What do you think?
An Octopus in My Ouzo: Loving Life on a Greek Island
When Jennifer moves into the Honey Factory on the tiny Greek island of Tilos, bringing a laptop, her hiking boots and one slightly broken heart, she has no idea what surprises life holds in store for her. From the joy of gardening her own little piece of paradise to the thrill of joining in with the Greek dancing at local festivals, Jennifer learns something new every day – and discovers love again along the way.
Dive into this exquisite, honest and deeply moving tale and taste the sweetness of living life to the full on a small island.
Dive into this exquisite, honest and deeply moving tale and taste the sweetness of living life to the full on a small island.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2016
About the author
Jennifer Barclay
19 books62 followersAuthor of Meeting Mr Kim, Falling in Honey, An Octopus in my Ouzo, Wild Abandon and Taverna by the Sea. Live mostly on a tiny island in Greece. www.octopus-in-my-ouzo.blogspot.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 23, 2016
Tilos is a tiny Greek Island, and it was here that Jennifer Barclay ended up with her boots, a laptop and a slightly broken heart. She moves into a small apartment with the delightful name of the Honey Factory and a new life and adventures are just beginning. Learning a new thing every day seems to be a good philosophy, and the best way to get to know her neighbours and the locals is to join in.
So she does; learning the local dances held at the regular festivals and weddings, teaching the local children English and helping her boyfriend, Stelios, with his early morning fishing trips and run a beach café with her help immerse her in the local society. Even though the apartment is small, she has enough space for a small garden and a few chickens. What they don’t have is enough space for is a dog! However, after a trip to Rhodes, she is offered a puppy free. Lisa becomes her new companion and almost soul mate joining her on walks and the daily trip to the beach to swim in the crystal clear seas of the Aegean.
This is a really good companion to Falling in Honey, her first book set in Greece. All of life’s rich experiences seem to touch Barclay. She is refreshingly honest too, wearing her heart on her sleeve whilst sharing these pivotal life moments and there is as much happiness in here as there are sad moments. Jennifer paints a beautiful picture of her island too; the descriptions of the landscapes and scenery are evocative. It is a lovely book to read, the writing makes you feel that you are there as well, watching the lightning flash around the hills, soaking up the sun with a glass of wine to hand or tucking into the delicious food. This book does what any good travel book should do, not only do you feel that you are there, it makes you want to that place at the first opportunity. 4.5 stars.
So she does; learning the local dances held at the regular festivals and weddings, teaching the local children English and helping her boyfriend, Stelios, with his early morning fishing trips and run a beach café with her help immerse her in the local society. Even though the apartment is small, she has enough space for a small garden and a few chickens. What they don’t have is enough space for is a dog! However, after a trip to Rhodes, she is offered a puppy free. Lisa becomes her new companion and almost soul mate joining her on walks and the daily trip to the beach to swim in the crystal clear seas of the Aegean.
This is a really good companion to Falling in Honey, her first book set in Greece. All of life’s rich experiences seem to touch Barclay. She is refreshingly honest too, wearing her heart on her sleeve whilst sharing these pivotal life moments and there is as much happiness in here as there are sad moments. Jennifer paints a beautiful picture of her island too; the descriptions of the landscapes and scenery are evocative. It is a lovely book to read, the writing makes you feel that you are there as well, watching the lightning flash around the hills, soaking up the sun with a glass of wine to hand or tucking into the delicious food. This book does what any good travel book should do, not only do you feel that you are there, it makes you want to that place at the first opportunity. 4.5 stars.
May 13, 2016
An unforgettable read full of love and beauty.
I am Greek and always interested in the way my country and its culture are perceived by foreign visitors. As a result, over the years, I've read many memoirs by British writers about the Greek experience. Octopus in my Ouzo is now one of my favorites. I've never read anything set on Tilos before, or on any other among the remote islands of Greece for that matter. The insights I've gained from this book are precious to me. I've been hearing all my life about the difficulties the native islanders face in places like Tilos but never had I imagined the magnitude of the hardship involved in all facets of their life - be it, when someone needs medical attention, or their car needs servicing or even when they crave, like we all do, a specific kind of food or delicacy. At some point in the book, the author's partner picks up a chocolate bar from town to treat her - things that are trivial for the rest of us, but for them they must make a significant difference in their every day lives. I was particularly impressed to read that - a precious detail in the book. Reading this memoir made me sympathize with the adorable Greek people portrayed in the book, and especially with the author who, being an outsider, kept experiencing one culture shock after another. I am married to a Brit and I know a thing or two about culture shock. I sympathized throughout with the author and her partner for this reason. The one element in the story-telling that resonated with me the most, was the upset the author experienced over and over again on a certain aspect of her life there. I won't say more on that as I hate spoilers as much as the next person, but I'll say I've also experienced this kind of upset. Reading about it meant I could feel the author's pain. It was the most palpable feeling conveyed among all the ones rising in me as I read this book, and that's saying a lot because the descriptions by this author are phenomenal, and the intense feelings just kept coming! Her accounts of the scary, adverse weather during winter were chilling, and the beauty that surrounded her became real in my heart, causing it to swell from time to time. Jennifer Barclay has a unique gift in experiencing love and beauty and sharing it with the world. She certainly touched me through the pages. An unforgettable read! I also think she's a bit of a superwoman, living fearlessly all alone in the wilderness - something I could never do, although I fully understand the merits of such a monastic, solitary existence. The delicious recipes she shares in the book by combining fresh, wholesome local ingredients were an extra bonus! (I received a free copy of the book in return for my honest review)
I am Greek and always interested in the way my country and its culture are perceived by foreign visitors. As a result, over the years, I've read many memoirs by British writers about the Greek experience. Octopus in my Ouzo is now one of my favorites. I've never read anything set on Tilos before, or on any other among the remote islands of Greece for that matter. The insights I've gained from this book are precious to me. I've been hearing all my life about the difficulties the native islanders face in places like Tilos but never had I imagined the magnitude of the hardship involved in all facets of their life - be it, when someone needs medical attention, or their car needs servicing or even when they crave, like we all do, a specific kind of food or delicacy. At some point in the book, the author's partner picks up a chocolate bar from town to treat her - things that are trivial for the rest of us, but for them they must make a significant difference in their every day lives. I was particularly impressed to read that - a precious detail in the book. Reading this memoir made me sympathize with the adorable Greek people portrayed in the book, and especially with the author who, being an outsider, kept experiencing one culture shock after another. I am married to a Brit and I know a thing or two about culture shock. I sympathized throughout with the author and her partner for this reason. The one element in the story-telling that resonated with me the most, was the upset the author experienced over and over again on a certain aspect of her life there. I won't say more on that as I hate spoilers as much as the next person, but I'll say I've also experienced this kind of upset. Reading about it meant I could feel the author's pain. It was the most palpable feeling conveyed among all the ones rising in me as I read this book, and that's saying a lot because the descriptions by this author are phenomenal, and the intense feelings just kept coming! Her accounts of the scary, adverse weather during winter were chilling, and the beauty that surrounded her became real in my heart, causing it to swell from time to time. Jennifer Barclay has a unique gift in experiencing love and beauty and sharing it with the world. She certainly touched me through the pages. An unforgettable read! I also think she's a bit of a superwoman, living fearlessly all alone in the wilderness - something I could never do, although I fully understand the merits of such a monastic, solitary existence. The delicious recipes she shares in the book by combining fresh, wholesome local ingredients were an extra bonus! (I received a free copy of the book in return for my honest review)
July 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir of the author's time on a Greek island. She takes us with her as she settles into her gentle life on Tilos. As we follow the seasons and the hum of local village life, we also experience the difficulties of living on a tiny dot of land in the Aegean Sea. I loved the wildness of the area in which she lived, the people, the festivals, the cuisine and the antics of one naughty dog. Fortunately, descriptions of the delicious food are accompanied by recipes, a welcome conclusion to this delightful book
August 22, 2020
more like 3.5 stars! very lovely book, just not what i really like :,)
September 22, 2024
3.5/5 stars
July 17, 2016
Jennifer Barclay moved to the small Greek island of Tilos unexpectedly alone after the breakdown of a relationship. Leaving the security of an employed position to a freelance role and the uncertainties of income she is determined to make a new home in Greece, and to embrace what her new life holds.
The book follows the cycle of the year and as it does we see how much Jennifer Barclay embraces and what she learns from her experiences. When the yearly events roll round again, she is involved in a more engaged way, armed with the understanding of the customs and beliefs of the islanders.
There are anecdotes about the everyday, walks taken, food eaten. (Be warned, this book will make you feel hungry! Food is discussed in great detail, with some dishes sounding mouth watering, others perhaps a little too adventurous for my palette.) These are interspersed with details about the history of the island (where the first bones of European Elephants were found for example), and local customs. We read about the author’s tentative steps to ingratiate herself into island life, attending dance classes, celebrating name days and teaching the local children English. There are also more personal details shared, the trials of dating a local when the language barrier can cause difficulties, and the heartbreak and pain of trying for a baby. This balance between the geographical and autobiographical creates a rounded book, it ensures that the descriptions and detail are not dry and the reader becomes more attached to Tilos. I could almost imagine myself there and made me day dream of travelling or living abroad.
There is a wonderful charm to the story and I found it a fascinating insight into island life. I would imagine that had she moved to a major city, Jennifer Barclay’s memoirs would have been dramatically different. There are no doubt differences between island and mainland life. There are the difficulties in sourcing items, shown by the fact that the islanders very rarely threw anything away. There is also the chance to ‘be lost’ in a big city, to not be able to be as involved in local life and customs, whereas on Tilos it appeared that it would have been more difficult to not be involved. Because it is set on an island I don’t think the book would give a rounded view of what it is like to live in Greece. It does however give a marvellous insight into what life is like in a small community, especially when you are keen to be involved in that community.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my vicarious visit to Tilos. I hope that Jennifer Barclay writes more about her Greek adventures.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book.
The book follows the cycle of the year and as it does we see how much Jennifer Barclay embraces and what she learns from her experiences. When the yearly events roll round again, she is involved in a more engaged way, armed with the understanding of the customs and beliefs of the islanders.
There are anecdotes about the everyday, walks taken, food eaten. (Be warned, this book will make you feel hungry! Food is discussed in great detail, with some dishes sounding mouth watering, others perhaps a little too adventurous for my palette.) These are interspersed with details about the history of the island (where the first bones of European Elephants were found for example), and local customs. We read about the author’s tentative steps to ingratiate herself into island life, attending dance classes, celebrating name days and teaching the local children English. There are also more personal details shared, the trials of dating a local when the language barrier can cause difficulties, and the heartbreak and pain of trying for a baby. This balance between the geographical and autobiographical creates a rounded book, it ensures that the descriptions and detail are not dry and the reader becomes more attached to Tilos. I could almost imagine myself there and made me day dream of travelling or living abroad.
There is a wonderful charm to the story and I found it a fascinating insight into island life. I would imagine that had she moved to a major city, Jennifer Barclay’s memoirs would have been dramatically different. There are no doubt differences between island and mainland life. There are the difficulties in sourcing items, shown by the fact that the islanders very rarely threw anything away. There is also the chance to ‘be lost’ in a big city, to not be able to be as involved in local life and customs, whereas on Tilos it appeared that it would have been more difficult to not be involved. Because it is set on an island I don’t think the book would give a rounded view of what it is like to live in Greece. It does however give a marvellous insight into what life is like in a small community, especially when you are keen to be involved in that community.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and my vicarious visit to Tilos. I hope that Jennifer Barclay writes more about her Greek adventures.
My thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book.
June 23, 2025
I found the book accidentally. In the library I was looking at the travel section and between all the lonely planet books I've seen this. I've thought it's a fictional and a sweet romantic book. Well. It is romantic but not in a conventional way. It is a romance with life and the Greek island.
Loved the parts about food, and found the life struggles interesting.
I found the book slow but than of course, life is slower than a romance book.
Loved the food and the atmosphere. Yes, it's a very atmospheric book.
Loved the parts about food, and found the life struggles interesting.
I found the book slow but than of course, life is slower than a romance book.
Loved the food and the atmosphere. Yes, it's a very atmospheric book.
December 6, 2020
A quick,easy,gentle read .
July 22, 2021
English review below the Greek one
31⁄2/5
Κατά κάποιο τρόπο συνέχεια προηγούμενου βιβλίου που δεν έχω διαβάσει, πιο πολύ σαν να διαβάζεις blog σε γραπτή μορφή για τη ζωή της Jennifer Barclay στην Τήλο. Διαβάζεται και από μόνο του πολύ άνετα, χωρίς να πω ότι ξετρελάθηκα κιόλας.
Μείξη περιγραφής των τοπίων και του τρόπου ζωής του νησιού καθώς και των προσωπικών περιστάσεων και της κοσμοθεωρίας της συγγραφέα. Έχω την εντύπωση ότι λειαίνει λίγο τις γωνίες και ότι όπως όλα τα αυτοβιογραφικά βιβλία πρέπει να μην τα παίρνει κανείς κατα γράμμα.
Ενδιαφέρον αλλά όχι και συγκλονιστικό.
This book feels a bit like reading a blog about day to day life in Tilos, peppered with the personal circumstances of Jennifer Barclay. In a way it's the sequel of a previous book of the author which I haven't read. It stands alone fine though.
The reader gets a mix of discriptions of the landscapes and the lifestyle on said island along with the developments on the life of its author and her ideas and perspectives. I felt that she tried to round the corners a little bit and that as it happens with most autobiographical books, one has to take it with a pinch of salt.
Interesting but on a mild way.
It features some food recipes at the end of the narration as an added bonus.
A decent read.
3 1⁄2/5
31⁄2/5
Κατά κάποιο τρόπο συνέχεια προηγούμενου βιβλίου που δεν έχω διαβάσει, πιο πολύ σαν να διαβάζεις blog σε γραπτή μορφή για τη ζωή της Jennifer Barclay στην Τήλο. Διαβάζεται και από μόνο του πολύ άνετα, χωρίς να πω ότι ξετρελάθηκα κιόλας.
Μείξη περιγραφής των τοπίων και του τρόπου ζωής του νησιού καθώς και των προσωπικών περιστάσεων και της κοσμοθεωρίας της συγγραφέα. Έχω την εντύπωση ότι λειαίνει λίγο τις γωνίες και ότι όπως όλα τα αυτοβιογραφικά βιβλία πρέπει να μην τα παίρνει κανείς κατα γράμμα.
Ενδιαφέρον αλλά όχι και συγκλονιστικό.
This book feels a bit like reading a blog about day to day life in Tilos, peppered with the personal circumstances of Jennifer Barclay. In a way it's the sequel of a previous book of the author which I haven't read. It stands alone fine though.
The reader gets a mix of discriptions of the landscapes and the lifestyle on said island along with the developments on the life of its author and her ideas and perspectives. I felt that she tried to round the corners a little bit and that as it happens with most autobiographical books, one has to take it with a pinch of salt.
Interesting but on a mild way.
It features some food recipes at the end of the narration as an added bonus.
A decent read.
3 1⁄2/5
November 26, 2017
This is the second book from Barclay on her life as a expat resident of a tiny Greek island, and it gives the readers an indepth look at the next part of her life, as Barclay's first book was the awesome Falling into Honey which told of her move to the island. I highly recommend that book, too!
Barclay is a fine and natural writer - gracefully describing both the physical and the cultural settings of the island. She becomes involved with a native Greek man on the island and is able to experience even more authentic Greek island life - the good and the bad. Barclay takes us along her journey through lovely scenes, hardships, and also bittersweet situations.
This book, and the previous one, are just perfect for readers who love to read about people who have upended their normal lives and sought out an exotic or out-of-the norm type of life. Through well written stories, such as Barclay's we can admire their determination and vicariously experience their lives. Highly recommended!
Barclay is a fine and natural writer - gracefully describing both the physical and the cultural settings of the island. She becomes involved with a native Greek man on the island and is able to experience even more authentic Greek island life - the good and the bad. Barclay takes us along her journey through lovely scenes, hardships, and also bittersweet situations.
This book, and the previous one, are just perfect for readers who love to read about people who have upended their normal lives and sought out an exotic or out-of-the norm type of life. Through well written stories, such as Barclay's we can admire their determination and vicariously experience their lives. Highly recommended!
June 3, 2017
This review is for both books, which I read as they were left behind in a lodge. Both are nearly identical. Author does very little but brag about men buying her drinks, look for men to buy her drinks, makes brief mention of the beauty of the island she lives on, then wonders why men buy her drinks and what that could possibly mean? Do they like her? Should she like them? People are impressed she speaks Greek! A man ________ !!! (made her dinner/invited her to his home/gave her something). This is a study in vanity; shallow observations poorly linked together like bland journal entries in a very poor echo of better works. I felt like I spent several hours with an uncomfortably self-obsessed individual. Judging from the reviews here, these two volumes appeal to middle aged English women hoping to come to Greece and escape. Darlings, just go, and read a better class of memoir when you get here.
August 6, 2021
This book was somewhat of a dissapointment. I loved the idea turned to life of living on a remote island whilst continuing to work online. And the basic storyline was interesting: shaping that new life. But I did not like the constant descriptions of food being eaten, the seemingly endless drinking, the strange hopping from a general story to a ridiculously detailed one (what everyone ordered in the kantina for instance was as interesting as reading a shopping list). The focus strangely shifted all the time. The description of a walk could turn out longer than that of an abortion. For someone who edits other people's texts Jennifer did not do a fine job for her own writing (or chose the wrong editor). And that the greek lover would be a no brainer was immediaty clear.
I like what Barclay is undertaking. She could have written about it in a more effective way. She should have.
I like what Barclay is undertaking. She could have written about it in a more effective way. She should have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2018
I looked forward to this book coming out ever since I read Jennifers first book Falling In Honey, and I wasn't disappointed and loved this book even more!
No great gritty storyline, (although there is some very personal and heartbreaking stuff in this book) but it's a feel good book about her life and her new greek life, with the most wonderful descriptions! I love her writing from the way she describes the paleness of the sea in the early mornings to the night sky or what she is cooking. Her writing gives the book a very rustic, country, earthy feel that makes me want to start picking herbs, swimming in the sea, roasting things and sleeping in the garden! Just lovely!
No great gritty storyline, (although there is some very personal and heartbreaking stuff in this book) but it's a feel good book about her life and her new greek life, with the most wonderful descriptions! I love her writing from the way she describes the paleness of the sea in the early mornings to the night sky or what she is cooking. Her writing gives the book a very rustic, country, earthy feel that makes me want to start picking herbs, swimming in the sea, roasting things and sleeping in the garden! Just lovely!
July 22, 2021
I picked up this book while staying in an Airbnb on the island of Fuerteventura - and I FELL IN LOVE! I took a 3 week vacation to Greece last year in late August. I was the happiest I ever been in my whole life and I dream daily of the peace, clear blue sea, warm sun, fantastic food and the friends I made there. I would love to live there. Being able to read this book and step into Jennifer's shoes for a moment had me laughing and smiling the whole day by the pool as I read this book. Easily one of my favorite books!!!
June 15, 2026
Life on a Greek Island
A personal story about moving to a small Greek Island truly transforming life in so many ways. The personal ....the very personal chapter reference birthing or attempting to was enlightening, especially from a male viewpoint. For many of us including myself, the wonderment of living near the beach on an island is defined by Jenn in an personal yet professional script. I look forward to the newest with press as one of the main characters. RH.Florida
D
A personal story about moving to a small Greek Island truly transforming life in so many ways. The personal ....the very personal chapter reference birthing or attempting to was enlightening, especially from a male viewpoint. For many of us including myself, the wonderment of living near the beach on an island is defined by Jenn in an personal yet professional script. I look forward to the newest with press as one of the main characters. RH.Florida
D
August 31, 2026
A very repetitive way of story telling. There was of course a really nice perspective of the Greek mentality, politics, hardships and other local customs. But it was simply all about taking walks, feeling grateful, drinking wine, feeling lucky - a mix of these through pages for several times.
I got tired after sometime but pushed myself through the end to see if there was some sort of character arc but simply ended up disappointed. It was like reading someone's diary entry, where it's the same swim, wine, locals, seasons, smile, ferry - tales all over again.
I got tired after sometime but pushed myself through the end to see if there was some sort of character arc but simply ended up disappointed. It was like reading someone's diary entry, where it's the same swim, wine, locals, seasons, smile, ferry - tales all over again.
May 30, 2017
A really lovely book that completely transported me away. I have visited Greek islands on holiday before but have never been to Tilos (although I'm very curious to see it now). Jennifer really captured the atmosphere of the place, the slow pace of life, the abundance of nature, the delicious fresh food and local traditions. However, living abroad on a Mediterranean island isn't all honey and sunshine and I really appreciated the fact that she was very honest about all the hard parts too. This was such a great read to counter the stresses of everyday life. I felt like I really went on holiday in these pages!
June 17, 2018
This book caught my eye a couple of times at the local library, but it's not like I need more books to read. The third time I couldn't resist to borrow it and read it in just a few days.
And so I've just spent a great weekend in a Greek island, meeting the locals, going to the beach, getting tanned and enjoying life outdoors! It was a delightful read which got me ready for the upcoming summer in the South (of Europe!).
And so I've just spent a great weekend in a Greek island, meeting the locals, going to the beach, getting tanned and enjoying life outdoors! It was a delightful read which got me ready for the upcoming summer in the South (of Europe!).
June 30, 2026
My long-held desire to visit Greece made me eager to read Jennifer Barclay’s book. This true story bypasses the typical travel brochure highlights, instead detailing the genuine existence she cultivated for herself on the Mediterranean island of Tilos. This heartfelt and heartbreaking book, full of love, offers a vivid glimpse into island culture, with descriptions of exquisite food aromas and cherished traditions, making it a must-read.
September 24, 2019
Really enjoy Jennifer Barclay's very personable and honest writing style. Although this 2nd memoir is, in many ways, sadder than I had expected it to be, her descriptions of Greece and its people are expressive and affectionate. Travelling and living in Greece with Jennifer is a marvelous way to escape from reality in the North - especially during the cold, dark winter months!
May 29, 2024
I love the story with my whole heart, very soul-touching at the end. Thanks to great descriptions I felt like I was on Tilos too. After reading this book I’ve fallen in love with Greece even more and changed the way of thinking about life.
August 19, 2024
A very interesting insight into life on a Greek island. Just returned from Rhodes so loved reading about all the local traditions and how the weather changes. Also explaining the economic crisis in Greece at the moment. Thank you, I really enjoyed reading your book 💖
July 24, 2025
Just not my cup of tea. I found it quite dull, with many parts feeling repetitive – often it was just wake up, go for a walk, say hi to neighbours, and repeat. I usually enjoy different types of books, but this one simply didn’t hold my interest
August 1, 2019
Loved this book so much! Am dreaming of visiting Tilos one day x
September 11, 2024
A very enjoyable and informative read. With a sad heartfelt events. I loved how the author shared her tales in such a wonderful way.
December 28, 2024
Easy read
February 27, 2025
Niet echt interessant of goed geschreven. 3 sterren omdat ik hou van Griekenland.
October 4, 2026
I enjoyed the descriptions of the island. Truly felt like I was there and has influenced me to potentially visit Tilos. However, sometimes some parts felt repetitive.
December 4, 2024
(Joint review of Falling in Honey and An Octopus in my Ouzo)
Loved these two books, based heavily off the author’s blog, also called An Octopus in my Ouzo. Both books are a fab form of escapism, detailing the author’s life pre and post move to Tilos, which is at times sad and moving, but incredibly insightful and envy inducing. Read with caution however - a desire to up sticks and move to Greece is sure to follow!
Loved these two books, based heavily off the author’s blog, also called An Octopus in my Ouzo. Both books are a fab form of escapism, detailing the author’s life pre and post move to Tilos, which is at times sad and moving, but incredibly insightful and envy inducing. Read with caution however - a desire to up sticks and move to Greece is sure to follow!
July 6, 2018
I re-read Falling in Honey and Octopus in my Ouzo as I loved them so much. Falling in Honey started my love of reading travel writing books and I have now read at least 200. I hope Jennifer writes more books about her life on Greek islands.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews