info about the area, I enjoyed these bits.
Action-packed chapters with lots of laughs. And what palavers and rigmaroles they encounter too.
Plenty of humour, but also unpredictable with the panic and dramatic scenes in the end section of the book.
I have the next instalment ready on my Kindle!
December 18, 2023
Peter Barber relates how he and his vivacious Greek wife make an impetuous land purcase in Pefki and build a second home there. In self-deprecating style, Peter reveals how his continuous efforts to integrate into the Greek way of things are perpetually scoffed at by the locals. Living among Greeks in Athens has not prepared him for life in a small community. But Peter is not a man who gives up and his determination eventually pays off. Of course, having a feisty, generous and wily Greek wife can only be a blessing when the authorities and their eternal bureaucracy constantly thwart any effort to progress. The book is heart-warming and interesting. It opens a window onto local life and shows how important communty can be when challenges arise. I enjoyed every minute.
January 21, 2024
Excellent!
Alex and Peter’s apartment building in Athens is now finished, and it’s time for a holiday. They head to the island of Evia, where they fall in love with not only the island, but a vacant block of land in the village of Pefki. They begin their plans to purchase it and build a new home, but problem after problem occurs as they deal with the Greek bureaucracy. The locals welcome them, and their new life begins, not without several hitches and hilarious adventures.
This is a most delightful memoir, with plenty of laughs, and a few tears. I listened to the audio book which was brilliantly narrated by Christopher Kendrick; I didn’t want it to end, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Alex and Peter’s apartment building in Athens is now finished, and it’s time for a holiday. They head to the island of Evia, where they fall in love with not only the island, but a vacant block of land in the village of Pefki. They begin their plans to purchase it and build a new home, but problem after problem occurs as they deal with the Greek bureaucracy. The locals welcome them, and their new life begins, not without several hitches and hilarious adventures.
This is a most delightful memoir, with plenty of laughs, and a few tears. I listened to the audio book which was brilliantly narrated by Christopher Kendrick; I didn’t want it to end, and cannot recommend it highly enough.
April 10, 2026
I found this book incredibly moving, given that my son, Luke, who is now deceased, constantly shared his ambition to buy an island and live there. Though Pefki is an inhabited island in Greece, I envisioned the incredible craftsmanship Peter and Alex poured into their dream home, despite its many obstacles. Peter’s journey with fishing was incredibly relatable, reminding me so much of my son’s own hobby; however, I’ll resist revealing any of the book’s secrets. Peter Barber’s masterful storytelling brought this book to life, offering an entertaining escape and plenty of hearty laughs. I doubt I’ll get through the day if I don’t begin the third book in the wonderfully engaging series called “The Parthenon.”
October 29, 2023
After a taxing couple of years, having a new house built in Glyfadda, Peter and Alex take a break on the Island of Evia where they 'accidently' buy a plot of land. This memoir is an entertaining account of their efforts to have their dream house built and of the way they settled into a more relaxing way of life in their new home. I love Peter's easy conversational style of writing and his lovely self deprecating sense of humour. His tales of buying a boat and his fishing excursions are just hilarious , one catch in particular almost reduced me to tears of laughter!
Whatever life throws at this couple they respond with positivity and enthusiasm, Alex is definitely a force of nature! Peter's love of his wife and his adopted country are evident on every page. I enjoy the way that Greek history is woven into the narrative, indeed, how could it not be? It was particularly interesting to learn the back history of Alex's family and the privations they had to endure.
It's a funny and heartwarming slice of Greek life. I'm very happy that there's another book to come in this delightful series.
Whatever life throws at this couple they respond with positivity and enthusiasm, Alex is definitely a force of nature! Peter's love of his wife and his adopted country are evident on every page. I enjoy the way that Greek history is woven into the narrative, indeed, how could it not be? It was particularly interesting to learn the back history of Alex's family and the privations they had to endure.
It's a funny and heartwarming slice of Greek life. I'm very happy that there's another book to come in this delightful series.
December 9, 2023
After reading Peter's first book 'A Parthenon on our roof' I was keen to read this second book, it did not disappoint! I love Peter's descriptive way of writing, you can certainly picture yourself sat in the taverna's, and take in the sights and sounds, if you love Greece this is the book for you, if you are considering moving to Greece it might be worth reading about the Greek bureaucracy! very slow, but get their in the end. Peter can often be the butt of the locals but takes it all in good humour, Alex (his wife) is a force to be reckoned with but love that their sense of humour helps them through the difficult situations, I look forward to your next adventure.
December 17, 2023
What a delight.
A follow-on to A Parthenon on my Roof, this second of Peter Barber’s memoir series set in Greece takes Peter and Greek wife, Alex, to the island of Pefki. A short drive and a million miles from the Athenian suburb of book one, Peter and Alex buy a plot of land to build their own island home with hilarious results.
