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The Wine-Dark Sea: the epic new novel from the bestselling author of The Island
Not yet published
Expected 24 Sep 26Beloved, bestselling author Victoria Hislop explores the turbulence of the post-war era in Greece in this unforgettable and riveting new novel that will delight those fans who cherish The Island and The Figurine.
During three years of brutal civil war in Greece, thousands of children were caught in the chaos that swept across the country. Huge numbers were orphaned, many found themselves imprisoned alongside their mothers and others were left to fend for themselves. The Wine-Dark Sea follows the travails of a mother, searching for both a daughter who has been kidnapped and taken behind the Iron Curtain and a boy who, unbeknown to her, has been sold into adoption.
It's time to discover why 10 million readers worldwide love Victoria
'Glorious Greek setting and rich historical detail' Woman & Home
'She brings Greek history to compelling life' The Sunday Times
'Fascinating and moving ... Hislop writes unforgettably' The Times
During three years of brutal civil war in Greece, thousands of children were caught in the chaos that swept across the country. Huge numbers were orphaned, many found themselves imprisoned alongside their mothers and others were left to fend for themselves. The Wine-Dark Sea follows the travails of a mother, searching for both a daughter who has been kidnapped and taken behind the Iron Curtain and a boy who, unbeknown to her, has been sold into adoption.
It's time to discover why 10 million readers worldwide love Victoria
'Glorious Greek setting and rich historical detail' Woman & Home
'She brings Greek history to compelling life' The Sunday Times
'Fascinating and moving ... Hislop writes unforgettably' The Times
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 24, 2026
About the author
Victoria Hislop
70 books2,182 followersVictoria Hislop read English at Oxford, and worked in publishing, PR and as a journalist before becoming a novelist. She is married with two children.
Her first novel, The Island, held the number one slot in the Sunday Times paperback charts for eight consecutive weeks and has sold over two million copies worldwide. Victoria was the Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2007 and won the Richard & Judy Summer Read competition.
Her second novel, The Return, was also a Sunday Times number one bestseller, and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A short story collection, One Cretan Evening, was published in September and both a third novel, The Thread is published in English in October and in Greek in November 2011.
Her first novel, The Island, held the number one slot in the Sunday Times paperback charts for eight consecutive weeks and has sold over two million copies worldwide. Victoria was the Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2007 and won the Richard & Judy Summer Read competition.
Her second novel, The Return, was also a Sunday Times number one bestseller, and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A short story collection, One Cretan Evening, was published in September and both a third novel, The Thread is published in English in October and in Greek in November 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 11, 2026
Thank you to Headline Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this novel ahead of publication in September 2026.
The novel is set at the time of the Greek Civil War (1946–1949), the story explores the devastating impact of conflict on women and children. As someone who knew very little about this period of history, I found the novel both informative and enlightening.
It is at times heart-wrenching and moving, this is a compelling story of separation, loss and grief, told through the voices of Fotini, her daughter Iliana, and Markella and her son Nikos. Through their experiences, Victoria Hislop portrays the resilience and strength of women and children facing unthinkable adversity and the cruelties of war.
I particularly enjoyed the way the story unfolds across different periods of time, ensuring the emotional impact on each character is explored and explained. The novel handles themes of maternal and childhood loss with sensitivity, creating an engaging and emotional read. This is a novel about strong resilient women and equally strong resilient children.
This is the first book I have read by Victoria Hislop, and I’ll certainly be reading others.
The novel is set at the time of the Greek Civil War (1946–1949), the story explores the devastating impact of conflict on women and children. As someone who knew very little about this period of history, I found the novel both informative and enlightening.
It is at times heart-wrenching and moving, this is a compelling story of separation, loss and grief, told through the voices of Fotini, her daughter Iliana, and Markella and her son Nikos. Through their experiences, Victoria Hislop portrays the resilience and strength of women and children facing unthinkable adversity and the cruelties of war.
I particularly enjoyed the way the story unfolds across different periods of time, ensuring the emotional impact on each character is explored and explained. The novel handles themes of maternal and childhood loss with sensitivity, creating an engaging and emotional read. This is a novel about strong resilient women and equally strong resilient children.
This is the first book I have read by Victoria Hislop, and I’ll certainly be reading others.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Wine‑Dark Sea hooked me instantly. Set in Greece in the years during and after the Civil War, the story unfolds against a backdrop that’s rich, atmospheric, and beautifully evoked. The setting, the characters, the story, every part pulled me straight in. I found myself rooting for everyone, each character as engaging as the next. It’s emotional, beautifully written with scene setting so vivid I could almost feel the salty air on my skin.
The book follows families during and after the conflict, with missing children and fractured lives at the heart of the narrative. It’s handled with real tenderness and depth.
The only moment that didn’t quite land for me was the reunion. After such thoughtful pacing throughout the book, it felt a little quick, and I would’ve loved more time in that space.
But overall, it’s a brilliant read gorgeous writing, a rich sense of atmosphere, and characters that genuinely stay with you.
A big thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read & review this book.
The book follows families during and after the conflict, with missing children and fractured lives at the heart of the narrative. It’s handled with real tenderness and depth.
The only moment that didn’t quite land for me was the reunion. After such thoughtful pacing throughout the book, it felt a little quick, and I would’ve loved more time in that space.
But overall, it’s a brilliant read gorgeous writing, a rich sense of atmosphere, and characters that genuinely stay with you.
A big thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read & review this book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews