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The Greek House
Can one house hold a lifetime of secrets?
Corfu, 1930
The moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home — and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance years before.
Returning to the Greek house, high above clear blue waters, Thirza tries to escape by immersing herself in painting — and a passionate affair.
But as webs of love, envy, and betrayal tighten around the family, buried secrets surface.
Is it finally time to uncover the truth about Billy’s vanishing?
Corfu, 1930
The moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home — and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance years before.
Returning to the Greek house, high above clear blue waters, Thirza tries to escape by immersing herself in painting — and a passionate affair.
But as webs of love, envy, and betrayal tighten around the family, buried secrets surface.
Is it finally time to uncover the truth about Billy’s vanishing?
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2025
639 people are currently reading
695 people want to read
About the author
Dinah Jefferies
23 books1,287 followers*Breaking News* Richard & Judy pick THE TEA PLANTERS WIFE for their autumn bookclub 2015. Here's what Santa Montefiore said: ‘My ideal read; mystery, love, heart-break and joy – I couldn’t put it down.’
Here's what Richard Madeley said. "The Tea Planter’s Wife is so much more than a conventional love story, with all its twists and turns and guilt and betrayal...deeply impressive. The fetid, steamy atmosphere of the tropics rises from these pages like a humid mist. We are on a tea plantation in 1920s Ceylon and 19 year old Gwendolyn Hooper is the new bride of the owner, a wealthy and charming widower. But her romantic dreams of marriage are overshadowed by echoes from the past – an old trunk of musty dresses; an overgrown and neglected gravestone in the grounds. Her new husband refuses to talk about them. Gwen’s perfect man is becoming a perfect stranger…"
Quote from the great author Kate Furnivall about my first book THE SEPARATION:
'A powerful story of love and loss that is utterly captivating. I was drawn deep into the world of Malaya and England in the 1950s in this intense exploration of what it means to love. Beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, Dinah Jefferies skilfully captures this fragile moment of history in a complex and thrilling tale. THE SEPARATION is a gripping and intelligent read.'
In 1985, the sudden death of Dinah Jefferies’ fourteen year old son brought her life to a standstill. She drew on that experience, and on her own childhood spent in Malaya during the 1950s to write her debut novel, The Separation. The guns piled high on the hall table when the rubber planters came into town for a party, the colour and noise of Chinatown, the houses on stilts, and the lizards that left their tails behind.
Now living in Gloucestershire, Dinah once lived in Tuscany working as an au pair for an Italian countess; she has also lived in a ‘hippy’ rock’n roll commune based in an Elizabethan manor house, but started writing when she was living in a small 16th Century village in Spain.
Here's what Richard Madeley said. "The Tea Planter’s Wife is so much more than a conventional love story, with all its twists and turns and guilt and betrayal...deeply impressive. The fetid, steamy atmosphere of the tropics rises from these pages like a humid mist. We are on a tea plantation in 1920s Ceylon and 19 year old Gwendolyn Hooper is the new bride of the owner, a wealthy and charming widower. But her romantic dreams of marriage are overshadowed by echoes from the past – an old trunk of musty dresses; an overgrown and neglected gravestone in the grounds. Her new husband refuses to talk about them. Gwen’s perfect man is becoming a perfect stranger…"
Quote from the great author Kate Furnivall about my first book THE SEPARATION:
'A powerful story of love and loss that is utterly captivating. I was drawn deep into the world of Malaya and England in the 1950s in this intense exploration of what it means to love. Beautifully written and wonderfully atmospheric, Dinah Jefferies skilfully captures this fragile moment of history in a complex and thrilling tale. THE SEPARATION is a gripping and intelligent read.'
In 1985, the sudden death of Dinah Jefferies’ fourteen year old son brought her life to a standstill. She drew on that experience, and on her own childhood spent in Malaya during the 1950s to write her debut novel, The Separation. The guns piled high on the hall table when the rubber planters came into town for a party, the colour and noise of Chinatown, the houses on stilts, and the lizards that left their tails behind.
Now living in Gloucestershire, Dinah once lived in Tuscany working as an au pair for an Italian countess; she has also lived in a ‘hippy’ rock’n roll commune based in an Elizabethan manor house, but started writing when she was living in a small 16th Century village in Spain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
May 7, 2025
Greece, 1923. The Caruthers are an English family, parents Piers and Dulcie, and children Thirza and Billy who live on the island of Corfu, one day Benito Mussolini orders a naval bombardment of the town and during the panic their nine year old son goes missing.
Dulcie left him with her cousin Columbine, as she wanted to check the refugee children near the port and when she returns Billy’s vanished. Despite a thorough search he’s not found and it's called off and he's presumed dead and it tears the family apart.
Dulcie a travel writer returns home to England with Thirza, Piers is in charge of English police training in Corfu and he stays behind. The couple’s marriage isn’t a happy one and the loss of Billy drives a wedge between them and it can’t be removed.
Greece, 1930. Thirza an artist and book illustrator returns to Corfu, and stays at her mother’s families house called Merchant’s and it’s been locked up for seven years and it's full of both happy and sad memories. Dulcie meets a charming Italian man called Emilio, and they have a love affair and she has no idea what will happen when people find out and the consequences.
I received a copy of The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and in exchange for an unbiased review. Set on the beautiful island overlooking the Ionian Sea, the narrative covers a turbulent time in Greek history and it explores what betrayal and secrets, resentment and grudges, and lies and jealousy can do and it's all revealed at the end and what really happened to Billy.
Four and a half stars from me, I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the drama filled historical saga and I highly recommend.
Dulcie left him with her cousin Columbine, as she wanted to check the refugee children near the port and when she returns Billy’s vanished. Despite a thorough search he’s not found and it's called off and he's presumed dead and it tears the family apart.
Dulcie a travel writer returns home to England with Thirza, Piers is in charge of English police training in Corfu and he stays behind. The couple’s marriage isn’t a happy one and the loss of Billy drives a wedge between them and it can’t be removed.
Greece, 1930. Thirza an artist and book illustrator returns to Corfu, and stays at her mother’s families house called Merchant’s and it’s been locked up for seven years and it's full of both happy and sad memories. Dulcie meets a charming Italian man called Emilio, and they have a love affair and she has no idea what will happen when people find out and the consequences.
I received a copy of The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and in exchange for an unbiased review. Set on the beautiful island overlooking the Ionian Sea, the narrative covers a turbulent time in Greek history and it explores what betrayal and secrets, resentment and grudges, and lies and jealousy can do and it's all revealed at the end and what really happened to Billy.
Four and a half stars from me, I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the drama filled historical saga and I highly recommend.
April 16, 2025
When the Italian army invaded Corfu in 1923 and nine year old Billy disappeared, the lives of Thirza Caruthers and her parents changed forever. Dulcie grieved deeply, moving to London, while Piers busied himself with business. When Thirza finally returned to the island and their dusty, abandoned home, her determination to return the house to its former glory held great merit. Cleaning, dusting, then painting, renovating - it was beginning to come to fruition when she met an Italian man visiting the island. Their affair was passionate, but it also set more problems into motion. With secrets surrounding everyone, and Billy always in their thoughts, the one constant was - would they ever find what really happened to Billy?
The Greek House is another wonderful historical novel by Dinah Jefferies, although I must say, the explicit sex scenes weren't something I expected from this author. The location is exceptional; the beauty of the island and scenery around Thirza's house and the deliciously blue waters, sublime. Corfu is somewhere I'd love to visit :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
The Greek House is another wonderful historical novel by Dinah Jefferies, although I must say, the explicit sex scenes weren't something I expected from this author. The location is exceptional; the beauty of the island and scenery around Thirza's house and the deliciously blue waters, sublime. Corfu is somewhere I'd love to visit :) Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.
abandoned
May 1, 2025I dnf'd this - absolutely nothing wrong per se with the book, or the writing, I can just no longer read sad stories! Whilst I'm sure this would have turned round....it was a bit too heavy going for me nowadays. I need uplifting reads!
June 1, 2025
Always enjoy her books. Was interesting to find out more about Corfu. While a pleasant read the whole story seemed a bit unbelievable and the ending while happy was a bit contrived and predictable.
March 7, 2025
I always enjoy picking up a new Dinah Jefferies book and finding out which part of the world she’s going to take me to next! India, Sri Lanka, Italy, Morocco and Malaysia are just some of the places I’ve visited through the pages of her novels and now I can add Corfu to the list. More specifically, Corfu in 1923, when the island is occupied by Mussolini’s Italy following a border dispute between Greece and Albania.
Sixteen-year-old Thirza and her nine-year-old brother, Billy, are caught up in the panic on the streets of Corfu Old Town during the Italian naval attack. Dulcie, their mother, has left them with her cousin, Columbine, while she goes to check on a camp of refugee children with whom she volunteers, and when she returns, she finds that Billy has disappeared. Despite weeks of searching, the little boy can’t be found and is eventually presumed dead. Struggling to cope with the trauma, Dulcie blames both Thirza and Columbine for what has happened and goes home to England, leaving behind her husband Piers, director of the British police training school in Corfu.
In 1930, Thirza returns to the island after a long absence, planning to renovate the old family home, Merchant’s House, in the hope that one day her mother will also feel ready to join her there. A lot has changed in the intervening years – the Italians have left and there’s a new woman in her father’s life – but Thirza still feels the shadow of her brother’s disappearance and decides to renew her efforts to find out the truth.
The Greek House is probably not my favourite Dinah Jefferies book, mainly because I found it too easy to predict some of the plot twists and I also thought the number of explicit sex scenes was a bit unnecessary. I loved the Corfu setting, though; everything comes to life in wonderfully vivid detail, whether the intense purple of bougainvillea or the changing colours of the sea in the sunlight. I also knew nothing about the Italian occupation of 1923, so that was interesting, although it only forms a small part of the story.
The disappearance of Billy happens very early in the novel, but it’s the trigger for everything else that happens and I liked the way Jefferies explores the impact of such a tragic incident on the various family members, depending on their different personalities and circumstances. Although I did naturally feel sorry for Dulcie, I also found it slightly annoying that she never really seemed to accept any responsibility for leaving her child in the middle of an invasion in the care of a teenager and a woman who was drunk at the time. Most of my sympathies were with Thirza, who has to live with the guilt as well as the sense of loss, and who feels that her mother will never truly forgive her. The feelings of Dulcie’s husband, Piers, seem to be largely ignored by everybody due to his hard, aloof exterior, but later in the book he mellows thanks to his relationship with his new girlfriend, Penelope – a character I ended up loving.
In her author’s note at the end, Jefferies hints that we’re going to meet some of the same characters again in her next book. That’s something to look forward to!
Sixteen-year-old Thirza and her nine-year-old brother, Billy, are caught up in the panic on the streets of Corfu Old Town during the Italian naval attack. Dulcie, their mother, has left them with her cousin, Columbine, while she goes to check on a camp of refugee children with whom she volunteers, and when she returns, she finds that Billy has disappeared. Despite weeks of searching, the little boy can’t be found and is eventually presumed dead. Struggling to cope with the trauma, Dulcie blames both Thirza and Columbine for what has happened and goes home to England, leaving behind her husband Piers, director of the British police training school in Corfu.
In 1930, Thirza returns to the island after a long absence, planning to renovate the old family home, Merchant’s House, in the hope that one day her mother will also feel ready to join her there. A lot has changed in the intervening years – the Italians have left and there’s a new woman in her father’s life – but Thirza still feels the shadow of her brother’s disappearance and decides to renew her efforts to find out the truth.
The Greek House is probably not my favourite Dinah Jefferies book, mainly because I found it too easy to predict some of the plot twists and I also thought the number of explicit sex scenes was a bit unnecessary. I loved the Corfu setting, though; everything comes to life in wonderfully vivid detail, whether the intense purple of bougainvillea or the changing colours of the sea in the sunlight. I also knew nothing about the Italian occupation of 1923, so that was interesting, although it only forms a small part of the story.
The disappearance of Billy happens very early in the novel, but it’s the trigger for everything else that happens and I liked the way Jefferies explores the impact of such a tragic incident on the various family members, depending on their different personalities and circumstances. Although I did naturally feel sorry for Dulcie, I also found it slightly annoying that she never really seemed to accept any responsibility for leaving her child in the middle of an invasion in the care of a teenager and a woman who was drunk at the time. Most of my sympathies were with Thirza, who has to live with the guilt as well as the sense of loss, and who feels that her mother will never truly forgive her. The feelings of Dulcie’s husband, Piers, seem to be largely ignored by everybody due to his hard, aloof exterior, but later in the book he mellows thanks to his relationship with his new girlfriend, Penelope – a character I ended up loving.
In her author’s note at the end, Jefferies hints that we’re going to meet some of the same characters again in her next book. That’s something to look forward to!
February 9, 2025
The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Curl up on the sofa with a drink and this book. It’s a great read, whisking you off to the island of Corfu in the 1920’s. Starts with a historical event that upends everyone’s lives then pulls you through a fabulous story of love, friendship, heartache, family angst. Every character gets into your head. I’ve loved all of Dinah Jefferies novels and this is one of her best. Thank you to HarperFiction amend Netgalley for this advance copy. Publication date 24 April 2025.
Curl up on the sofa with a drink and this book. It’s a great read, whisking you off to the island of Corfu in the 1920’s. Starts with a historical event that upends everyone’s lives then pulls you through a fabulous story of love, friendship, heartache, family angst. Every character gets into your head. I’ve loved all of Dinah Jefferies novels and this is one of her best. Thank you to HarperFiction amend Netgalley for this advance copy. Publication date 24 April 2025.
June 24, 2025
Loved this booked , I got immersed in its descriptive writing of Corfu , its characters and I’d social history Such a fabulous read and what a great author Diane is I love her storytelling
March 10, 2025
Ah, Corfu. A place of sun-drenched beauty, and in the pages of this book, a vessel overflowing with a lifetime's worth of whispered secrets. Thirza Caruthers, our protagonist, returns to this idyllic isle, and immediately, the past, thick with the scent of jasmine and the shadow of her brother Billy's disappearance, wraps itself around her like a clinging vine.
The author paints Corfu with a brush dipped in sunlight and sea spray. You can almost feel the warm breeze and hear the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. It's a truly evocative setting, one that perfectly mirrors the story's blend of beauty and hidden darkness.
However, while Corfu shines, Thirza, bless her, often grated on my nerves. There's a certain self-absorption that simmers beneath her artistic temperament, a reluctance to truly see beyond her own experiences. It's a character trait that, while perhaps realistic, made her a difficult companion at times.
The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, a slow burn that allows the tension to build. We are drawn into the intricate web of family relationships, the tangled threads of love, envy, and betrayal. The suspense is palpable, the anticipation of the big reveal growing with each passing chapter.
And then, the dam bursts. Secrets that have lain dormant for years come tumbling out, and perhaps, just perhaps, a little too quickly. The final revelations, while satisfying in their way, felt a tad rushed, a flurry of plot twists that threatened to overwhelm the carefully constructed atmosphere. One particular twist, in my humble opinion, ventured into the realm of the melodramatic.
Furthermore, the book, a generous 400-plus pages, did feel a little stretched towards the end. There were moments where the narrative meandered, where the family drama, though compelling, became a touch overwhelming. It's as though the author, in their eagerness to tie up every loose end, added a few too many knots.
Despite these minor quibbles, the heart of the story remains compelling. The exploration of family secrets, the yearning for truth, and the lingering shadow of loss are all handled with a deft touch. And, of course, the ever-present beauty of Corfu, a character in its own right, provides a stunning backdrop to this tale of hidden truths and long-buried memories.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The author paints Corfu with a brush dipped in sunlight and sea spray. You can almost feel the warm breeze and hear the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore. It's a truly evocative setting, one that perfectly mirrors the story's blend of beauty and hidden darkness.
However, while Corfu shines, Thirza, bless her, often grated on my nerves. There's a certain self-absorption that simmers beneath her artistic temperament, a reluctance to truly see beyond her own experiences. It's a character trait that, while perhaps realistic, made her a difficult companion at times.
The narrative unfolds at a measured pace, a slow burn that allows the tension to build. We are drawn into the intricate web of family relationships, the tangled threads of love, envy, and betrayal. The suspense is palpable, the anticipation of the big reveal growing with each passing chapter.
And then, the dam bursts. Secrets that have lain dormant for years come tumbling out, and perhaps, just perhaps, a little too quickly. The final revelations, while satisfying in their way, felt a tad rushed, a flurry of plot twists that threatened to overwhelm the carefully constructed atmosphere. One particular twist, in my humble opinion, ventured into the realm of the melodramatic.
Furthermore, the book, a generous 400-plus pages, did feel a little stretched towards the end. There were moments where the narrative meandered, where the family drama, though compelling, became a touch overwhelming. It's as though the author, in their eagerness to tie up every loose end, added a few too many knots.
Despite these minor quibbles, the heart of the story remains compelling. The exploration of family secrets, the yearning for truth, and the lingering shadow of loss are all handled with a deft touch. And, of course, the ever-present beauty of Corfu, a character in its own right, provides a stunning backdrop to this tale of hidden truths and long-buried memories.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 17, 2025
Two dimensional characters. I didn’t care enough about any of them. Beginning with the Italian invasion of Corfu was interesting and reasonably well done enough to keep me reading until I realised how ridiculous the rest of the plot was, at which point I was too far in to not finish it. Got worse by the end and felt as though the author was trying to tie every single plot line to somehow resolve everything into a happy family. Which seems unlikely given that the sister marries and has a child with her brother’s father. Which somehow wasn’t the most insane thing in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2025
I enjoyed this story although the twist at 60% I’m still not sure about. It took me a while to connect with the characters but as it went, I did feel them all softening, and I did feel like I got to know the family.
Ultimately it is about a boy, Billy, who goes missing after the Corfu Incident, and the effect it has on his family. Lies, deceit, naivety crept up throughout this story. The ending seemed a bit fairytale like, but I was glad of it!
Overall, another good read by Dinah Jefferies.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel in return of an honest review.
Ultimately it is about a boy, Billy, who goes missing after the Corfu Incident, and the effect it has on his family. Lies, deceit, naivety crept up throughout this story. The ending seemed a bit fairytale like, but I was glad of it!
Overall, another good read by Dinah Jefferies.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this novel in return of an honest review.
May 8, 2025
Set on the Greek Island of Corfu, the story begins with the Italian invasion of the island. In the chaos of the attack, 9 year old Billy goes missing.
Years later, Billy's sister has returned to the island to refurbish their family home and hopefully convince her mother to return. Instead, she ends up falling in love and uncovering some family secrets.
I really loved the setting of this book. The author describes the island beautifully and I would love to visit.
There was an interesting cast of characters and I enjoyed the family dynamics between them.
Plot wise, I think I was expecting more of an investigation into Billy's disappearance. Instead it was a catalyst for the family saga that followed. There were a few twists and surprises in the story, some I had guessed, some I hadn't.
Overall, a beautiful and enjoyable book. I will look out for more from this author.
Years later, Billy's sister has returned to the island to refurbish their family home and hopefully convince her mother to return. Instead, she ends up falling in love and uncovering some family secrets.
I really loved the setting of this book. The author describes the island beautifully and I would love to visit.
There was an interesting cast of characters and I enjoyed the family dynamics between them.
Plot wise, I think I was expecting more of an investigation into Billy's disappearance. Instead it was a catalyst for the family saga that followed. There were a few twists and surprises in the story, some I had guessed, some I hadn't.
Overall, a beautiful and enjoyable book. I will look out for more from this author.
April 24, 2025
Corfu, 1930 & the moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home — and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance seven years before.
Returning to the Greek house, high above clear blue waters, Thirza tries to escape by immersing herself in painting and a passionate affair.
Another very well written book from the author, the description of the settings is stunning, the characters well portrayed & the story drew me in from the start. There are secrets plus twists & turns plus this is steamier than other books I’ve read by the author. An engrossing book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Returning to the Greek house, high above clear blue waters, Thirza tries to escape by immersing herself in painting and a passionate affair.
Another very well written book from the author, the description of the settings is stunning, the characters well portrayed & the story drew me in from the start. There are secrets plus twists & turns plus this is steamier than other books I’ve read by the author. An engrossing book which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 11, 2025
Another book based in Greece! I keep getting drawn to them. This one was a lovely book to read, with many ups and downs along the way. I can't say too much without spoiling it though. This book has the most beautiful imagery of Corfu, I feel sad to have finished and have to leave the island behind for now.
July 11, 2025
A story of secrets and tangled love within a family torn apart by tragic loss. Set in an idyllic part of Corfu with lovely descriptions of the area. An enjoyable read.
April 23, 2025
3.5 stars
The Greek House is an emotional family saga set on the beautiful island of Corfu. The vivid descriptions of the island were amazing and the sound of the house Merchants, and its grounds such a great place to live in.
Thurza was an interesting character - the memories of her brother’s disappearance so tied up in the house at Merchants - it felt like she was never able to move on. Being so young when he disappeared meant she felt the full force of her parents grief as well as her own.
Secrets and lies filled the walls of the house and it must have been so frustrating for her to understand the impact of Billy’s disappearance on her parents but also their own actions before and after the tragedy.
The Greek House is an emotional family saga set on the beautiful island of Corfu. The vivid descriptions of the island were amazing and the sound of the house Merchants, and its grounds such a great place to live in.
Thurza was an interesting character - the memories of her brother’s disappearance so tied up in the house at Merchants - it felt like she was never able to move on. Being so young when he disappeared meant she felt the full force of her parents grief as well as her own.
Secrets and lies filled the walls of the house and it must have been so frustrating for her to understand the impact of Billy’s disappearance on her parents but also their own actions before and after the tragedy.
June 18, 2025
You can't tell a book by its author. That's what I learned when I read this novel. I have been a fan of Ms. Jefferies for quite some time, yet this book will not be amongst my favorites. It was overlong, over done and one that I finished (not that I wanted to) barely. When I requested this novel I did so because it was written by Dinah Jefferies, to me that said it all. The background, set in Corfu, was wonderful...the story an overdrawn romance.
November 10, 2025
A gripping read full of unexpected twists!
May 27, 2025
This was a great family saga set in Corfu, we cover (I think), just over 10 years from 1923 when nine year old Billy goes missing and his bloody clothes are found, up until a family gathering in 1933.
Billy’s disappearance has a ripple affect on the wider family, his mother goes back to London, his sister moves back to Corfu and his father remarries.
There are a few layers to this story, I really enjoyed it and looking forward to Dinah Jefferies next book which she hints at the end of this one, which will include some characters from The Greek House!
Billy’s disappearance has a ripple affect on the wider family, his mother goes back to London, his sister moves back to Corfu and his father remarries.
There are a few layers to this story, I really enjoyed it and looking forward to Dinah Jefferies next book which she hints at the end of this one, which will include some characters from The Greek House!
May 29, 2025
Long drawn-out read.
Far too slow and repetitive. I struggled to keep motivated to finish the book as the story felt bland and unexciting.
Far too slow and repetitive. I struggled to keep motivated to finish the book as the story felt bland and unexciting.
May 25, 2025
I think that it might have improved my rating if there had been some light relief. Until the end, everything was so bleak and sad. I kept reading just to find out what happened to the boy. But, if I had been depressed, reading it would have depressed me even more.
February 18, 2025
When Dinah Jefferies brings out a new novel, I don't ask twice, I buy her books blindly :-)
So here we are now in Greece, more precisely on the island of Corfu, and the year is 1923. The British Caruthers family lives on Corfu when tragedy strikes. Out of the blue, Mussolini's Italy launches a military attack on the Greek island; chaos breaks out for a few days - and little Billy disappears. Did he break away from his aunt Columbine's hand? Was his big sister Thirza careless? Dulcie, the mother, is inconsolable. The loss of the child is a catastrophe, and the family leaves the island, and with it the wonderful "Greek House", the place that was always a cheerful refuge for everyone.
1930: Thirza and her cousin return to Corfu. Thirza wants to renovate the property; and heal her soul there. She throws herself into a passionate affair with an Italian, and as she slowly finds herself again, we readers will delve deeper into the Caruthers family secrets...it's not all sunshine and roses here, and we keep circling around Billy, whose body was never found and who played an essential role for the family...and still does.
In principle, this pretty much describes the content of the novel, or at least roughly outlines it. It's not like an incredible amount of things actually happen here. This is about family dynamics. About family secrets, about what holds families together at their core - or not. About the social glue. About love and betrayal. And when a child disappears - or dies - that's one of the worst things that can happen to a family, and the feelings of everyone involved are suddenly very raw and exposed, and the masks can fall.
So, what do I say about that? On the one hand, I liked the novel, Ms Jefferies can simply write well and knows how to captivate her readers. Against the idyllic Mediterranean backdrop, everything is wonderful anyway :-), even dramas like this one. But I just wasn't really into it this time. There was somehow too much family drama for me, and above all a bit too many revelations at the end. The last plot twist was a bit over-the-top, and I didn't really warm to Thirza, the main character for large parts of the novel. And while I still felt a lot for Dulcy and her pain at the beginning, at some point I found Dulcy just a bit too self-centered... Yes, difficult. I think overall there was a bit too much emotion and a bit too little action for me. OK, the plot did get a bit too long at the end, but the book is over 400 pages in total, and in my opinion there were some long sections. But as I said, the author knows her craft and I enjoyed reading the novel and don't want to get bogged down in the details. Curtain up for drama and family tragedies... with a happy ending :-)
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and thank Netgalley for the review copy!
So here we are now in Greece, more precisely on the island of Corfu, and the year is 1923. The British Caruthers family lives on Corfu when tragedy strikes. Out of the blue, Mussolini's Italy launches a military attack on the Greek island; chaos breaks out for a few days - and little Billy disappears. Did he break away from his aunt Columbine's hand? Was his big sister Thirza careless? Dulcie, the mother, is inconsolable. The loss of the child is a catastrophe, and the family leaves the island, and with it the wonderful "Greek House", the place that was always a cheerful refuge for everyone.
1930: Thirza and her cousin return to Corfu. Thirza wants to renovate the property; and heal her soul there. She throws herself into a passionate affair with an Italian, and as she slowly finds herself again, we readers will delve deeper into the Caruthers family secrets...it's not all sunshine and roses here, and we keep circling around Billy, whose body was never found and who played an essential role for the family...and still does.
In principle, this pretty much describes the content of the novel, or at least roughly outlines it. It's not like an incredible amount of things actually happen here. This is about family dynamics. About family secrets, about what holds families together at their core - or not. About the social glue. About love and betrayal. And when a child disappears - or dies - that's one of the worst things that can happen to a family, and the feelings of everyone involved are suddenly very raw and exposed, and the masks can fall.
So, what do I say about that? On the one hand, I liked the novel, Ms Jefferies can simply write well and knows how to captivate her readers. Against the idyllic Mediterranean backdrop, everything is wonderful anyway :-), even dramas like this one. But I just wasn't really into it this time. There was somehow too much family drama for me, and above all a bit too many revelations at the end. The last plot twist was a bit over-the-top, and I didn't really warm to Thirza, the main character for large parts of the novel. And while I still felt a lot for Dulcy and her pain at the beginning, at some point I found Dulcy just a bit too self-centered... Yes, difficult. I think overall there was a bit too much emotion and a bit too little action for me. OK, the plot did get a bit too long at the end, but the book is over 400 pages in total, and in my opinion there were some long sections. But as I said, the author knows her craft and I enjoyed reading the novel and don't want to get bogged down in the details. Curtain up for drama and family tragedies... with a happy ending :-)
I give it 4 out of 5 stars and thank Netgalley for the review copy!
February 17, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a review copy of this book. Dinah Jeffries can usually be counted on for exotic settings in the past for her historical novels and I find it always an opportunity to enhance my understanding of the events of the time period in a place that I knew little about while reading a very enjoyable story. Her novels are like sipping a glass of fine wine slowly while eating a relaxing, wonderful savoury dinner.
Corfu in the 1920s and 1930s is the setting for this novel filled with betrayal lies and secrets that began with the disappearance of one young boy the day the Italians decided to invade and occupy Corfu in 1923. His sister Thirza is only sixteen at the time of her brother Billy’s disappearance. Billy had been the centre of her mother’s world and Thirza’s own, but the day that her mother’s drunken cousin lost track of Billy amid a swirling, panicked crowd marked the point where everything changed in Thirza’s life. Her mother fell apart as did her parents’ marriage. She and her mother returned to England, leaving her father behind to continue his job and the remote house that had belonged to her mother. It’s nearly ten years later that Thirza returns with her cousin to fix up the house in the hopes that her mother might return too. Thirza had missed the house terribly and the lovely memories it contained, despite the loss of her brother. While she works on the house she comes across Emilio, an older Italian man whose presence is mesmerising and disturbing at the same time. Though he mistakes her for one of the workers, she doesn’t disabuse him of this notion liking the image it portrays of her. Independent and always full of determination Thirza finds in Emilio’s company she can only be lost to his presence. Amid all this emotional turmoil small bits and pieces of the events around Billy and his place in the family begin to emerge and puzzle Thirza. These elements add to the turmoil in and around Thirza and eventually lead inevitably to reveal the lies and truths that had been hidden for so long.
There are several plot threads to this story that Jeffries sets against the heady backdrop of a remote Corfu coastal home. The times period creates a softness through which to view the characters that are complex and flawed. The suspense of hidden truths and complex relationships moves the story at a steady pace and follows it to the big reveal that may have been a bit hurried but lead to a satisfying conclusion. A story that won’t let any fans down.
Corfu in the 1920s and 1930s is the setting for this novel filled with betrayal lies and secrets that began with the disappearance of one young boy the day the Italians decided to invade and occupy Corfu in 1923. His sister Thirza is only sixteen at the time of her brother Billy’s disappearance. Billy had been the centre of her mother’s world and Thirza’s own, but the day that her mother’s drunken cousin lost track of Billy amid a swirling, panicked crowd marked the point where everything changed in Thirza’s life. Her mother fell apart as did her parents’ marriage. She and her mother returned to England, leaving her father behind to continue his job and the remote house that had belonged to her mother. It’s nearly ten years later that Thirza returns with her cousin to fix up the house in the hopes that her mother might return too. Thirza had missed the house terribly and the lovely memories it contained, despite the loss of her brother. While she works on the house she comes across Emilio, an older Italian man whose presence is mesmerising and disturbing at the same time. Though he mistakes her for one of the workers, she doesn’t disabuse him of this notion liking the image it portrays of her. Independent and always full of determination Thirza finds in Emilio’s company she can only be lost to his presence. Amid all this emotional turmoil small bits and pieces of the events around Billy and his place in the family begin to emerge and puzzle Thirza. These elements add to the turmoil in and around Thirza and eventually lead inevitably to reveal the lies and truths that had been hidden for so long.
There are several plot threads to this story that Jeffries sets against the heady backdrop of a remote Corfu coastal home. The times period creates a softness through which to view the characters that are complex and flawed. The suspense of hidden truths and complex relationships moves the story at a steady pace and follows it to the big reveal that may have been a bit hurried but lead to a satisfying conclusion. A story that won’t let any fans down.
March 26, 2025
Everyone who knows me and has followed my social media accounts for some time will be aware of my love of Corfu. It is an island that I fell in love with well over twenty years ago and make a point of returning to every year. It is not just a holiday destination, it feels like a second home. The culture and the history is vast and I'm always learning something new about this wonderful place.
When I found out that Dinah Jefferies' latest novel was set on Corfu, I knew that was one for me. Sadly, I didn't get to read this one whilst in Corfu, but the glorious sunshine and blue skies of Lanzarote almost made up for that!
This is historical fiction at its best. Jefferies has created a family drama that spans decades and takes in the recent history of Corfu at the same time.
In 1923, Corfu is invaded by Italian troops. There is carnage in the capital city and young Billy Caruthers goes missing. His family have lived on Corfu for some time, alternating between their home in the countryside and a place in the city. Billy's mother, Dulcie has taken an interest in refugee children housed in Corfu and it is whilst she checks on these children that Billy disappears. Dulcie is distraught and blames her drunk sister and her sixteen year old daughter Thirza. They leave the island.
In 1930, Thirza returns to Corfu. She intends to renovate their old house in the hope that her mother will also return. Billy's disappearance has had a profound effect on the family. Her parents are no longer together, her father has remained on Corfu and is now happy in a relationship with another woman.
There's a romance running through this novel, as well as the serious family drama. Thirza becomes involved with an Italian man living locally. It's a form of self discovery for her and is written so well by this clever author.
Old secrets and mysteries are also disturbed and there are some unexpected and serious, dark issues dealt with as the plot progresses.
I found this to be the perfect book to read as I lay on my sunbed in the sunshine, recovering from quite a serious illness. I was transported to a place that I love. The characters were well imagined and the setting is stunning. Recommended by me.
When I found out that Dinah Jefferies' latest novel was set on Corfu, I knew that was one for me. Sadly, I didn't get to read this one whilst in Corfu, but the glorious sunshine and blue skies of Lanzarote almost made up for that!
This is historical fiction at its best. Jefferies has created a family drama that spans decades and takes in the recent history of Corfu at the same time.
In 1923, Corfu is invaded by Italian troops. There is carnage in the capital city and young Billy Caruthers goes missing. His family have lived on Corfu for some time, alternating between their home in the countryside and a place in the city. Billy's mother, Dulcie has taken an interest in refugee children housed in Corfu and it is whilst she checks on these children that Billy disappears. Dulcie is distraught and blames her drunk sister and her sixteen year old daughter Thirza. They leave the island.
In 1930, Thirza returns to Corfu. She intends to renovate their old house in the hope that her mother will also return. Billy's disappearance has had a profound effect on the family. Her parents are no longer together, her father has remained on Corfu and is now happy in a relationship with another woman.
There's a romance running through this novel, as well as the serious family drama. Thirza becomes involved with an Italian man living locally. It's a form of self discovery for her and is written so well by this clever author.
Old secrets and mysteries are also disturbed and there are some unexpected and serious, dark issues dealt with as the plot progresses.
I found this to be the perfect book to read as I lay on my sunbed in the sunshine, recovering from quite a serious illness. I was transported to a place that I love. The characters were well imagined and the setting is stunning. Recommended by me.
April 28, 2025
The Greek House by Dinah Jefferies was a beautifully written book from start to finish and I just love opening any of Dinah's books, especially as she writes from her heart and she takes you to such beautiful places around the world. This book was no different! She take you back to 1923 Greece, when the Italian army invaded the island of Corfu, where it is suddenly occupied by Mussolini's Italian navy. A British Family called The Carruthers were caught up in it Sixteen-year-old Thirza and Billy who is nine-year-old are caught up in the panic on the streets of Corfu Old Town during the Italian naval attack. Dulcie, who is their mother, left them with her cousin, Columbine, just for a short while as she goes to check on a camp of refugee children where she volunteer. But, when she returns, she finds that Billy has disappeared, no one has seen him. She panic's and goes looking for him, still no sign she will never give up and ends up looking for him for several weeks. Her beautiful little boy has not been found and is eventually presumed dead. This has an lasting effect on all the members of the Family.
Dulcie blames both Thirza and Columbine for what has happened to Billy and leaves Corfu to go back home to England, she is leaving behind her husband Piers, who is the director of the British police training school in Corfu, she is losing so much! but her marriage has been hard on both of them - so this was the only way she could see that may make her happy again.
7 Years go by and Dulcie’s daughter, Thirza, returns to Corfu hoping to find some answers but she only finds that she is struggling to deal with the memories of baby brother Billy who was never found. Whilst Dulcie returns to her family home, a very handsome Italian man called Emilio, moves into the property next door. Thirza and Emilio begin an affair.
This is a a wonderful book, it is full of secrets and lies, family relationships. . . . . which will have you gripped from the beginning till the end. It is a great holiday read especially if you are in Greece or even Corfu. I loved it.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a review copy of this book.
Dulcie blames both Thirza and Columbine for what has happened to Billy and leaves Corfu to go back home to England, she is leaving behind her husband Piers, who is the director of the British police training school in Corfu, she is losing so much! but her marriage has been hard on both of them - so this was the only way she could see that may make her happy again.
7 Years go by and Dulcie’s daughter, Thirza, returns to Corfu hoping to find some answers but she only finds that she is struggling to deal with the memories of baby brother Billy who was never found. Whilst Dulcie returns to her family home, a very handsome Italian man called Emilio, moves into the property next door. Thirza and Emilio begin an affair.
This is a a wonderful book, it is full of secrets and lies, family relationships. . . . . which will have you gripped from the beginning till the end. It is a great holiday read especially if you are in Greece or even Corfu. I loved it.
Big Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a review copy of this book.
April 5, 2025
I’ve read other books by this author so was excited to receive “The Greek House” as a review copy. Set in the 1920s and early 1930s on the Greek Island of Corfu this is the story of Dulcie and her daughter, Thirza, both strong female characters.
On a day of turmoil when Italian soldiers invade the island of Corfu, Dulcie’s 9 year old son, Billy disappears and is eventually presumed dead. Dulcie’s marriage to Piers has always been difficult and this completely destroys them. Dulcie leaves Corfu and their beautiful house, never to return whilst Piers remains on the island.
Thirza misses her home and feels that she has also lost her mother who continues to mourn her missing son. She cannot settle in England and eventually she decides to return to Corfu to rid herself of the ghosts of her brother and spruce up the family home in the hope her mother will return there.
She finds her father whom she has seen little of, a completely changed man and they gradually start to form a relationship. Then she meets her new neighbour and things change once again. Romance is in the air but with many difficulties along the way.
This is a family saga with a tragedy at its heart, a tragedy that has an effect on all the characters and changes them in unimaginable ways. They have to learn to live again after the terrible event and this proves hard, particularly for Dulcie, Billy’s mother. She is the least likeable of the characters and has made some strange decisions but I can see why she withdraws after losing her son.
I really liked the character of Thirza who grows from a grieving teenager to become a strong and successful woman in the course of the novel.
I enjoyed the setting of Corfu, somewhere I’ve never visited and it definitely made me want to book a holiday to explore the island. This would be a great Summer read, perfect to keep you occupied on a sunny beach!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
On a day of turmoil when Italian soldiers invade the island of Corfu, Dulcie’s 9 year old son, Billy disappears and is eventually presumed dead. Dulcie’s marriage to Piers has always been difficult and this completely destroys them. Dulcie leaves Corfu and their beautiful house, never to return whilst Piers remains on the island.
Thirza misses her home and feels that she has also lost her mother who continues to mourn her missing son. She cannot settle in England and eventually she decides to return to Corfu to rid herself of the ghosts of her brother and spruce up the family home in the hope her mother will return there.
She finds her father whom she has seen little of, a completely changed man and they gradually start to form a relationship. Then she meets her new neighbour and things change once again. Romance is in the air but with many difficulties along the way.
This is a family saga with a tragedy at its heart, a tragedy that has an effect on all the characters and changes them in unimaginable ways. They have to learn to live again after the terrible event and this proves hard, particularly for Dulcie, Billy’s mother. She is the least likeable of the characters and has made some strange decisions but I can see why she withdraws after losing her son.
I really liked the character of Thirza who grows from a grieving teenager to become a strong and successful woman in the course of the novel.
I enjoyed the setting of Corfu, somewhere I’ve never visited and it definitely made me want to book a holiday to explore the island. This would be a great Summer read, perfect to keep you occupied on a sunny beach!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.
May 6, 2025
Such a tangled web of emotions! As always with Dinah Jefferies’ writing, the pain feels raw and real.
In The Greek House, the tension and heartache are palpable—particularly in Part One, set in August 1923 during the Corfu Crisis. I found myself holding my breath through the chaos and panic of Billy’s disappearance. It’s utterly harrowing.
Seven years later, Thirza returns to Corfu for the first time since that traumatic summer. Now 23, she and her cousin Ianthe are restoring Marchant’s summer house themselves (the Wall Street Crash has devastated her mother Dulcie’s finances—the same money the family once lived on).
Thirza’s return to the island sharpens every memory, and the emotional weight of what was lost is always present. The future of the house isn’t certain, but despite all the memories, this is Thirza’s happy place and she’s determined to make it work.
The arrival of guests at the summer house adds another layer, as past mistakes threaten to repeat themselves, taking me back to 1923.
She’s had relationships before, but now, she experiences a true sexual and emotional awakening—one that’s life-altering in ways she couldn’t have predicted!
I was completely drawn into this family’s pain, and the ripple effects of the lie that continued to shape them. Dulcie distances herself emotionally and physically; Thirza, a moral dilemma and choices to make; her father, quietly moving forward with his life; and her aunt, Columbine—consumed by jealousy, guilt, and the hollow ache of revenge.
And then came that moment at the wedding—an absolute blinder that had me in tears, leaving me with a sense of peace, healing, and hope for the future.
Dinah Jefferies writes her settings so vividly and with an artist’s eye—Corfu, the summer heat, the sparkling sea, the faded grandeur of the house—they all come alive on the page.
It feels especially fitting that Dulcie both opens and closes the novel.
A truly moving read.
In The Greek House, the tension and heartache are palpable—particularly in Part One, set in August 1923 during the Corfu Crisis. I found myself holding my breath through the chaos and panic of Billy’s disappearance. It’s utterly harrowing.
Seven years later, Thirza returns to Corfu for the first time since that traumatic summer. Now 23, she and her cousin Ianthe are restoring Marchant’s summer house themselves (the Wall Street Crash has devastated her mother Dulcie’s finances—the same money the family once lived on).
Thirza’s return to the island sharpens every memory, and the emotional weight of what was lost is always present. The future of the house isn’t certain, but despite all the memories, this is Thirza’s happy place and she’s determined to make it work.
The arrival of guests at the summer house adds another layer, as past mistakes threaten to repeat themselves, taking me back to 1923.
She’s had relationships before, but now, she experiences a true sexual and emotional awakening—one that’s life-altering in ways she couldn’t have predicted!
I was completely drawn into this family’s pain, and the ripple effects of the lie that continued to shape them. Dulcie distances herself emotionally and physically; Thirza, a moral dilemma and choices to make; her father, quietly moving forward with his life; and her aunt, Columbine—consumed by jealousy, guilt, and the hollow ache of revenge.
And then came that moment at the wedding—an absolute blinder that had me in tears, leaving me with a sense of peace, healing, and hope for the future.
Dinah Jefferies writes her settings so vividly and with an artist’s eye—Corfu, the summer heat, the sparkling sea, the faded grandeur of the house—they all come alive on the page.
It feels especially fitting that Dulcie both opens and closes the novel.
A truly moving read.
April 22, 2025
I have been a fan of Dinah Jeffries since I first read The Separation many years ago so I was delighted when I was given the chance to read this one as an ARC.
This book is set on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu and the author paints such a wonderful picture with words that I want to head straight to the travel agent and book a flight'
It's 1923 and chaos reigns on the island, Mussolini's Italian navy were attacking. The wealthy Caruthers family were in a panic, travel author, Dulcie, the matriarch, left her sixteen year old daughter, Thirza, and her nine year old son Billy with her cousin, Columbine whilst she went to check the safety of the children in the orphanage, a decision that she would bitterly regret, Columbine had been drinking and in the mele Billy disappeared.
Despite a frantic, far reaching search, Billy was never found, Dulcie's despair was palpable, she blames both Columbine and Thirza both of whom were wracked with guilt, she would never recover from this, she would return to England.
In 1930 Thirza returned to Merchant House, the Greek home that she loved, the place where she felt closest to Billy, she hoped to persuade her mother to return, her mother had been distant since Billy's disappearance, Thirza felt alone and rejected.
Against all odds, Thirza met and started a passionate affair with Emilio, a handsome, older Italian, Thirza was in love but was it a love that was going to break her heart ? all was not as it seemed, both of them had secrets, secrets that would tear them apart.
This is a well written book and I must admit that it had me hooked although I didn't find the characters very likeable and I'm not sure what I think of the final twist.
Thank you Harper Fiction for this ATC, the review is my own.
This book is set on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu and the author paints such a wonderful picture with words that I want to head straight to the travel agent and book a flight'
It's 1923 and chaos reigns on the island, Mussolini's Italian navy were attacking. The wealthy Caruthers family were in a panic, travel author, Dulcie, the matriarch, left her sixteen year old daughter, Thirza, and her nine year old son Billy with her cousin, Columbine whilst she went to check the safety of the children in the orphanage, a decision that she would bitterly regret, Columbine had been drinking and in the mele Billy disappeared.
Despite a frantic, far reaching search, Billy was never found, Dulcie's despair was palpable, she blames both Columbine and Thirza both of whom were wracked with guilt, she would never recover from this, she would return to England.
In 1930 Thirza returned to Merchant House, the Greek home that she loved, the place where she felt closest to Billy, she hoped to persuade her mother to return, her mother had been distant since Billy's disappearance, Thirza felt alone and rejected.
Against all odds, Thirza met and started a passionate affair with Emilio, a handsome, older Italian, Thirza was in love but was it a love that was going to break her heart ? all was not as it seemed, both of them had secrets, secrets that would tear them apart.
This is a well written book and I must admit that it had me hooked although I didn't find the characters very likeable and I'm not sure what I think of the final twist.
Thank you Harper Fiction for this ATC, the review is my own.
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