Peter’s skill is in mixing the story of their adventures with Greek mythology, culture, and history. Through fire, flood, genocide, and plague, I giggled frequently at Peter and Alex’s antics, and cried over shocking recent history, of which I knew nothing.
Peter has clearly taken Greece to his heart and is a wonderful ambassador for this surprising country.
A follow-on to A Parthenon on my Roof, this second of Peter Barber’s memoir series set in Greece takes Peter and Greek wife, Alex, to the island of Pefki. A short drive and a million miles from the Athenian suburb of book one, Peter and Alex buy a plot of land to build their own island home with hilarious results.
Peter’s skill is in mixing the story of their adventures with Greek mythology, culture, and history. Through fire, flood, genocide, and plague, I giggled frequently at Peter and Alex’s antics, and cried over shocking recent history, of which I knew nothing.
Peter has clearly taken Greece to his heart and is a wonderful ambassador for this surprising country.
October 29, 2025
I loved this Parthenon sequel for being both well written and entertaining. I also looked forward to the illustrations and was not disappointed, and perhaps a special favorite had to do with a cleat in the side of a boat, as this was a perfect visual for the narrative.
This tale also had me looking back at my photos of August 21, 2021 to see what I was doing while the residents of Peter and Alex’s small Greek island faced an unimaginable challenge.
As before, I’m on to the next in the series.
This tale also had me looking back at my photos of August 21, 2021 to see what I was doing while the residents of Peter and Alex’s small Greek island faced an unimaginable challenge.
As before, I’m on to the next in the series.
October 27, 2023
I loved the first book so was excited to read this one, I wasn't disappointed.
Now that the building work is all complete in Glyfada Peter and Alex embark on a new challenge, buying a plot of land and building a house in an idyllic Greek village. Of course, in true fashion this doesn't come without its fair share of dealing with Greek bureaucracy! As always the story is told well with great humour.
Such a fun book, can't wait for the next one.
Now that the building work is all complete in Glyfada Peter and Alex embark on a new challenge, buying a plot of land and building a house in an idyllic Greek village. Of course, in true fashion this doesn't come without its fair share of dealing with Greek bureaucracy! As always the story is told well with great humour.
Such a fun book, can't wait for the next one.
June 4, 2024
Peter Barber’s second book continues his love story with Greece and with his fiery and alluring Greek wife. Wanting to get away from it all, they end up buying land in a picturesque sleepy fishing village and begin building their dream home with confidence and aplomb. Will this Brit turned Greek finally bite off more than he can chew? His latest must-read hilarious adventure will brighten your day. Peter doesn’t do “boring” and he lets nothing stop him. A lighthearted, fun and enjoyable read.
October 30, 2025
A great sequel to A Parthenon on our Roof. An entertaining account of building a house on Greek Island while trying not to break any laws, learning how to drive a boat, not sink it and not be attacked by sea creatures. The account of the fires on the island and the way the villagers pulled together to save their homes and village provided a more serious side to living on a hot sun drenched island. Looking forward to book 3!
October 6, 2023
Peter and Alex recently finished their home in Glyfada, but Alex finds an empty lot in the town of Pefki and they wonder if they want to do it again. Do they want to deal with the costs, builders, design and the difficult Greek bureaucracy for this quaint, summer location? In A Parthenon in Pefki, they take a deep breath and dive in as they take real swims and boat rides on the Aegean Sea while their new second home takes shape. There are many laugh-out-loud moments as Peter always seems to make the locals howl with laughter with his mishaps as the Greek transplant. A fun read!
September 16, 2024
In the first book in this series, Peter and his wife Alex had finally finished their new home build in Athens. In this book, they take a break on a local island and fall in love with a block of land in the village of Pefki.
January 12, 2025
Absolutely enjoyed this book.
The images Peter wrote about building there house, and the locals.
At times I was laughing out loud, for me memories of my Italian relatives.
I was reading till the early hours of the morning, .
Can’t wait to start on the next book
The images Peter wrote about building there house, and the locals.
At times I was laughing out loud, for me memories of my Italian relatives.
I was reading till the early hours of the morning, .
Can’t wait to start on the next book
July 26, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which was light, funny and well written. It was no hardship at all to make time for it and I read every single page of the forward and notes at the end as I didn't want it to finish. I would definitely read more books by this author.
September 20, 2026
More of the same from Peter, he must be very rich!
A house in Britain,2 beautiful houses in Greece, A boat , A gorgeous wife and plenty of time to travel and explore. It is a wonderful life for Peter . he is very rich in many ways!
A house in Britain,2 beautiful houses in Greece, A boat , A gorgeous wife and plenty of time to travel and explore. It is a wonderful life for Peter . he is very rich in many ways!
May 16, 2025
It was a fun read and good to read about Greece from the perspective of someone living there for mot of the year and keen to immerse themselves in the local culture
May 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It's full of wonderful amusing and heartwarming stories. It gives a lot of insight into life in Greece.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews