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The Magic In The Receiver
Set on the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia, this vivid family saga is lit with memorable characters: a man revisiting the haunting site of a childhood earthquake, and his American-born daughter who faces a decision that could change her life.
228 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2012
26 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Paul Dillon
1 book4 followersPaul Dillon is a British author living in Los Angeles, California. His first novel, THE MAGIC IN THE RECEIVER, was published in July 2012.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 29, 2017
This was a very "meh" book.
The story fluctuates back and forth between two stories, and although those stories are ultimately tied together, only one actually has an ending. It was incredibly frustrating to only have closure on the half of the story focused on Elena's father.
There was some nice scenery in the descriptions of the various islands and the religious ceremony, and I found myself really interested in the earthquake part of the story. But every time Elena came back, I groaned. She was so incredibly indecisive throughout the entire book, and that never changed. Despite what she felt for Ben, she ends up letting her fiancee that she doesn't really like make decisions for her. Actually, most of the book is Elena not being able to make a decision, and asking other people to tell her what to do.
There's a scene where she and Ben are discussing karma and Zen. She's a huge fan of both, and asks for Ben's take on them. He explains that he doesn't believe in karma, or in reincarnation, instead seeing the world as one entire living organism, with every creature making up a piece of that whole. Despite just saying that she loved the idea of karma, she instantly changes her mind to incorporate Ben's beliefs.
This book probably would have been stronger if it had focused more on Elena's father, and less on her. I can see the need for her as a character to be the outsider looking in on her father overcoming his emotional baggage, but why throw in a romantic affair when it isn't going anywhere?
The story fluctuates back and forth between two stories, and although those stories are ultimately tied together, only one actually has an ending. It was incredibly frustrating to only have closure on the half of the story focused on Elena's father.
There was some nice scenery in the descriptions of the various islands and the religious ceremony, and I found myself really interested in the earthquake part of the story. But every time Elena came back, I groaned. She was so incredibly indecisive throughout the entire book, and that never changed. Despite what she felt for Ben, she ends up letting her fiancee that she doesn't really like make decisions for her. Actually, most of the book is Elena not being able to make a decision, and asking other people to tell her what to do.
There's a scene where she and Ben are discussing karma and Zen. She's a huge fan of both, and asks for Ben's take on them. He explains that he doesn't believe in karma, or in reincarnation, instead seeing the world as one entire living organism, with every creature making up a piece of that whole. Despite just saying that she loved the idea of karma, she instantly changes her mind to incorporate Ben's beliefs.
This book probably would have been stronger if it had focused more on Elena's father, and less on her. I can see the need for her as a character to be the outsider looking in on her father overcoming his emotional baggage, but why throw in a romantic affair when it isn't going anywhere?
April 21, 2021
This book seemed to hold such promise, sadly for me, it didn't deliver. It goes backwards and forwards between the past and the present with nearly every other chapter. It isn't confusing, just irritating. I think it might have been better told in 2 halves.
The ending is really abrupt without a conclusion. In fact it seems the story just ends half way through the telling. Very odd. The idea could be a lovely story and the setting of Kefalonia is just perfect, but somehow the whole thing just didn't seem to work for me.
*****************************
Set on the enchanting Greek island of Kefalonia, THE MAGIC IN THE RECEIVER is both a moving family saga and modern romance exploring the timeless enigma of love.
Kefalonia Island, Greece: 1953
Tragedy strikes the Katros family following the Great Ionian Earthquake and nine-year-old Ioannis joins thousands in a mass-evacuation of the Greek island.
Sixty years later, accompanied by his American daughter Elena, Ioannis returns to attend a mysterious mountain festival and lay his ghosts to rest. Embracing her Kefalonian roots, Elena extends her stay on the island, despite the protests of her jealous fiancé. A chance encounter leads to a night of passion with the wealthy and enigmatic Ben, who soon sees lust turn to love - or is it a dangerous obsession...
The ending is really abrupt without a conclusion. In fact it seems the story just ends half way through the telling. Very odd. The idea could be a lovely story and the setting of Kefalonia is just perfect, but somehow the whole thing just didn't seem to work for me.
*****************************
Set on the enchanting Greek island of Kefalonia, THE MAGIC IN THE RECEIVER is both a moving family saga and modern romance exploring the timeless enigma of love.
Kefalonia Island, Greece: 1953
Tragedy strikes the Katros family following the Great Ionian Earthquake and nine-year-old Ioannis joins thousands in a mass-evacuation of the Greek island.
Sixty years later, accompanied by his American daughter Elena, Ioannis returns to attend a mysterious mountain festival and lay his ghosts to rest. Embracing her Kefalonian roots, Elena extends her stay on the island, despite the protests of her jealous fiancé. A chance encounter leads to a night of passion with the wealthy and enigmatic Ben, who soon sees lust turn to love - or is it a dangerous obsession...
May 19, 2017
Just read this while on holiday on Kefalonia. I loved the evocative images of the island and the flashback storyline involving the 1953 earthquake. But the storyline involving Elena was weak and without a conclusion. Sadly and frustratingly I felt this book had a lot of potential that it fails to live up to, much like the main protagonist, Elena.
January 10, 2020
The descriptions of beautiful Kefalonia in this book are wonderful without them I don’t think I could have finished the book. It had not substance there was so much potential but it wasn’t built on Elena’s story was left unfinished and while Yanni’s story was finished it never really started.
I was truly disappointed with this book
I was truly disappointed with this book
July 29, 2024
So disappointed, it felt like half or two thirds of a book. So much detail in parts and then left everything hanging in the air. As though the author had got bored with the story and just shut down. Immensely irritating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2017
Nice slow paced read, interesting to think about how the 53 earthquake affected the place. Having been to visit Gerasimo's church and had a tour of Kefalonia it was easy to picture lots of the places
August 7, 2015
This novels goes back and forth between the past in Argostoli, Kefalonia in 1953 during a massive earthquake, the present and a week prior to the present. The story of the past, during the earthquake, relays the story of what happened to a nine year old boy named Ionnis Katros and his family. I really enjoyed this part of the story. And, I am disappointed that the story didn't go back to that part as often as the present. I would have really like to know more about characters relationships and what exactly happened to Ionnis older brother. Or more about how Nicia's and Andrea's relationship blossoms to what it is now in the present. There was so much that could have been worked on during the past that would made the story so much more interesting.
Then, there is the week before the present. In which Elena comes to Kefalonia with her father, Ioannis, to the festivities to honor Saint Gerasimos and to remember the earthquakes of 1953. This part of the story is also not told out as much as it could be. I would have liked to see more in the father's eyes of what he was feeling. Of how he was reminiscing about the past and how it effected him. But this part of the story is pretty brief, and it is in the eyes of Elena who just sees second hand of how her father is feeling and mostly just thinks it is really hot and tiring.
Those two parts of the stories correspond with each other and were the most fascinating parts of the story. But then there is the present, which is the bulk of the novel and it just didn't feel like it fit with the rest of the story. It is about Elena staying after her family leaves, to go back to the states after the festivities, and then how she meets a man name Ben who instantly falls head over heels for her. The only thing it had in common with the rest of the novel was that Elena was in it. It would have been much more interesting if it tied into the rest of the novel like Elena trying to find out more history of the earthquake event or something of that nature but no it just about Elena meeting Ben. Which makes me dislike Elena and the decisions that she makes along the way. Each time a new chapter came I was hoping it would be about the past but it was more about Elena and her poor decisions.
There seems to be a lot of unnecessary descriptions in some places and not enough description in others. Some of the extra description bogs down the story and takes away from it. I want to know more about the earthquake history and what happens during that past and not of Elena and Ben having dinner. There is a lot of awkward dialogue where it is just boring to read or I think, who really talks like that?
Then, the ending it just abruptly stops! It doesn't really conclude anything at the end. Which I hope that doesn't mean there is another novel because really all we needed was one extra paragraph stating exactly what Elena does in the end. But overall I just wished the story played more off of the past instead of awkwardly adding it and having no relation at all to what was happening to the present.
Then, there is the week before the present. In which Elena comes to Kefalonia with her father, Ioannis, to the festivities to honor Saint Gerasimos and to remember the earthquakes of 1953. This part of the story is also not told out as much as it could be. I would have liked to see more in the father's eyes of what he was feeling. Of how he was reminiscing about the past and how it effected him. But this part of the story is pretty brief, and it is in the eyes of Elena who just sees second hand of how her father is feeling and mostly just thinks it is really hot and tiring.
Those two parts of the stories correspond with each other and were the most fascinating parts of the story. But then there is the present, which is the bulk of the novel and it just didn't feel like it fit with the rest of the story. It is about Elena staying after her family leaves, to go back to the states after the festivities, and then how she meets a man name Ben who instantly falls head over heels for her. The only thing it had in common with the rest of the novel was that Elena was in it. It would have been much more interesting if it tied into the rest of the novel like Elena trying to find out more history of the earthquake event or something of that nature but no it just about Elena meeting Ben. Which makes me dislike Elena and the decisions that she makes along the way. Each time a new chapter came I was hoping it would be about the past but it was more about Elena and her poor decisions.
There seems to be a lot of unnecessary descriptions in some places and not enough description in others. Some of the extra description bogs down the story and takes away from it. I want to know more about the earthquake history and what happens during that past and not of Elena and Ben having dinner. There is a lot of awkward dialogue where it is just boring to read or I think, who really talks like that?
Then, the ending it just abruptly stops! It doesn't really conclude anything at the end. Which I hope that doesn't mean there is another novel because really all we needed was one extra paragraph stating exactly what Elena does in the end. But overall I just wished the story played more off of the past instead of awkwardly adding it and having no relation at all to what was happening to the present.
August 25, 2012
I love a book that can transport me to another world, a faraway, exotic and beautiful place. As I read this book, I fell in love the picturesque Greek island of Kefalonia. I could hear the waves pounding on the beach and smell the aroma of the Bougainvillea that painted the island with swaths of vivid color.
There are two stories being told simultaneously. Elena is a young Greek-American woman visiting the land of her father. She is at a crossroads in her life, facing some serious decisions.
Then there is the story of her ancestors, who were victim to the horrendous earthquake of 1953. The only survivors were her father, aunt and uncle. Although they have moved on and lived lives that are rich in love and family, the emotional turmoil from the earthquake stay close to the surface.
A mystical ceremonial ritual brings most of the island together in a pilgrimage of sorts. This ends in giving the survivors a kind of closure and peace.
But Elena cannot find peace. She finds herself with more questions than answers. There are so many possibilities. She is completely enchanted by the island and can see herself settling in to the Kefalonian lifestyle permanently.
The insistent calls from her impatient fiancé’ start to feel smothering. His controlling manner seems to be pushing her into the arms of another, However, his demands that she return to Boston are forcing her to make a decision sooner rather than later.
She is intrigued by a local artist who seems to feed her hunger for an artistic outlet. He’s married, mysterious, sexy and a little bit scary. When he asks her to model for him, she is intrigued.
Then there is Ben, the rich American who seems to be chasing his own demons. He’s charismatic and knows exactly how to get what he wants. His attraction quickly approaches obsession.
Elena wonders about fate. Does everything happen for a reason?
I wonder if Elena will make it back to Boston safely.
Maybe she will live happily ever after in Kefalonia.
I don’t know if it is meant to be.
There is something ominous in the air…
There are two stories being told simultaneously. Elena is a young Greek-American woman visiting the land of her father. She is at a crossroads in her life, facing some serious decisions.
Then there is the story of her ancestors, who were victim to the horrendous earthquake of 1953. The only survivors were her father, aunt and uncle. Although they have moved on and lived lives that are rich in love and family, the emotional turmoil from the earthquake stay close to the surface.
A mystical ceremonial ritual brings most of the island together in a pilgrimage of sorts. This ends in giving the survivors a kind of closure and peace.
But Elena cannot find peace. She finds herself with more questions than answers. There are so many possibilities. She is completely enchanted by the island and can see herself settling in to the Kefalonian lifestyle permanently.
The insistent calls from her impatient fiancé’ start to feel smothering. His controlling manner seems to be pushing her into the arms of another, However, his demands that she return to Boston are forcing her to make a decision sooner rather than later.
She is intrigued by a local artist who seems to feed her hunger for an artistic outlet. He’s married, mysterious, sexy and a little bit scary. When he asks her to model for him, she is intrigued.
Then there is Ben, the rich American who seems to be chasing his own demons. He’s charismatic and knows exactly how to get what he wants. His attraction quickly approaches obsession.
Elena wonders about fate. Does everything happen for a reason?
I wonder if Elena will make it back to Boston safely.
Maybe she will live happily ever after in Kefalonia.
I don’t know if it is meant to be.
There is something ominous in the air…
December 4, 2012
Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Feel the balmy air and hot sun. See the beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and all the bright, vivid colors of the island. Smell the sweet flowers…hear the cicadas and birds chirping…taste the native foods and drink. The Magic in the Receiver is a paradise retreat for the senses…
Set on the Greek island of Kefalonia, The Magic in the Receiver consists of three story lines that tie together. The reader is taken back to 1953, following nine year old Ioannis Katros and his life leading up to the immense earthquake that left the island in ruin.
Set fifty years later in present day time, the second story line focuses on Ioannis, who returns to Kefalonia with his family. Never getting over the tragic events that occurred during the earthquake, Ioannis makes the pilgrimage to the Monastary of Agios Gerasimos, to honor Saint Gerasimos, the island’s patron saint. During this trip, he makes some discoveries about himself and learns to come to peace with his past.
The third interwoven story line is about Ioannis’ daughter, Elena, who decides to indefinitely extend her stay on the magical and beautiful island. Here, Elena meets the handsome, charming and wealthy Ben, who falls for her. Here, we follow her on her romantic adventure. Although she is in paradise, Elena is faced with many important life decisions. Should she embrace her Greek heritage and stay in Kefalonia with Ben or should she go back to her life Boston to a fiancé whom she is not in love with?
The Magic in the Receiver consists of island romance, history, tragedy, the tale of a patron saint, life’s decisions and most importantly, acceptance.
Paul Dillon is beautifully descriptive in his writing. I enjoyed envisioning the settings and the beauty he described. I especially enjoyed the story line from 1953 and found the information on Saint Gerasimos very interesting. However, when finished with the book, I was left wanting further information. Perhaps a sequel is in the works?
Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it to be well written.
Feel the balmy air and hot sun. See the beautiful beaches, turquoise waters and all the bright, vivid colors of the island. Smell the sweet flowers…hear the cicadas and birds chirping…taste the native foods and drink. The Magic in the Receiver is a paradise retreat for the senses…
Set on the Greek island of Kefalonia, The Magic in the Receiver consists of three story lines that tie together. The reader is taken back to 1953, following nine year old Ioannis Katros and his life leading up to the immense earthquake that left the island in ruin.
Set fifty years later in present day time, the second story line focuses on Ioannis, who returns to Kefalonia with his family. Never getting over the tragic events that occurred during the earthquake, Ioannis makes the pilgrimage to the Monastary of Agios Gerasimos, to honor Saint Gerasimos, the island’s patron saint. During this trip, he makes some discoveries about himself and learns to come to peace with his past.
The third interwoven story line is about Ioannis’ daughter, Elena, who decides to indefinitely extend her stay on the magical and beautiful island. Here, Elena meets the handsome, charming and wealthy Ben, who falls for her. Here, we follow her on her romantic adventure. Although she is in paradise, Elena is faced with many important life decisions. Should she embrace her Greek heritage and stay in Kefalonia with Ben or should she go back to her life Boston to a fiancé whom she is not in love with?
The Magic in the Receiver consists of island romance, history, tragedy, the tale of a patron saint, life’s decisions and most importantly, acceptance.
Paul Dillon is beautifully descriptive in his writing. I enjoyed envisioning the settings and the beauty he described. I especially enjoyed the story line from 1953 and found the information on Saint Gerasimos very interesting. However, when finished with the book, I was left wanting further information. Perhaps a sequel is in the works?
Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it to be well written.
October 3, 2014
Beautiful setting, yet only partial closure
The descriptions of the island of Kefalonia and life on it were both beautiful and accurate. I loved the way his words transported me right back there. (It's been years since I've been to my father's birthplace.)
The story of the earthquake and of Ioannis, Nicia, and Andreas were compelling. I kept waiting to see what would happen next, both in 1953 and the present day. I felt that there was good closure at the end of this part of the story.
Unfortunately, the story of Elena lacked the same kind of closure. In addition, the characters left something to be desired. (Unlike the 3 characters who survived the earthquake, who all felt real.)
I loved the book because it gave me a bit of my own father's history. Like Ioannis, he was a child who lived through the earthquake...one who later was sent to the U.S. to live with his aunt and uncle and didn't get back to the island until he was an adult. I appreciate the time the author spent researching a bit of my own history. I just wish he'd have given the younger generation a bit more depth and closure.
The descriptions of the island of Kefalonia and life on it were both beautiful and accurate. I loved the way his words transported me right back there. (It's been years since I've been to my father's birthplace.)
The story of the earthquake and of Ioannis, Nicia, and Andreas were compelling. I kept waiting to see what would happen next, both in 1953 and the present day. I felt that there was good closure at the end of this part of the story.
Unfortunately, the story of Elena lacked the same kind of closure. In addition, the characters left something to be desired. (Unlike the 3 characters who survived the earthquake, who all felt real.)
I loved the book because it gave me a bit of my own father's history. Like Ioannis, he was a child who lived through the earthquake...one who later was sent to the U.S. to live with his aunt and uncle and didn't get back to the island until he was an adult. I appreciate the time the author spent researching a bit of my own history. I just wish he'd have given the younger generation a bit more depth and closure.
February 20, 2013
Read my full review: http://bit.ly/W4aPCk
My opinion: I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. The book also didn't have the pop that I expected the book to have given its' setting. To be honest, it was quite vanilla given the passionate setting of the Greek isles. I found myself distracted frequently during the reading of this book. In reflecting on other Goodreads reviews of this book that have higher scores than mine, it describes deep descriptions of the island. I didn't see that though. Where there were "descriptions" it almost came off as forced or not appropriate to the scene occurring in the story. Being a lover of the Greek Isles, I was excited when approached to review this book, but, in all honest, was left kind of empty.
My opinion: I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love it either. The book also didn't have the pop that I expected the book to have given its' setting. To be honest, it was quite vanilla given the passionate setting of the Greek isles. I found myself distracted frequently during the reading of this book. In reflecting on other Goodreads reviews of this book that have higher scores than mine, it describes deep descriptions of the island. I didn't see that though. Where there were "descriptions" it almost came off as forced or not appropriate to the scene occurring in the story. Being a lover of the Greek Isles, I was excited when approached to review this book, but, in all honest, was left kind of empty.
May 28, 2013
The author does a great job describing the setting of the island. I loved the beginning of this book. It really seemed like it was headed somewhere. There was suspense in the tale of the father, and a sense of big decisions coming with Elena. Unfortunately, the story goes downhill from there. Ben goes from a young man who experiences beauty in tangible ways to a trust fund brat whose only thoughts seem to involve how many times he can have sex with his latest infatuation before she is gone forever. Elena doesn't seem to be able to comprehend her father's loss, instead focusing on her own decisions. It felt like two completely different stories by two authors copied and pasted together, with one missing any closure whatsoever. I don't recommend this story.
September 9, 2012
The Magic in the Receiver transports the reader to the beautiful Greek island of Kefalonia where we meet Ben, a rich man at loose ends, and Elena, a young Greek-American struggling to make a life-altering decision. The author takes us deep into the hearts and minds of these two people, with a keenly observed exploration of their dreams and desires. We also meet Elena's father, aunt and uncle--survivors of the terrible 1953 earthquakes on the island. The descriptions of the earthquakes, what it meant to each of the characters, and its lingering effects are vividly drawn. I highly recommend this book.
June 29, 2013
The book started off very promising with a great writing style, but the character of Ben didn't fit in. He was an immature 40 year old who lusted after younger, beautiful women. Allegedly, he couldn't get over the death of his girlfriend, so Daddy set him up with a trust fund. Perhaps I would have liked him better if he had not been so shallow and actually had to struggle through life.
Also, typos and missing words. Doesn't any one proofread any more??
Also, typos and missing words. Doesn't any one proofread any more??
February 22, 2013
What a wonderful book just intrigued enough to keep me reading until i was hooked. I do enjoyed this little masterpiece of romance and whimsy. I will go to this island someday. The characters were impossible and lovely and weird and wonderful. Get this one as you deserve a little romantic adventure in your life. email Danieldabear@Gmail.com
August 28, 2013
Blah. I am sure a lot of people found it some amazing emotional book. But to me... blah.
It hopped all over in time (it didn't just have a past timeline and a present timeline, but hopped all over in both as well as between them), making it difficult to follow, and nothing really felt resolved. I certainly didn't think much of the main female character either.
It hopped all over in time (it didn't just have a past timeline and a present timeline, but hopped all over in both as well as between them), making it difficult to follow, and nothing really felt resolved. I certainly didn't think much of the main female character either.
May 11, 2017
Enjoyed this book - liked the way it moved between the great earthquake and the present. Brought back strong memories of my time in Greece, although I don't know the island that well, the book has made me yearn to travel again. A good read!
May 14, 2013
This book had a very interesting setting in Greece. It was pleasant, however, it was not very memorable and did not leave a very lasting impression on me. However, it was a pretty nice book to read.
May 22, 2013
Really want to visit Greece after reading this story! I had hoped that there would be more of a connection between the past and the present of the story. That there wasn't, was a source of disappointment for me.
August 10, 2016
An enticing tale which links the lives of characters across the Greek island of Kefalonia! Perhaps more enjoyable as I read it whilst here on the Island... Painted the pictures of the Island perfectly! Must read!!
April 28, 2013
I liked this book until the ending. The descriptions of Greece and the food, the weather were wonderful, but the book did not have an ending that was satisfying in any way.
July 4, 2013
Good story, but an inconclusive ending, leaving the reader wondering what happened? Did Elena to back to Boston to Greg,OR was her last night with Ben enough to make her stay,
September 3, 2014
Don't bother.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews