Crete: A Notebook; Journeys Through a Mystical Landscape

by Richard Clark

This new Greek language edition of Richard Clark's Crete - A Notebook is an updated version of his bestselling book, taking in any necessary changes since it first came out in 2012. In 1982, on a whim, the English journalist Richard Clark upped sticks and left the country of his birth to go and work as a teacher in Crete. So began a love affair with the island to which he still returns as often as possible. Crete - A Notebook is a series of snapshots of his experiences on an island he has grown to cherish. It is less of a travel guide and more of a travelling companion. Whether a regular visitor or a first-time traveller there, this book provides an invaluable insight into life past and present on this exquisite island. Praise for Crete - A Notebook 'I was really surprised and delighted by the book. I read every word. The author is a fine writer and describes the island vividly. It's not a guidebook although there's a lot of information here that should be in any good guidebook. He travels around the island in a clockwise direction, writing short essays as he goes, which are a mix of personal memoir, history, and an evocation of place. The last one he does very well, as it brought back memories to me of my own travels around the island. He really does capture places well.' Mike Gerrard, Author of AA Spiral Guide to Crete 'I love the way Clark writes, it is personal, it is human and deceptively simple. A book crafted so carefully you almost believe that it's a notebook, were it not for the flow.' Sarah Alexi Bestselling uthor of The Greek Village Series 'Unsurprisingly, travel literature constitutes the vast majority of my reading these days, and I devour as much online and off as I can. In examining other writers' style and content, I have become accustomed to dipping in and out of work. The extent to which I have been unable to put Richard Clark's book down is a tribute to its compulsive readability.' Travel journalist Emma French www.phileasfrench.com Praise for The Greek Islands - A Notebook 'Clark is particularly good on the colours, flavours and scents of Greece. He has got under the skin of the place in a way few outsiders have been able to.' Mark Hudson, winner Somerset Maugham Award, Thomas Cook Travel Book Award, Samuel Johnson Prize 'This is a beautifully written book, not just a travel companion but a journey in itself through Greek History, it's culture and the countryside. Reading this book is an education in itself and I found myself so much the richer in having read it.' E.J. Russell, Bestselling author of Return to the Aegean and Aegean Abduction 'What I liked most about the book was that it was personal and with that came an honesty, no wrappings, no embellishments other than descriptions of Greece itself. I would recommend this book both to people who have never been to Greece as well as to seasoned travellers. It was a joy.' Sarah Alexi, Bestselling author of The Greek Village Series 'My library contains almost all of the noteworthy books about Greece and her islands and this will be a welcomed addition. I will place it next to my collection of books by the late and great Patrick Leigh Fermor, because I think Richard Clark's writing is as close to Fermor as we will ever come again.' Aurelia Smeltz, Author of Labyrinthine Ways, A Lone Red Apple

Genres: Travel

328 pages, Paperback

First published July 12, 2012

Reviews

[Tammy Horvath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for people that want to know all about Crete, although it went into a little more detail than I liked, even though I want to visit the island of Elafonisi someday. The author has a way with words; I felt I was right there with him. This book would be perfect for reading when I visit the island. This book has everything from Crete’s sea life, food, dancing, and culture. I loved learning about the 1.5 million Greek ancestors that later emigrated elsewhere. But I don’t think I’m brave enough to drive on the roads of the country that tops the European Community chart for the most road deaths, even if I’m wearing the required helmet on my moped.

But the most fascinating part of Crete: A Notebook was learning about their involvement in the second World War, which ultimately led to their liberation in 1944. If you are planning a trip to Greece, this book is for you. Otherwise, travel from the comfort of your couch.

Since I am a Christian with strong faith, I love that Greece is a deeply religious country. The freedom to hold any belief is in their constitution. Although I do not agree with many of their beliefs, I like that they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus with fireworks.

[Sally Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should come with a warning: if you're reading while you're planning your first trip to Crete, you will very likely end up adding days to your itinerary! That's what happened to me, anyway.

A great read - can't wait to get to the next two in the series.

[John Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard Clark's travel books are all a joy to read. I live on Crete and this book is not only a beautiful read, but it's enhancing my experience of the island I've made my home. Highly recommended.

[Isla McKetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time to get working on both your summer reading list and your vacation planning. This delightful book will help you do both (with some wonderful storytelling and history lessons along the way). Read all about it in my full-length review: Escape and learn with Richard Clark.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the book. Review to follow on greecelogue.com

[Evi Routoula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel a little bit ashamed but Richard knows better than me Crete! It is a must read for everyone who wants to visit the island or for everyone who wants to know things about Greece.