The Lost Lyra

by Richard Clark

‘Full of hope, a captivating novel’
Richard Clark’s delicious book transports the reader to the magnificent splendour of Crete’s White Mountains.
When musician Sarah Piper’s beloved grandfather dies, he bequeaths her a gift that will change her life forever. Travelling to the sun-drenched island Crete to discover the truth about her grandfather’s past, she finds her own future.
From bestselling travel writer Richard Clark, this debut novel is a captivating and joyous read.
Praise for Richard Clark’s travel books.
‘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 of Somerset Maugham Award, Thomas Cook Travel Book Award, Samuel Johnson Prize
'Richard Clark captures the spirit of Greece I love. His books make me long to see the places he describes.’
Jennifer Barclay, author of Falling in Honey and An Octopus in My Ouzo
'There is poetry in Richard Clark’s words and through his eyes. I recommend anyone missing Greece, visiting Greece or just wishing they could go to Greece to take a look!’
Sara Alexi, author of The Greek Village Series
‘Thanks, Richard, for adding your great eye to your gifted pen in service to sharing the essence of Greece with the world!’ Jeffrey Siger, bestselling, award-winning US crime writer
‘Richard Clark writes with great authority and a deep affection for his subject, which comes from his long association with Greece… excellent.'
Marjory McGinn, author of Things Can Only Get Feta, Homer’s Where the Heart Is, A Scorpion in the Lemon Tree and A Saint for the Summer

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2019

Reviews

[Susan Thorburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst I loved the descriptions of Crete and the historical elements, I felt that the story was too similar to the previous book I’d read by this author (The Forgotten Song). The ending was far too predictable and also far too unlikely.

[Pamela Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As well as an enjoyable story that reveals the strength and honor of the Cretans, many of the descriptive sentences are so beautiful that I'd have to stop to reflect on them for some time, just for the sheer beauty and depth of the writing. Highly recommended!

[Evi Routoula · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am very happy reading Richard Clark's first novel. I have read before Richard's traveling books and i already knew that he has a great knowledge about Crete and Greece's customs and history. But reading this book, i discovered that he is a lovely story teller as well.
Sarah is devastated after her grandfather's death and her boyfriend's infidelity. She finds a lyra ( Cretan musical instrument ) in her grandfather's attic and as a musician, she learns to play the organ and she is willing to learn more about her beloved grandfather's past. She decides to travel in Crete, where her grandad served as a soldier during the 2WW. This trip will change her life.
Richard's novel is full of beautiful sentences and fine descriptions. And his knowledge about Greece is unique. I truly recommend this novel and i am looking forward reading more of Richard Clark's books.

[Mrs. A.A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A visit to Crete.

Sara finds letters and a Greek Lyra in her grandfather's attic after inheriting his cottage in London. Her grandfather had served in the 2nd World War avoiding capture in Crete. Sara decides to follow his wartime footsteps. Richard Clark's delightful characters and beautiful descriptions of the island of Crete make this book an enjoyable and interesting read.

[Jacquie Jerrard · Rating 5 out of 5]

glorious book

I loved this book, the amount of various feeling it gave me. From the tragedy of Sarah’s grandfather and his struggles during the war. To meeting Nikos and him showing her the island. Hillsides dotted with wildflowers Bougainville draping over walls the azure sea I want to go.

[jean mcardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story I could not put it down once I started to read k

The story described Crete very well and the people in my mind were real keep up the good work looking forward to read some more of your books

[denise reynolds · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointingly Rushed

This story could have been so much more. I found it very rushed one moment an attempt to paint a colourful narrative then swiftly jumping to another subject.

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting lyra

This was a brilliant book from start to finish. Thank you Richard you have written this book with pure love for Crete standing out.

[Lesley Ridden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and stirring, like the Island

A lovely book, read it almost without putting it down. Descriptive bringing the island and the war years to life beautifully.

[MRS A HARDY · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book

Was the corniest book i have read in a long time.it almost read like a fairy story and the happy ever after was endless

[sally ann marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I love Greece and her islands. The author was able to bring to life through his descriptions.

[joan flexmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Compelling reading, Crete is so beautiful with a dark history from the war years. A wonderful love story too. Will definitely read more books by Richard Clark.

[Evanthia Pallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

Intriguing and heartwarming story. I was transported to the beautiful island of Crete through the author’s storytelling. Didn’t want it to end.

[Karen Boughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to pack my bags and move there.

[Juliet Carolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and I love all his books as I am a lover of Greece especially Crete. I think he writes really well and his stories are interesting. I would highly recommend this book.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Set in the beautiful island of Crete, I enjoyed the way the author combined the history of the island following the events of WW2 and the effect it had on the Cretans - and of course those soldiers who fought there during and after the Battle of Crete, I fely extremely emotional reading it as my father was on Crete then and became a prisoner of war when not all the allies could be rescued. I have visited many of the places mentioned and the authors descriptions of the scenery are wonderful. Of course it is also a love story - about music and families and finding a place to call home. This is my favourite of Richard Clark's novels.

[Stephanie Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it brought to life the Crete I remember from the days I used to work there and the historical element added another level to a satisfying tale.

[Maureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't think what the style reminded me of and then it came to me it reads as a YA not an adult novel.