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A Scorpion In The Lemon Tree: Mad adventures on a Greek peninsula
"The hilarity of it all! This book really embraces Greek life." - Reader review
Following on from the first two acclaimed travel memoirs (Things Can Only Get Feta and Homer’s Where The Heart Is), Marjory, Jim and their crazy dog Wallace are on a second hilarious odyssey in southern Greece but this time they end up in a peninsula they didn’t choose, and a house they never wanted to live in. How did this happen? Easy, this is Greece and nothing ever goes to plan.
The couple’s latest adventure in Koroni, on the Messinian peninsula, takes them on another perilous and funny journey, with house rental dramas, scorpion threats, a publishing upheaval, and much more. But when they are finally seduced by the charm of unspoilt Koroni, make new friends, grapple with Greek lessons, and reconnect with some of the memorable characters of their Mani days, they discover once more why they are in love with this resilient country, despite its ongoing economic crisis. And there’s not even a sting in this tale. Well … not one you could imagine!
What readers love about A Scorpion In The Lemon Tree:
"This book is rare within the travel writing genre. It cleverly combines a travel narrative with enlightened observations about Greece, while retaining a light and entertaining touch.” – Peter Kerr, best-selling author of Snowball Oranges
"Marjory McGinn has done it again! I have just loved sharing her adventures in Southern Peloponnese, and am eagerly awaiting another one." Sandra McKenna, book blogger and reviewer."
"An excellent ambassador for Greece."
"I have read a lot of travel books but this author is one of the very best writers in this genre."
"A gem of a book. Much more than a travel memoir, you get a feel for what Greeks are thinking."
"This book deserves to be on every traveller's bucket list."
"All three memoirs are often funny, sometimes sad and always interesting.""What a wonderful storyteller Marjory is.""As with the other books in this travel series, I had a lump in my throat when I finished it.""Thank you. Hurry up with a sequel. I would like to be a part of your world again, even if it's not in Greece."
Following on from the first two acclaimed travel memoirs (Things Can Only Get Feta and Homer’s Where The Heart Is), Marjory, Jim and their crazy dog Wallace are on a second hilarious odyssey in southern Greece but this time they end up in a peninsula they didn’t choose, and a house they never wanted to live in. How did this happen? Easy, this is Greece and nothing ever goes to plan.
The couple’s latest adventure in Koroni, on the Messinian peninsula, takes them on another perilous and funny journey, with house rental dramas, scorpion threats, a publishing upheaval, and much more. But when they are finally seduced by the charm of unspoilt Koroni, make new friends, grapple with Greek lessons, and reconnect with some of the memorable characters of their Mani days, they discover once more why they are in love with this resilient country, despite its ongoing economic crisis. And there’s not even a sting in this tale. Well … not one you could imagine!
What readers love about A Scorpion In The Lemon Tree:
"This book is rare within the travel writing genre. It cleverly combines a travel narrative with enlightened observations about Greece, while retaining a light and entertaining touch.” – Peter Kerr, best-selling author of Snowball Oranges
"Marjory McGinn has done it again! I have just loved sharing her adventures in Southern Peloponnese, and am eagerly awaiting another one." Sandra McKenna, book blogger and reviewer."
"An excellent ambassador for Greece."
"I have read a lot of travel books but this author is one of the very best writers in this genre."
"A gem of a book. Much more than a travel memoir, you get a feel for what Greeks are thinking."
"This book deserves to be on every traveller's bucket list."
"All three memoirs are often funny, sometimes sad and always interesting.""What a wonderful storyteller Marjory is.""As with the other books in this travel series, I had a lump in my throat when I finished it.""Thank you. Hurry up with a sequel. I would like to be a part of your world again, even if it's not in Greece."
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2016
83 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Marjory McGinn
8 books51 followersMarjory McGinn is a Scottish-born journalist who has worked on newspapers in the UK, and Australia where she spent some of her childhood.
In 2010, she set off for an adventure in the rural Mani, Greece, with her husband and their famously mad Jack Russell dog, Wallace. The adventure lasted four years and is the basis for her 4 travel memoirs: Things Can Only Get Feta, Homer's Where the Heart Is, A Scorpion In The Lemon Tree, A Donkey On The Catwalk. She has also published two novels also set in Greece: A Saint For The Summer and How Greek Is Your Love? in a 2-book series.
Her latest book is a humorous travel memoir with various locations, Wake Me Up For The Elephants.
Marjory writes a blog with a Greek theme on her website www.bigfatgreekodyssey.com/blog. She likes sea swimming, improving her Greek, crazy terriers and photography.
In 2010, she set off for an adventure in the rural Mani, Greece, with her husband and their famously mad Jack Russell dog, Wallace. The adventure lasted four years and is the basis for her 4 travel memoirs: Things Can Only Get Feta, Homer's Where the Heart Is, A Scorpion In The Lemon Tree, A Donkey On The Catwalk. She has also published two novels also set in Greece: A Saint For The Summer and How Greek Is Your Love? in a 2-book series.
Her latest book is a humorous travel memoir with various locations, Wake Me Up For The Elephants.
Marjory writes a blog with a Greek theme on her website www.bigfatgreekodyssey.com/blog. She likes sea swimming, improving her Greek, crazy terriers and photography.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 27, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the third book in the series about life in a Greek village in the southern Peloponnese and just as in the previous ones, I always learn something new. I particularly like the way the author gives us a glimpse into the way the villagers cope with the worsening economic crisis; their stoicism and philosophy in the face of ever-increasing obstacles born out of years of earlier hardships in Greece's modern history. She is observant and entertaining and her love for Greece is evident. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2016
So good !
That's it. I have now read all three books. I must say I shall miss reading about all the various characters. I can only hope that there will be another book in due course....please.
That's it. I have now read all three books. I must say I shall miss reading about all the various characters. I can only hope that there will be another book in due course....please.
August 17, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much, and I knew I would, based on the two other Marjory McGinn books I’ve read. Her perception of Greece and its people is an interesting one. I love the way she dances around completely annoying behavior by dressing it in some sort of positivity. McGinn observes two tourists feeding the feral cats around a café after those tourists make a comment negating the Greek suffering during the current financial crisis: “What can you say about people who come to Greece but only see animals on their radar screen” McGinn writes, but she quickly throws in, “worthy though that is.”
She also has a description of a farm which is “typical . . . rural property, with old cars, piles of wood and an endearing assemblage of junk.” Yes—“endearing.” I, as a non-Greek married to a Greek for the past 35 years, would like to take an “endearing” bulldozer to the “endearing” junk on our family farm! But I love McGinn’s style in this book, as well as her other observations of Greek culture and the Greek propensity to experience EVERYTHING, even if it’s fatal. For example, she describes proceed-at-your-own-risk signs which are posted on some very treacherous terrain where another country would probably have a locked gate with a big red sign: KEEP OUT! McGinn also comments on the Greek tendency to be painfully honest: “Greeks are kind to a fault but they don’t buy into the philosophy of political correctness.” So true! One old Greek aunt said to me in my first tender year of marriage, “You got fat since I saw you last.” Ouch! . . . Honest? Yes. Necessary? No! I could go on forever.
But I’d rather talk about the author’s left wing slant to the Greek crisis. Yes, it’s terrible, a horrible thing to see so many young people without a way to make a living . . . retirees who’ve had their pensions cut in half. But the money was a loan not a gift. Come on now, Ms. McGinn, you have to admit that the young Greeks should be blaming their parents’ generation, rather than the Germans. Okay, maybe the Germans knew the Greeks so well that they knew the loans they were giving to that generation would be used for material items rather than training, education, infrastructure, businesses . . . and would never be paid back and they’d have a different way—a financial way—to conquer the Greeks.
In any event, what I really want to know is more about Ms. McGinn’s experiences in Greece in the 1970s. There’s definitely a story there that she alludes to in each of her books. A memoir perhaps? I hope so! I’m certainly looking forward to the next Marjory McGinn book!
She also has a description of a farm which is “typical . . . rural property, with old cars, piles of wood and an endearing assemblage of junk.” Yes—“endearing.” I, as a non-Greek married to a Greek for the past 35 years, would like to take an “endearing” bulldozer to the “endearing” junk on our family farm! But I love McGinn’s style in this book, as well as her other observations of Greek culture and the Greek propensity to experience EVERYTHING, even if it’s fatal. For example, she describes proceed-at-your-own-risk signs which are posted on some very treacherous terrain where another country would probably have a locked gate with a big red sign: KEEP OUT! McGinn also comments on the Greek tendency to be painfully honest: “Greeks are kind to a fault but they don’t buy into the philosophy of political correctness.” So true! One old Greek aunt said to me in my first tender year of marriage, “You got fat since I saw you last.” Ouch! . . . Honest? Yes. Necessary? No! I could go on forever.
But I’d rather talk about the author’s left wing slant to the Greek crisis. Yes, it’s terrible, a horrible thing to see so many young people without a way to make a living . . . retirees who’ve had their pensions cut in half. But the money was a loan not a gift. Come on now, Ms. McGinn, you have to admit that the young Greeks should be blaming their parents’ generation, rather than the Germans. Okay, maybe the Germans knew the Greeks so well that they knew the loans they were giving to that generation would be used for material items rather than training, education, infrastructure, businesses . . . and would never be paid back and they’d have a different way—a financial way—to conquer the Greeks.
In any event, what I really want to know is more about Ms. McGinn’s experiences in Greece in the 1970s. There’s definitely a story there that she alludes to in each of her books. A memoir perhaps? I hope so! I’m certainly looking forward to the next Marjory McGinn book!
July 16, 2020
A Scorpion in the Lemon Tree finds Marjory, Jim and their lovable dog Wallace return to the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece ready to embark on another Greek odyssey. It’s another delightful and thoroughly enjoyable read. Marjory’s love of Greece and its people are evident throughout. This time they find a house near Koroni and once again it says a great deal about Marjory and Jim that they are befriended and accepted by the locals. She writes about the effects of the financial crisis and the ways in which the stoical Greeks face up to the hardships they must endure as a result. Of course, there are lots of adventures as they go exploring the area and some hair-raising road journeys which would have terrified me! The scorpions would have terrified me too.
There’s a great mix of historical information, which I love, along with vivid descriptions of the people they meet and places they visit. I particularly loved her meetings and conversations with the Papas. It gave a real insight into a quite different way of life.
It was good to catch up with characters from the two earlier memoirs, particularly Fonteini. I laughed at the shopping trip tale but had a real lump in my throat at Marjory and Jim’s last meeting with her before returning to the UK. What a wonderful storyteller Marjory is with a lovely conversational style which draws you in. Funny, poignant and entertaining, this is a terrific series and for anyone who loves Greece I would highly recommend them.
There’s a great mix of historical information, which I love, along with vivid descriptions of the people they meet and places they visit. I particularly loved her meetings and conversations with the Papas. It gave a real insight into a quite different way of life.
It was good to catch up with characters from the two earlier memoirs, particularly Fonteini. I laughed at the shopping trip tale but had a real lump in my throat at Marjory and Jim’s last meeting with her before returning to the UK. What a wonderful storyteller Marjory is with a lovely conversational style which draws you in. Funny, poignant and entertaining, this is a terrific series and for anyone who loves Greece I would highly recommend them.
January 30, 2017
I absolutely love all three books in this series. In this, the third installment, the author, her partner Jim, and lovable dog Wallace are in a new part of Greece with plenty of new places to explore and people to meet. Many favorite characters from the first two books, most notably the goat farmer Foteini, make an appearance as well.
One common thread in these books that I feel is very important is the way they give a human perspective to the financial crisis in Greece. I have seen a few articles actually praising the austerity measures, speaking of the Greek people in mere generalities and looking at the crisis as a matter of money only, but money is a human invention; it has no value but that which humans give it. Therefore, these books dive into more complicated territory, looking at the Greeks as human beings. McGinn writes with compassion and understanding, exploring how the Greek culture and way of life impacts how they deal with austerity. She writes of the difficult, sometimes impossible decisions they must face just to survive during these tough times. This is heavy subject matter, and yet, because the author has such a personal connection to Greece and its people, she is able to write about it with warmth, wit, and humor.
In spite of its financial crisis, its giant scorpions, and all its imperfections, you can't help but fall in love with Greece and its people when reading this series. I highly recommend it.
One common thread in these books that I feel is very important is the way they give a human perspective to the financial crisis in Greece. I have seen a few articles actually praising the austerity measures, speaking of the Greek people in mere generalities and looking at the crisis as a matter of money only, but money is a human invention; it has no value but that which humans give it. Therefore, these books dive into more complicated territory, looking at the Greeks as human beings. McGinn writes with compassion and understanding, exploring how the Greek culture and way of life impacts how they deal with austerity. She writes of the difficult, sometimes impossible decisions they must face just to survive during these tough times. This is heavy subject matter, and yet, because the author has such a personal connection to Greece and its people, she is able to write about it with warmth, wit, and humor.
In spite of its financial crisis, its giant scorpions, and all its imperfections, you can't help but fall in love with Greece and its people when reading this series. I highly recommend it.
March 9, 2017
No, don't go!
I could read this series forever. I love Wallace. How are we to know what his latest antics are? Please Marjory, don't stop looking for a house in Greece. And, thank you for teaching me about Saint Theodora Monastery. Your books have brought humor, knowledge, good people, and the heart of Greece in this homebound life of mine. Thank you.
I could read this series forever. I love Wallace. How are we to know what his latest antics are? Please Marjory, don't stop looking for a house in Greece. And, thank you for teaching me about Saint Theodora Monastery. Your books have brought humor, knowledge, good people, and the heart of Greece in this homebound life of mine. Thank you.
September 5, 2020
The delightful Greek journey continues.
Our intrepid journalists and Wallace, the dog, are back in Greece again. This time they move to a different peninsula and try to adapt to a new location and way of life. New characters are introduced, along with Foteini, her loyal if slightly eccentric local friend. Marjory has an easy yet polished style, the pages spin past you as you are drawn into the latest saga, and I was sad when this book ended. I do hope there will be more in the future.
Our intrepid journalists and Wallace, the dog, are back in Greece again. This time they move to a different peninsula and try to adapt to a new location and way of life. New characters are introduced, along with Foteini, her loyal if slightly eccentric local friend. Marjory has an easy yet polished style, the pages spin past you as you are drawn into the latest saga, and I was sad when this book ended. I do hope there will be more in the future.
May 27, 2017
Heartwarming travelogue
The writing drew me in and I kept picking it up for just one more chapter. I enjoyed the blend of scenery, history, personalities and amusing anecdotes on the travails of learning Greek. I recommend these books to anyone traveling to Greece and wanting a sense of what life in the villages is like.
The writing drew me in and I kept picking it up for just one more chapter. I enjoyed the blend of scenery, history, personalities and amusing anecdotes on the travails of learning Greek. I recommend these books to anyone traveling to Greece and wanting a sense of what life in the villages is like.
February 9, 2017
Another lovely read and highly recommended. But just realised that I have missed number two in this series. This is a both amusing and interesting tale of Greece.
August 3, 2016
Third book in the series and I'm hoping this isn't the end ! Descriptions which transport you to a warmer place where the intensity of the sun and the economic climate create lovely and sometimes sad stories. Dappled with humour, history and Wallace the lovable Jack Russell, what is there not to like !
Go buy them all and get reading .
Go buy them all and get reading .
November 1, 2016
Third Greek Adventure
I have really enjoyed the three accounts of Marjory and Jim's living in Greece! The Greek Orthodox churches and the priests were very enlightening! I also enjoyed the Greek people!
I have really enjoyed the three accounts of Marjory and Jim's living in Greece! The Greek Orthodox churches and the priests were very enlightening! I also enjoyed the Greek people!
September 12, 2017
Very Real, and informative
I have enjoyed all 3 stories, so much. I have had the best time reading about foreigners lives in Greece. And, I've looked forward to each time I can resume reading. It is common knowledge of the economic crisis in Greece. The books bring a reality to this countries struggles and the courage Greeks have in living graciously through it all. Most of us have never heard of the long history of this place where people have likely originated from as a civilization.
A long time ago I had heard the opinion in a family discussion that combing all of Europe might not be in the best interest of all countries involved. These books were the best explanation of all.
I look forward to more stories, from this author. And, I hope they get back to Greece soon.
I have enjoyed all 3 stories, so much. I have had the best time reading about foreigners lives in Greece. And, I've looked forward to each time I can resume reading. It is common knowledge of the economic crisis in Greece. The books bring a reality to this countries struggles and the courage Greeks have in living graciously through it all. Most of us have never heard of the long history of this place where people have likely originated from as a civilization.
A long time ago I had heard the opinion in a family discussion that combing all of Europe might not be in the best interest of all countries involved. These books were the best explanation of all.
I look forward to more stories, from this author. And, I hope they get back to Greece soon.
November 2, 2021
Delightful
This is another delightful read from Marjory. Here we find Marjory, Jim and the wonderful Wallace embarking on another Greek odyssey on the Peloponnese peninsula.
This time they are staying in Koroni and includes plenty more exploration adventures, all of which are described in Marjory's explicit and descriptive way. Some of the hairpin roads had me shuddering in my seat.
At this time Greece is gripped in the financial crisis and the author writes about its effect on the local community, how they all pull together to help one another. Despite the crisis, they once again experience the warmth and generosity of the local people and are welcomed into their homes.
I could feel the warmth of the sunshine on me as I enjoyed reading this delightful book. Thank you once again, Marjory.
This is another delightful read from Marjory. Here we find Marjory, Jim and the wonderful Wallace embarking on another Greek odyssey on the Peloponnese peninsula.
This time they are staying in Koroni and includes plenty more exploration adventures, all of which are described in Marjory's explicit and descriptive way. Some of the hairpin roads had me shuddering in my seat.
At this time Greece is gripped in the financial crisis and the author writes about its effect on the local community, how they all pull together to help one another. Despite the crisis, they once again experience the warmth and generosity of the local people and are welcomed into their homes.
I could feel the warmth of the sunshine on me as I enjoyed reading this delightful book. Thank you once again, Marjory.
January 21, 2025
Great book, third in the series. loved all Marjory’s books on Greece.
I have read 3 of the books in this series and loved them all. Comic stories about local residents and Wallace, the dog, features in all 3 books. There are comic tales but also serious mention regarding the problems in Greece. I look forward to reading more.
I have read 3 of the books in this series and loved them all. Comic stories about local residents and Wallace, the dog, features in all 3 books. There are comic tales but also serious mention regarding the problems in Greece. I look forward to reading more.
March 16, 2022
great insight into Greek culture
Loved this book. I have not been able to go to Greece for three years now and miss it. Great reading about the people and the struggles of the people living through the financial crisis.
Loved this book. I have not been able to go to Greece for three years now and miss it. Great reading about the people and the struggles of the people living through the financial crisis.
June 13, 2017
Entertaining read, especially if you love Greece.
April 16, 2018
Funny and beautify written
Love the continuing story ans most of all the brilliant characters,especially .Wallace the Jack Russel he has a very funny nature and attributes.
Love the continuing story ans most of all the brilliant characters,especially .Wallace the Jack Russel he has a very funny nature and attributes.
July 2, 2019
Another enjoyable romp around the Southern Peloponnesus meeting old friends and making new ones. An easy and enjoyable book to read.
June 3, 2021
Interesting Read
Funny, thought provoking, relaxing novel. Really absorbing but sometimes a little heavy on history. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Funny, thought provoking, relaxing novel. Really absorbing but sometimes a little heavy on history. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
December 20, 2021
A third wonderful book.
She is such a gifted writer, drawing me in to every experience and relationship. THANK YOU, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
She is such a gifted writer, drawing me in to every experience and relationship. THANK YOU, I thoroughly enjoyed all three books.
February 14, 2022
Enjoyed this book so well the other 2, she is a wonderful writer and there is a lot to learn about Greek history in addition to the villages where they have lived, the places they visited and all their experiences, I will be looking for her next book
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May 1, 2020Another lovely memoir of the author's time living in the southern Peloponnese. I felt a bit sad at the end, as Marjorie, Jim and Wallace were going back to the UK. Will they return to Greece? Will there be a fourth book? Please?
December 28, 2016
Loved this too - third in the trilogy! The author's writing is superb, and her adventures and reflections on Greece are not to be missed. Looking forward to her next book!
June 14, 2021
I loved reading it for a second time.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews