Beneath the Fig Leaves

by Olympia Panagiotopoulos

Published in March, 2020 by Affirm, Olympia Panagiotopoulos’ poignant story will resonate with anyone who has left their homeland -- "a life caught between a memory and a dream." In Beneath the Fig Leaves, "the comforting sizzle of onion and garlic in hot oil, the fresh, clean scent of a newly picked lemon, the strong earthiness of thyme" infuse the cultural and culinary adventure the author embarks upon with her mother, Giannoula. A powerful exploration of the ties that bind, Beneath the Fig Leaves is a rich tapestry of family, food and history to stir the heart and senses.

Paperback

Published March 31, 2020

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those gentle, heartwarming stories that we need right now. It tells the story of love big enough to go round - to family, friends and would-be friends. Love told in a way that harks back to simpler times - backyard produce to table, using every scrap. If you’re interested in the immigrant’s story, or even want to hone your Mediterranean cooking skills, this is the book for you.

[Rania T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wander into a traditional Greek back yard and you are most likely to find a fig tree underneath which a lot of activity takes place, whether it is eating, storytelling, relaxing or harvesting. In this memoir, we get glimpses of the author's mother's life and her family's decision to migrate to Australia in the 1950s. And just like the resilient fig tree in her back yard, Gianoiulla herself is a resilient figure who has got on with life no matter what curve balls were thrown at her. The memoir also includes some fascinating Greek recipes as well as nostalgia trips of Greek Australian Melbourne life (watching Alfred Hitchcock'sRebecca on TV, all night Saints-day parties, translated Mills and Boon novels, train trips to the beach) and the longing for the Mother Land that never leaves one no matter where they put down their roots.

[Kathryn Gauci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've wanted to read this book for a while and I loved it. In fact, I can honestly say it's one of the best books about Greek life and the migrant experience I've read in a long time. This is the story of the author, Olympia Panagiotopoulos, growing up in a migrant suburb of Melbourne, Australia, and the shared stories of the village in Greece where her mother, Giannoula, grew up, of the hard life Giannoula had when she arrived as a young wife with Fotios, her husband, and three children, and their struggles and hopes for the future. It is a story that most migrants seeking a better future after the war can relate to, be they Maltese, Italian, Polish, etc. In the garden, underneath the fig tree, they share their love of food and life. There are times when the story is heartrendingly sad, and yet at other times it is so funny, you will laugh out loud, but most of all it is a story about love; love of land, the old life, the new life and hope for a better future, family and friends, of giving when you have nothing. In a world where we have largely become self-centered, this story has much to teach us. It is a book with heart and soul. I congratulate the author on her wonderful writing style too - lyrical and at times quite poetic. She is a wonderful observer and storyteller herself, and her parents would be proud of her. There is also a collection of Giannoula's recipes, which look delicious. Some of them are new to me, others old favourites with a twist which I can't wait to try out. Highly recommended.

[Nell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just beautiful. How many stories would be lost to history if we never took the time to sit and listen and document them. Giannoula's personality shines through and the loving bond between mother and daughter is so moving. I was delighted to find recipes at the back, both traditional and new.

[Aryani Siti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir filled with wonderful stories, recipes, memories, and garden adventures. Full of optimism and appreciation between family, neighbors, and friends.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read. Beautiful tribute to the author’s parents, especially mother and to the post-war Greek diaspora.

[Ally Moulis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Greek-Australian who has never been to Greece, this book was a lovely little memoir that made me dream about my own roots.

[Sally Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My parents fed me with food and story…”

This gentle narrative enchanted me from the very first page. For the most part, it takes place under the leaves of a fragrant fig tree, where the author's mother engages in a battle of wits with the birds intent on making away with the fruit and nuts in her beloved garden. It is a story that stems from the senses – textures, aromas and tastes that blossom from the ingredients prepared by 91-year old Giannoula with the help of her daughter’s willing hands. Each dish is filled with memory, whether it be of loved ones lost, of long-ago hardships endured, of youthful romance, or the bond between grandparent and grandchild. Through it all, the love between mother and daughter glows.

The food and memories are infused with the flavours of Greece; the seasons and the mischievous birds are deliciously Australian – and the shared hours in the garden bring the two together in a delicate exploration of how it feels to belong to more than one country.

In her brief epilogue, Olympia Panagiotopoulos gives a glimpse into the rewards of dedicated writing: the peace and the revelations that come from long years of kneading a story, working the dough until it is ready to share with the world.

[Esther M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful mother-daughter memoir. The author writes with deep affection for her family's heritage and journey as she and her mother, Giannoula, take the time to appreciate life's simple pleasures, sharing stories under the shade of a magnificent fig tree in Giannoula's garden. An important contribution to the literature of the Greek diaspora, beginning with the journey undertaken by hundreds of thousands of post-war migrants, a journey that these days one can scarcely imagine, at a time when the idea of returning to their homeland would have been no more than a dream. This story speaks to all who have crossed the seas; a timeless and poetic memoir, with a wonderful selection of family recipes in Part II, 'A Village Feast'.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed reading this beautiful memoir of the author's mother and family. It's written in a journal, depicting daily rituals with her mother. From their morning Greek coffee to organising what's on the menu for the day. I could feel the love that Olympia has for her mother and as she discovers more about her mother, the more she understands Greek traditions and why it so. I felt that I was reading my own relationship with my mother which I'm sure will resonate with many readers. At the end of the book there are recipes which the author mentions throughout the book.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very heartwarming and taught me a lot of life lessons that I will stay with me on this journey of life ❤️❤️❤️

[Trenton Hoare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought me to tears a few times. Reminded me of how my mother and I interact and share stories. Olympia describes the relationship and experiences that a first-generation Australian goes through which only a few will ever understand. Please read this book.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book, evocative and beautifully written.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very beautiful. Family history, mornings and afternoons between mother and daughter in the garden, and an irresistible collection of recipes. For Greeks and non-Greeks alike! I found the journals especially moving. Truly a reminder to make time for our loved ones and to learn about and explore their (and our own) stories.

[Clare B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this memoir, so evocative of all the senses - I felt constantly hungry reading it with all the descriptions of delicious Greek cooking! Those feelings of community, and separation from home and family, were really poignantly conveyed - all the more meaningful now that COVID has made the world a larger place again.
Look forward to trying some of the recipes!

[Fran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in this. I normally love this sort of story but it didn’t give enough.

[Ez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle and poignant read capturing the tender relationship between mother and daughter. It gave me nice memories of my stay with my Greek friend’s family in the country.