Once We Were Here

by Christopher Cosmos

As World War II intrudes upon their home, three young friends risk everything for freedom, love, and a chance at a better life. On October 28th, 1940, Mussolini provides Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas with an either allow Axis forces to occupy their country, or face war, and Greece's response is swift. "Oxi!" they say. "No!" In a small village nestled against the radiant waters of the Aegean Sea, we find Alexei, the son of a local fisherman, and his best friend Costa, who were both born on the same night eighteen years earlier and have been like brothers ever since, though now, like all the other young men in their village and throughout Greece, they will leave their homes to bravely fight for their country. But before they go, Alexei asks Philia, the girl that he's loved his entire life, to marry him, which sets into motion the events which will change the lives of these three and their family and friends forever, and begins an epic and unforgettable story of courage, survival, sacrifice, the strength of the human spirit, and of a love and friendship that will echo across time and generations. A spellbinding novel and sweeping romance that performs the remarkable feat of creating action-packed scenes, characters that we care deeply about, and revealing in vivid detail the untold true story of how Greece helped the Allies to win World War II, Once We Were Here is an unforgettable tale that pays tribute to the brave men and women who fought and gave everything for their country, for each other, and for freedom.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, World War II, Historical, Greece, Book Club, Audiobook

313 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2020

About the author

Hello! I'm a screenwriter and bestselling author from the Midwest who grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and attended the University of Michigan.

My second novel, "Young Conquerors," is now available and ready to be added to your shelves! My first novel, "Once We Were Here," a love story set in Greece during WWII, is also out and available anywhere books are found or sold.

For more news and updates please also follow along on Instagram @christophercosmos.

Reviews

[Marialyce]

I read up to the 35% point in this book. The constant use of the words bang bang bang and bam bam bam took away from the content and made it sound trivial almost like a book for children. Sadly, I could not continue.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story sheds light on Greece’s role during WWII.

October 1940, Mussolini gives Prime Minister Metaxas three hours to surrender or he invades Greece.

Eighteen year old best friends, Alexei and Costa, leave their homes to take part in fighting for their country. And right before that Alexei proposes to his long time love of his life – Philia. His father encourages him to do it in order to give him purpose, something to fight for, to come back home to.

“The Greek soldiers had no training.” And instead of receiving one, they receive encouraging words from PM. Since Greeks “had been warriors since as far back as time could remember, it was a part of who they were – a part of their blood (…). It was part of a legacy (…). Thus, it wasn’t something that they needed to learn, or train for…” Alexei and Costa, sons of fishermen, are handed rifles now.

1941, a second attack comes from Hitler. Both friends have to pick up weapons and head north again to resist an invader.

For most of the part, the battle descriptions are more of geographic and strategic background, rather than brutality and gruesome descriptions, which makes is it an easier read and which I preferred.

Some scenes have fairly brief descriptions. The beauty of a place is in that one word, I didn’t see it in the description. The love between two people is in that one word, I didn’t feel it.

I wanted the characters to be better developed. I didn’t get attach to any of them. The writing is what I would call smooth. The problem is missing feelings and what the characters think and that’s what needs to be breathed into this writing.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 2014, Andrew arrives for his summer holiday at Lake Michigan with his wife Stephanie, children David and William. Every year they stay with his grandfather Papou and his grandmother Yia Yia at their cottage. Andrew asks his Papou about an old photo he found, he recognizes his grandmother, she’s with a strange man and who is he? Papou decides to finally tell him about the past and his family’s life in Greece; it’s a story about two young men and how war changed their lives.

In a small Greek fishing village Agria two baby boys are born on the same night their parents name them Costa and Alexei. Now 18, the young men are best friends and are as close as brothers. When war is declared in 1940 they enlist, leaving Agria for the first time, despite the terrible conditions and no military training they win and defeat the Italian army. Before they depart, Alexei asks his first love Philia to marry him and she accepts. When a victorious Alexei returns from the war he and Philia marry, they make plans for the future and start building a house. Unfortunately their honeymoon was barely over when the young groom and his best friend Costa are needed to fight in another war. The Greek army only had the Metaxas Line between them and the much stronger German army; they had planes, tanks and superior weapons. The Greek army digs in, they reinforced the line and nervously wait for the Germans to arrive.

Once We Were Here is a historical fiction saga, it’s about nation’s history, its traditions, a special friendship between two young men and their legacy. Despite the terrible odds against them the Greek army made the German’s advancement through Greece as difficult as possible, of course Costa and Alexei were involved in this. What the Greek soldiers managed to achieve is amazing, it helped the allies eventually win WW II and defect the Germans. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I gave the book four stars.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster/Arcade publishing for the advanced copy!

I have read many books within the WWII Historical Fiction genre and am drawn by the stories within that are based on true events that illustrate the sacrifices, devastation, and resilience of all that experienced the war. This is the first book within that genre that told all of the same stories, but the first that truly encompassed all of the above, but pushed even further into the lives of friends and the courage and bravery they exhibited throughout it all. It was also the first book that I've read set in Greece during WWII. I have heard stories through the years of the tenacity of the Greek people and their ability to stand up to adversity and battle, but as I read through Once We Were Here and was introduced to Alexei, Philia, Costa, and Koukidis as they face the atrocities of having their country invaded by Italy and then Germany truly showcased their strength and perseverance. It's a story that commands respect of the individuals within Agria and all of Greece as they fought for their families and exhibited so much pride in their country to fight. Just like many other stories during war, there are some tough moments to read within the book, but by the end of the story it is one of redemption, love, and gumption. An excellent book written by Christopher Cosmos and I'm happy to have had the privilege of reading it. During the current crises within the world, I was afraid this book might be too much to read given the times, but overall it lifted my spirits as it showcased the tenacity and fight within the human race to challenge what fears us most and overcome them. Excellent read!

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this fabulous novel down!! It is so much more than a WWII novel. The love of family, friends, community & country are so authentically told that it made me wish I were Greek.
I truly intend to recommend to all my Greek friends!!!

[Mary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I had never read anything about the Greeks during WWII and though I recently spent a couple of weeks there, there was very little I ran across about the war. So that was fascinating. And the story was wonderful.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once We Were Here by Christopher Cosmos is an excellent historical fiction mainly depicting the events and struggles of two male friends (Alexei and Consta) that join the call to fight and defend their country (Greece) from adversaries. One assailant after another, first the Italians then the Germans) during WWII. This book covers some of the events that they experience upon entering this fight after they both leave from their small fishing village and all that they know and love, and join the fight to defend their homeland.

It is nice to read about a location that isn’t a “well-covered” country such as France, Germany, and even Italy. Not too many books that I have read lately cover Greece during WWII.

This book encompasses love, loss, loyalty, friendship, defying odds, relationships, and fighting for what matters.
I loved reading the backstories and the “human factor”. It must be the anthropologist in me that loves to take a peek into social customs, societies, and day to day lives of other areas. I definitely enjoyed reading that aspect of the book as well. The struggles and losses that people and their families had to go through, was very hard.

A great book that presented passion, love, loss, change, and war.

5/5 stars

Thank you EW and Arcade/Simon & Schuster for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling read that drew me in from the first page. I read it in one sitting. Having read many books on the subject of Greece in World War II, fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, I am quite familiar with the history of the time period, but more often than not, the magnitude of the history overshadows the characters in works historical fiction. Cosmos somehow manages to find a balance, where the characters and the plot stand up for themselves amid the onslaught of history. There were moments when I wondered about the gun and bomb noises which pepper the text of the battle scenes, but they didn't stop me from reading. The faint of heart should be warned, there is a lot of violence in this book. I hear it may soon be adapted as a TV miniseries which should make the history of OXI Day much more well-known as it should be. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every family has its stories. You know. The stories you heard as you sat on your grandfather's knee. Some stories are family stories; some are war stories. Greece has the greatest war stories -- stories of the heroes Achilles, Zeus, Homer, Aeschylus, Odysseus, Alexander -- which have inspired men of Greece down through the ages.

In 1940, two best friends leave their small fishing village Agria to fight to save their country first from the Italians and then from the Nazis. Alexei leaves behind his wife, Philia, with a solemn promise to return. Stories fill the days of Andreas [Alexei] and his best friend Constantinos [Costa] as they defend Greece from the invaders. Their objective against the Germans was to keep their armies occupied long enough that they would have to fight Russia in the brutal Russian winter,

This is a great story of friendship, loyalty, fear, victory, loss, and love.

I read this DEBUT EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Arcada Publishing. pub date 10/27/20

[Ray Foy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Greek resistance to Italian and then German invasions is a less well-known aspect of World War II, but was pivotal to the Allies’ success. That fact infuses Mr. Cosmos’ book, for better and for worse.

A HISTORICAL-ROMANCE-WAR FICTION TOLD IN A FRAME

Once We Were Here is told in a frame structure that begins with a young man in 2014 being told the story of his grandparents’ love and struggle in World War II. The story has not shared with him before, at least not in its entirety. His grandfather is the teller and his tale constitutes the rest of the book until the last chapter, when the narrative returns to 2014.

The grandfather’s story is that of Alexi, who lives in the Greek fishing village of Agria. Alexi only wants to be a fisherman like his father and marry the local girl, Philia, who is his soulmate. But patriotism delays his plans when the Greek Prime Minister, Metaxas, refuses to grant the Italians unopposed entry as conquerors of Greece.

Alexi, with his friend, Costa, joins the Army and fights the Italians, defeating them at Pogradec in the north. Bloodied, but feeling consummated in war if not in love, he returns to Agria and marries Philia. Life is good for Alexi until the Germans decide to invade. Once again, Alexi and Costa march north with the Army to stop invaders.

But the German Army is larger, better trained, and better equipped than the Italians. They are slowed, but not stopped, and the Greeks have to flee. With the Greek Army beaten, Alexi and Costa join the resistance. The Germans march south toward Athens. On the way, they occupy Agria, oppressing the remaining residents and committing atrocities.

The rest of the story is Alexi’s struggle to save his country and regain his life and family.

GREECE AND FAMILY THEMES

This is a very patriotic story. Pride in Greece and its classical history is a primary point. That pride is pushed to a breaking point. References to Greek heroes and places (Achilles, Agamemnon, Thermopylae, Delphi, Homer, Alexander, etc) are many and often. Quotes from classical Greek writers frequently escape the mouths of the characters, especially Alexi. Classical quotes can add spice to a story, but can definitely be overdone.

Family is another strong theme in the story. Generations hang together in the face of the invaders. Protecting women and children is a prime motivation for the resistance fighters. This is certainly a valid theme, but it is weakened by the Young Adult voice of the narrative.

POSITIVES

I think the author has a good story idea here and it is apparent he did a lot of research on it. He knows the history behind the Greek resistance in WWII. I was not much aware of that history and found the facts conveyed to be compelling.

There are sections where the characters are also compelling, pulling the reader into their story. I found that true mostly in the early parts of the book, such as at the fight at Pogradec and Alexi’s attempts to win Philia’s father’s blessing for their marriage. If the rest of the book had maintained the quality of these sections, I would have rated the novel higher.

We do get a sense of Greek life in a small fishing village prior to WWII and of how the war changed it. That sense of place and popular attitudes provide a strong grounding for the story.

NEGATIVES

However, I thought the prose too juvenile, even when describing adult events. This makes for an uncomfortable disconnect in the storytelling. So when sex acts are described, they feel naïve, as if the author is uncomfortable writing them. There is also a traditional morality described (Alexi will not consummate with Philia before they marry) that is not done effectively. Again, it feels naïve, and not even backed up with religious conviction by the characters.

In the action scenes, the author uses a lot of “Bang bang bang!!! Bang bang!! Kaboom!!!” lines to indicate gunfire. This comes across as childish and annoying.

Patriotism as a motivator is taken for granted and not questioned at all. For the Greeks, it is extreme. It may have been the feeling back then, but is presented uncritically. It came across to me as naïve, and I expect it will to a lot of modern readers. Were the Germans not patriotic? The Italians? Could it be that most were not fascists, but were “fighting for their country” as was Alexi?

The lack of nuance in the characters of the Germans is also not believable. All the officers are presented as psycho killers. I’m sure some of them were in actuality. The top leadership certainly were. But surely they weren’t all that way. Also, there’s really no sympathy for the rank-and-file German soldier. Only one is presented as a kid that Alexi feels sorry for.

There is way too much, for me, of a theme of “war as glorious.” It is not. For anyone. Evil does need to be resisted and that resistance comes to war at times (like, the Spanish Civil War). While it may be necessary, it is never glorious in reality. At best, it is a brutal thing that must be done.

MY CONCLUSION

There is a good story at the heart of Once We Were Here, but the storytelling doesn’t reveal it. The author knows his history and presents the Greek resistance as an aspect of WWII that is not often considered. But his strongest statements for that resistance come from his stated historical facts more than from his fiction.

[Stacie Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know a lot about Greece’s involvement in WWII before reading this book. I was fascinated by learning how long they held onto their country from German occupation. I also enjoyed how some of Greece’s ancient history was sprinkled in throughout the book. The ending had a descent twist as well.

Some things I didn’t like was that there was so many “bang bangs” and “blams” in the book. We all know what sound a gun makes. We don’t need to read it a 100 times. It did take me out of the book. Some of the war scenes were a bit much, when the book seems to be marketed as more of a love story. Some of the war stories also seemed far fetched as well. Overall, I did enjoy the book and would recommend it.

Thank you @netgalley and @arcadepublishing for an ARC in exchange for my review.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I just want to say thank you to Christopher Cosmos for allowing me to receive an advance copy. Secondly, THANK YOU for writing this wonderful story! I feel as if I have just returned from Greece, and the war. My heartstrings are still recovering.

Over the years I have read many novels and memoirs from WWII, however, this was the first that shed light on the pivotal role of the Greek resistance. Which is rather astounding given all that they sacrificed. The people of Greece were tasked with stalling the Nazis as long as possible in order to give Russia time to better prepare, and so they would have the brutal winter weather of their country to aid them in their battles. The courageous and passionate people of Greece more than rose to the occasion in spite of the odds. This fictional story shares a piece of that valiant Greek spirit with us as readers. You will be pulled back into the past and will be hard pressed to return until you've reached the last page. It was that intense. That powerful.

Mr. Cosmos has penned his characters with such vivid detail that I feel as if I have met them, battled beside them, walked along the shores of the Aegean with them. You will feel for Alexei and his family as if they are a part of your own family; The joys, the anxiety, the passion, the courage, the hope, the losses, and the victories. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read more from Christopher Cosmos in the future!

[Alma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories of Greek gods and heroes are important parts of this story of love and courage. It was so hard to put down that I finished it in one sitting. “Once we were here” is historical and enlightening all at once. I didn’t know the bravery of Greek soldiers played such an important role during World War II, winning praise from many leaders of the day. The stories of Alexei, Costa, Philia and those lost to time will live on long after the final page has been turned. Read more about this great book on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....

[Doug · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a huge disappointment. Written on the level of a third grader. The "bang, bang, bang" and "boom boom boom" passages were embarrassing. But that could be overlooked if the prose was anything other than YA dribble.

I normally don't give up on a book until I've read at least 100 pages. I couldn't make it to page 50 of this silly story.

Did not finish.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and I especially love learning new things. This is a story of heroism, love, loss, brotherhood and loyalty. It’s a travelogue, a romance and a war tale. Enjoyed every page. Recommend to both men and women. Will explore this writer more. Thanks for the arc!

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like any good WWll novel, this one had me totally engrossed and also ripped my heart out. I didn’t know much of Greece’s role in the war and what they went through was just as horrific as so many others. Excellent story and beautiful writing.

[Michelle Dinesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, I listened to the audio here. The Greek places and names in a greek accent were perfect to hear and added to the intense drama of this family and their lives. I was also educated about the Greek resistance in the war during the German invasion. Great story.

[Jonathan BAUER · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stellar first novel by Christopher, or should I say Χριστόφορος. He elegantly captures the era and the plot is riveting. Highly recommend and can't wait for his second book!

[Fiction Addition Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

In 1940 Mussolini gave the Greek Prime Minister an ultimatum. Surrender or Italy invades.
Mussolini gave the Greeks three hours to decide. Within minutes Metaxas decided war it will be.

And sadly we are introduced to Alexei and Costa who go from fishermen to soldiers overnight at the ages of eighteen.

The soldiers who enlisted had no training and instead replayed the words of the PM in their heads “Greeks had been warriors since as far back as time could remember”
And so this historical World War Two story unfolds and highlights the incredible bravery of the Greek nation. Who in the authors words held out against the Nazis for 219 days one of the longest in the war.

I enjoyed this book because it’s unusual to have a war story set from this period of time set in Greece.
In this setting we feel love, tragedy, friendship, fighting and highlighted most fiercely loyalty.

The book starts in 2014 when an old photo is discovered during a holiday and the teenager wants to know who the face is of the handsome Greek man. We then travel back in time and learn about another important piece of the puzzle of World War Two.

This is an excellent debut by Christopher Cosmos who tells us a small piece of Greek history.

My only criticism is some of the bang bang bang and Kaboom and rat a tat descriptions of battles it was off putting for me and for those parts of the story I cringed a little.

Having said that it was an emotional read I felt like I was with them overlooking the Aegean Sea Cosmos captures the strength of the Greeks and I will be looking out for more of his work in the future.

3.5 Stars ⭐️

[Ae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to a mall and read half of this at a Barnes and Nobles, and then scoured the internet to find it, which my roommate helped me to do a day later LOL. I think this perspective on war was insane, especially since the Greek forces did do so much to stop the Nazi's during the war. It was a little unrealistic, and I wish that they had taken the time in the end to talk about what happened (compared to the beginning the pacing was not so so good, but also I could have been reading faster in my anticipation), but overall the plot was interesting and it gave me perspective that I didn't have before.

[Carol Dimitriou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting, well-written book, that showed that the ancient Greek heroes that we all know of were not the only Greek heroes. There were some modern Greek heroes who helped save our world, also!

[Taylor (Virginia Woolf’s Actual Wife)]

Okay so, I think this book had a lot of potential and the main story was actually quite interesting. However, it took a while to actually get to that point and the beginning was slow and rather disjointed. There's a framing story set in 2014 that comprises the first and last chapter but both are pretty short and the original jump back in time felt abrupt to me. Then it still took a while to get to the actual "meat" of the story (if you will). But that main story was interesting, especially as Greece is a place not often visited in WW2 historical fiction. So overall, I felt meh. Neither good nor bad.

[Brynlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading a historical fiction novel set both in Greece and on the shores of Lake Michigan.

[Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Dori Sabourin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Freedom

Christopher Cosmos has turned what he learned as a young child in Greece into a Historical Novel about the Greeks part in World War II. A War that separated lovers, turned young boys into men and ravaged the land of food.

A good book that borders on fiction and nonfiction.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story, not particularly well written, that tells a different story of WWII.

[Tiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winston Churchill said "From henceforth we will not say that the Greeks fight like heroes ... but that heroes fight like Greeks."
So shows this novel about Greek fighters first resisting the Italians and then the despicable Germans. It was hard to resist cheering over each dead German!
I think I enjoyed this more because of my Greek connection and it became a real tearjerker for me by the end.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up
I found this book on Hoopla and decided to give it a go, as I’d never read any WWII books set in Greece and the cover looked interesting. It was overall an OK read but I did end up skimming the last 1/3rd of the book as it was mostly descriptions of battles and I was more interested in the human side. The writing was pretty basic, predictable, ok but not great and I was definitely off put by the use of Bang!Bang! Rat-a-tat-tat! and Kaboom! which seemed very juvenile. I did love the look at the beautiful landscape of Greece.

[Gini · Rating 5 out of 5]

An emotional book about Greece's involvement in WWII. I really liked how he told the story from the perspective of the boys who grew up loving Greece and then defending it. I honestly don't think I'd ever read a book about Greece's involvement in the War. It was eye opening and I want to read more.
The author starts on the Shore of Lake Michigan with the story which hooked me from the start.
And he lives in Michigan. Looking forward to more of his books.

[Millie Georgopoulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Particularly interesting to me because my husband's parents lived during wartime Greece... Their home was taken over by German soldiers, but they were allowed to stay there, too. What made it so significant was that they were harboring a Jewish girl who was passing as their niece.