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Greek Village/Greek Island #16
Saving Septic Cyril: The Illegal Gardener Part II
In a dim terraced house on a cobbled street in West Yorkshire, Cyril gives refuge to all the stray dogs, abandoned furniture and broken toys he finds. The ghosts of his past find their way in anyway - and now one of his neighbours wants him evicted. When Saabira moves in next door with her husband Aaman and their young daughter, she hopes the family has left all its troubles behind in Pakistan. But memories can be stubborn things, and Saabira has a few that even the wild winds from the moors can’t shake. Cyril just wants to be left in peace. Saabira just feels compelled to reach out. With all their differences, can the two of them begin to trust each other?
260 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2015
177 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Sara Alexi
37 books317 followersBest selling author Sara Alexi was born in Oxford, England. After travelling widely she now splits her time between England and a tiny rural village in the Peloponnese, in Greece, where she has renovated a stone farmhouse, whilst observing the Greek way of life and absorbing the culture.
As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.
Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.
If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.
www.Saraalexi.com
She would also love you to friend her on;
https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi
You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...
As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.
Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.
If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.
www.Saraalexi.com
She would also love you to friend her on;
https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi
You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 28, 2016
Every now and again, one comes across a book so enjoyable that writing a review comes so easily and yet when written one feels that not enough has been said to fully express one’s appreciation.
Saving Septic Cyril: The Illegal Gardener Part II overflows with interdependency, poignancy and empathy that touched both my mind and my heart. Flying through the pages of this book in a matter of hours, I am amazed that Sarah Alexi has drawn me into the kind of story I would not at one time have imagined myself reading, never mind thoroughly enjoying. In my opinion, based on the two books I've read, Sarah Alexi is one of the best authors you have maybe never heard of.
A continuation of The Illegal Gardener, this book follows the journey of Aaman with the same elegant and rich writing style, which is fast pushing Alexi into my narrow band of favourite authors. She can paint such a picture with the simplest sentence that the narrative unfolds as if playing visually upon a screen. A stand out example, for me, is a line that is taken from the perspective of a grown man remembering an incident from when he was a five year old child: ‘She smeared colour around her mouth, pressing the metal case hard against her lips, which meant the lipstick was nearly all used up’. There are many more such descriptive lines, and all are written in such a way that they weave through the unfolding narrative, embellishing the story rather than stalling it, colouring the linearity of the text with flavour and spice.
While this book could be read as a standalone, I would urge people to read The Illegal Gardener first in order to get a full appreciation of the characters. If more than five stars were available, this book would have them from me. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Saving Septic Cyril: The Illegal Gardener Part II overflows with interdependency, poignancy and empathy that touched both my mind and my heart. Flying through the pages of this book in a matter of hours, I am amazed that Sarah Alexi has drawn me into the kind of story I would not at one time have imagined myself reading, never mind thoroughly enjoying. In my opinion, based on the two books I've read, Sarah Alexi is one of the best authors you have maybe never heard of.
A continuation of The Illegal Gardener, this book follows the journey of Aaman with the same elegant and rich writing style, which is fast pushing Alexi into my narrow band of favourite authors. She can paint such a picture with the simplest sentence that the narrative unfolds as if playing visually upon a screen. A stand out example, for me, is a line that is taken from the perspective of a grown man remembering an incident from when he was a five year old child: ‘She smeared colour around her mouth, pressing the metal case hard against her lips, which meant the lipstick was nearly all used up’. There are many more such descriptive lines, and all are written in such a way that they weave through the unfolding narrative, embellishing the story rather than stalling it, colouring the linearity of the text with flavour and spice.
While this book could be read as a standalone, I would urge people to read The Illegal Gardener first in order to get a full appreciation of the characters. If more than five stars were available, this book would have them from me. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 10, 2016
In Saving Septic Cyril, Sara Alexi introduces us to a totally new setting. We are no longer welcomed by the sunny days in a small Greek village near the sea. We follow a familiar character from The Illegal Gardener, Sara’s first book, to a shabby, chilly row house on the wrong side of a drab English mill town. There we meet a young man with many hurdles both in the present and from his squalid past.
As a middle grades teacher I have worked with underprivileged children who suffered through life experiences that left them with few skills needed for acceptable interaction in a normal environment. I’ve seen some of these kids pull themselves out of miserable circumstances. With the help of mental health professionals, attention from dedicated teachers, and other concerned adults, and most essentially the support of their peers, a few find their own way home to themselves and develop into fully functioning adults. Sadly, that is seldom the case.
The development of Cyril’s character is a sensitive study of a mind stunted by neglect. We view the world through his eyes and experience relationships through his internal viewfinder. He finds support from the pack of scruffy dogs who, one by one, have found their way into his care. Intellectual stimulation comes from precious books he has stumbled across adding color and dimension to Cyril’s otherwise flat world. Ms. Alexi creates a space for us in Cryil’s mind, giving us an understanding of his world not likely possible for one who has not dealt with such wounded souls firsthand.
The main character grows in experience and we are delighted to meet again old friends from Sara Alexi’s Greek Village Series. As we witness the deepening of Aaman and Saabira’s relationship while they adjust to new surroundings, we see how they are able to extend the patience and kindness felt within their family to their neighbor Cyril.
I am impressed by the risk-taking of both the characters and author in creating this story of hope, love, and unshakable friendship. Once more I have been surprised and delighted by Sara Alexi’s story-telling skill.
As a middle grades teacher I have worked with underprivileged children who suffered through life experiences that left them with few skills needed for acceptable interaction in a normal environment. I’ve seen some of these kids pull themselves out of miserable circumstances. With the help of mental health professionals, attention from dedicated teachers, and other concerned adults, and most essentially the support of their peers, a few find their own way home to themselves and develop into fully functioning adults. Sadly, that is seldom the case.
The development of Cyril’s character is a sensitive study of a mind stunted by neglect. We view the world through his eyes and experience relationships through his internal viewfinder. He finds support from the pack of scruffy dogs who, one by one, have found their way into his care. Intellectual stimulation comes from precious books he has stumbled across adding color and dimension to Cyril’s otherwise flat world. Ms. Alexi creates a space for us in Cryil’s mind, giving us an understanding of his world not likely possible for one who has not dealt with such wounded souls firsthand.
The main character grows in experience and we are delighted to meet again old friends from Sara Alexi’s Greek Village Series. As we witness the deepening of Aaman and Saabira’s relationship while they adjust to new surroundings, we see how they are able to extend the patience and kindness felt within their family to their neighbor Cyril.
I am impressed by the risk-taking of both the characters and author in creating this story of hope, love, and unshakable friendship. Once more I have been surprised and delighted by Sara Alexi’s story-telling skill.
August 7, 2016
I simply loved this story. It’s the story of what happened next to Amman from The Illegal Gardener. Although it isn’t set in Greece there is plenty of warmth in this story. Amman is now in Bradford with his wife Saabira and his baby daughter Jay (named after Juliet) It was like meeting up again with an old friend and it was wonderful to feel that he and his family will build a successful life. As usual Sara has a little moral tale for us about not judging people by appearances and about being a good neighbour. The characters are complex and so very well described. These are compassionate, caring people that she makes us care about. Warning – this book just may make you cry!
April 6, 2016
This is a wonderful new take on the Greek Village series. The story wasn't even set in Greece, and I found myself a bit disappointed about that at the beginning of the book. But after a bit I found myself entranced so deeply in the characters that I forgot about the location and just enjoyed the storyline. It was good to catch up with an old friend (Aamon) and meet new friends. Sara has a way to bring her characters to life and you feel totally attached to them as "friends" and really hate it when the story is over. Lucky for us, Sara keeps writing these books quickly so we don't miss them to long. I have read and reread all of the Greek Village series and each new one is my new favorite! To me, this storyline was one of the most emotional ones since the first book, The Illegal Gardener. Thank you Sara!
August 20, 2016
From the very first book, The illegal gardener, I've been a huge fan of Sara Alexi. I put off reading this book for two reasons however, firstly the title is somewhat off-putting and secondly, although I wanted to know what happened next in the story, I was worried that it wouldn't live up to the first book. Fortunately I was wrong on both counts. This is one of Sara's best books in my opinion, written in her inimitable style and a book to pull at your heart strings. Full of pathos and humanity it has a message for us all. I'm guessing that the story isn't finished yet though as we await Juliet's visit to England.
March 23, 2017
This is such a great story of someone moving into a neighborhood and wanted to help someone that no one else cares about. I loved finding out about Cyril and what has happened in his life to get him to the point he is at now. Also the compassion that Saabria felt for Syril makes me want to be a better person.
May 15, 2016
Insightful
Any author can create a character. To create a character that touches your heart so deeply it hurts for that character takes insight. I can't wait to read all of Sara Alexi's books.
Any author can create a character. To create a character that touches your heart so deeply it hurts for that character takes insight. I can't wait to read all of Sara Alexi's books.
November 26, 2023
Compelling combination of beautiful images and crypto-autism
I’m writing this review using my mobile phone so it will be short. I’ve read Saving Cyril after I finished with Illegal Gardener which fascinated me. I found Saving Cyril equally captivating, though in a different way and that is because Cyril is clearly autistic which resonates with myself, my family, and a few children I’m caring for at school. This was an important feature in the story that kept me reading on. Although not professionally trained in handling people with ASD patients, I found amazing but doubtful the fact that after only a month of Aaman and Saabira’s (and Jay’s) move into their new English small-town and their taking care of Cyril would bring such a big change in him that he would consciously try to limit his autistic behavior/response to stressful situations. But perhaps this can happen, and the author should know better as she is trained in this field.
Anyhow, now I find myself very curious to discover how Saabira works with her patients after she is trained as a psychiatric nurse which is clearly her calling.
I do like Sara Alexis’s writing style which uses short and clear sentences which interestingly bring out amazing pictures of the English countryside and are spiced with some very British words and expressions.
I’d like to add that these two books I’ve read so far, the Illegal Gardener and Saving Cyril, both offer a subtle suggestion of how we the “regular people” need to push aside our prejudices and dare look into the eyes of the person in front of us. It’s quite difficult to do this in this age of suspicion and fear of the different but we have to try. It will work. Thank you.
I’m writing this review using my mobile phone so it will be short. I’ve read Saving Cyril after I finished with Illegal Gardener which fascinated me. I found Saving Cyril equally captivating, though in a different way and that is because Cyril is clearly autistic which resonates with myself, my family, and a few children I’m caring for at school. This was an important feature in the story that kept me reading on. Although not professionally trained in handling people with ASD patients, I found amazing but doubtful the fact that after only a month of Aaman and Saabira’s (and Jay’s) move into their new English small-town and their taking care of Cyril would bring such a big change in him that he would consciously try to limit his autistic behavior/response to stressful situations. But perhaps this can happen, and the author should know better as she is trained in this field.
Anyhow, now I find myself very curious to discover how Saabira works with her patients after she is trained as a psychiatric nurse which is clearly her calling.
I do like Sara Alexis’s writing style which uses short and clear sentences which interestingly bring out amazing pictures of the English countryside and are spiced with some very British words and expressions.
I’d like to add that these two books I’ve read so far, the Illegal Gardener and Saving Cyril, both offer a subtle suggestion of how we the “regular people” need to push aside our prejudices and dare look into the eyes of the person in front of us. It’s quite difficult to do this in this age of suspicion and fear of the different but we have to try. It will work. Thank you.
December 23, 2022
This is a continuation of the story of the Illegal Gardner, who is now in England legally, and pursuing his career with computers. He and his wife and small daughter rent a place next to "Septic Cyril", a man who had a terrible upbringing of neglect and placement in a mental hospital after his mother died. He was living with a man as part of a community placement, but when the man died, he began to become a hoarder and a rescuer of lost and injured animals. Unfortunately, what he didn't do was clean his house, so the smell was overwhelming. The Pakistani immigrants take him under their wings and eventually persuade him to let them help him clear out the place before he can be evicted. It's a heartwarming story of a found family.
July 4, 2017
A very satisfying read.
This was an excellent continuation of the story of Aaman from the Illegal Gardener. The writing is descriptive and lively. The characters engage our interest and sympathy. There is a sense of optimism and faith in humanity that brightens Ms Alexi's writing even as she exposes very grim human circumstances. The happy ending only comes after a gradual process of human investment of time, patience, and energy.
This was an excellent continuation of the story of Aaman from the Illegal Gardener. The writing is descriptive and lively. The characters engage our interest and sympathy. There is a sense of optimism and faith in humanity that brightens Ms Alexi's writing even as she exposes very grim human circumstances. The happy ending only comes after a gradual process of human investment of time, patience, and energy.
July 13, 2017
Sara Alexi is a good writer and I appreciate that tremendously. I loved The Illegal Gardener, and Saving Septic Cyril is a sort of sequel to that story in that it brings the reader back to the character, Aaman. So, yes, okay . . . I liked it and part of that “like” comes from falling in love with the author after reading her previous book. However, Septic Cyril was a bit too predictable for me--but I am still a fan and will continue to read Sara Alexi books . . . probably not sequels, though.
April 19, 2019
Enjoyable Reading
I may admit "The Illegal Gardener" was the first book I've read by Sara Alexi. I enjoyed the book so much I have just completed reading "Saving Septic Cyril". The second book in the series, was as enjoyable as the first. I loved the characters
In each book equally - the author's description of the places were believable. I would highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys good clean reading.
I may admit "The Illegal Gardener" was the first book I've read by Sara Alexi. I enjoyed the book so much I have just completed reading "Saving Septic Cyril". The second book in the series, was as enjoyable as the first. I loved the characters
In each book equally - the author's description of the places were believable. I would highly recommend these books to anyone who enjoys good clean reading.
November 7, 2017
Wonderful story!!
I have just read this for my second time and did not realize that I had not reviewed it before. Sara Alexi has a wonderful gift. I felt like I was living right there with all these wonderful characters. Please read it and continue on with more of Sara’s stories. There are so many now!! I could not even put this down my second time reading it😊
I have just read this for my second time and did not realize that I had not reviewed it before. Sara Alexi has a wonderful gift. I felt like I was living right there with all these wonderful characters. Please read it and continue on with more of Sara’s stories. There are so many now!! I could not even put this down my second time reading it😊
January 13, 2018
A Good Read
Alex I writes good stories about compelling characters. They are the type of people we need more of in this increasingly uncivil and intolerant world. Cassandra and Aaman are courteous and compassionate people who open their hearts to others. A Beautiful story of transformation.
Alex I writes good stories about compelling characters. They are the type of people we need more of in this increasingly uncivil and intolerant world. Cassandra and Aaman are courteous and compassionate people who open their hearts to others. A Beautiful story of transformation.
September 6, 2023
These books are not great pieces of literature, but they are thoroughly enjoyable. I liked this one even more than Part I. It's a feel-good story about people helping their neighbors, and we could use a little more of that these days!
I look forward to reading more by this author, especially for those times when I want a break from darker stories or tedious non-fiction reads.
I look forward to reading more by this author, especially for those times when I want a break from darker stories or tedious non-fiction reads.
July 7, 2017
Heartwarming and beautifully written.
This book is a charming,honest story of friendship,love and respect. With sorrow yet gladness it uplifts your soul and encourages us to treat each other as we expect to be treat ourselves. It leaves the reader feeling warmth and compassion.
This book is a charming,honest story of friendship,love and respect. With sorrow yet gladness it uplifts your soul and encourages us to treat each other as we expect to be treat ourselves. It leaves the reader feeling warmth and compassion.
August 5, 2017
Heartfelt
What I like about this book are the relationships between the living and their past. And how gIving of oneself is healing for the recipient and the giver. I love the international perspectives and world views.
What I like about this book are the relationships between the living and their past. And how gIving of oneself is healing for the recipient and the giver. I love the international perspectives and world views.
October 30, 2017
Well that was unexpected- I did not read the blurb for this book and found myself in Bradford not Greece. A really well written emotional book. It took me a while to see the connection to Greece but then it all fitted into place. An excellent read.
August 1, 2018
Feel good book.
Book two in series. Read book one first as it is a really special book. Both books are of people it would be good to know. Fortunately their stories end well despite the hardships experienced.
Book two in series. Read book one first as it is a really special book. Both books are of people it would be good to know. Fortunately their stories end well despite the hardships experienced.
April 19, 2019
Sensitivity, Secrets - and Story
Another winner for Sara Alexi. Once again, Ms. Alexi manages to combine emotion, mystery, a fine plot and realistic characters - all wrapped in a rich but not overblown writing style. Bravo!
Another winner for Sara Alexi. Once again, Ms. Alexi manages to combine emotion, mystery, a fine plot and realistic characters - all wrapped in a rich but not overblown writing style. Bravo!
August 5, 2019
Loved the Illegal Gardener
Different and delightful! The characters open your eyes to different cultures, understanding and appreciating our differences, all wrapped up in engaging storytelling.
Different and delightful! The characters open your eyes to different cultures, understanding and appreciating our differences, all wrapped up in engaging storytelling.
March 7, 2020
Another great read. Never get tired of Sara 's books. 😊
Ready to start next one. Got loads waiting to see me through these dreary days. So pleased my friend introduced me to Sara 's books.
Ready to start next one. Got loads waiting to see me through these dreary days. So pleased my friend introduced me to Sara 's books.
March 8, 2017
Wonderful book. Compassion and love shine in this book.
October 4, 2017
The author bobbled the ending. I am giving it a 3.9
April 17, 2018
the greek village series has a n away day to Bradford twee and charming but not literature
July 28, 2018
Loved this sequel to The Illegal Gardener, wrapped up the characters very well.
December 14, 2018
Great read!
Great read!
Great read!
February 1, 2019
I loved The Illegal Gardener and now I love Saving Septic Cyril : The Illegal Gardener Part II.
A really good story.
A really good story.
February 5, 2019
Read this book.
Love the story. Made me cry a few times. It we a touching story and will make your heart break and heal all at once.
Love the story. Made me cry a few times. It we a touching story and will make your heart break and heal all at once.
March 9, 2017
DELIGHTFUL AND JOYFUL
I loved The Illegal Gardener (read it twice) and here is Aaman again with his beautiful, kind hearted Saabira and their new baby Juliet moving to a new home in England where they meet their next door neighbor, Cyril. This is a story of tolerance, kindness, and deep friendship. It was positively joyful and I loved every moment of it.
I loved The Illegal Gardener (read it twice) and here is Aaman again with his beautiful, kind hearted Saabira and their new baby Juliet moving to a new home in England where they meet their next door neighbor, Cyril. This is a story of tolerance, kindness, and deep friendship. It was positively joyful and I loved every moment of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews