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Summer in Greece
Present day
For the last twenty years, Summer has lived a solitary life, focusing on her career as a vet and trying not to think of the past. Every year she escapes for a few weeks to beautiful Greek islands, losing herself in photography and wreck diving.
When the junk room of her clifftop cottage is cleared to accommodate a carer for her father, Summer stumbles across the belongings of her great-grandmother, Gertie Smith. She finds a WWI nurse's uniform, a soldier's blanket, and a recording of Gertie's memoirs. As Summer listens to it, she learns about her great-grandmother's secret life, and might just find the strength to let go of her own tragic past.
1916
When eighteen-year-old nurse Gertie Smith signs up for the war effort, she is thrilled to learn that her destination will be Greece. With a head full of blue skies and handsome men, she boards the Titanic's sister ship, the hospital ship Britannic. Unprepared for the horrors of war, she heads for the Greek island of Lemnos on a mission to rescue three thousand wounded British soldiers.
The Britannic never reaches its destination. Gertie, who disobeyed her orders, blames herself.
She is sent to the Greek island of Kea, where she meets and falls in love with a Greek fisherman, Manno - but she finds herself torn between him and her duty to an English soldier, and all too soon her past catches up with her.
For the last twenty years, Summer has lived a solitary life, focusing on her career as a vet and trying not to think of the past. Every year she escapes for a few weeks to beautiful Greek islands, losing herself in photography and wreck diving.
When the junk room of her clifftop cottage is cleared to accommodate a carer for her father, Summer stumbles across the belongings of her great-grandmother, Gertie Smith. She finds a WWI nurse's uniform, a soldier's blanket, and a recording of Gertie's memoirs. As Summer listens to it, she learns about her great-grandmother's secret life, and might just find the strength to let go of her own tragic past.
1916
When eighteen-year-old nurse Gertie Smith signs up for the war effort, she is thrilled to learn that her destination will be Greece. With a head full of blue skies and handsome men, she boards the Titanic's sister ship, the hospital ship Britannic. Unprepared for the horrors of war, she heads for the Greek island of Lemnos on a mission to rescue three thousand wounded British soldiers.
The Britannic never reaches its destination. Gertie, who disobeyed her orders, blames herself.
She is sent to the Greek island of Kea, where she meets and falls in love with a Greek fisherman, Manno - but she finds herself torn between him and her duty to an English soldier, and all too soon her past catches up with her.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2021
71 people are currently reading
320 people want to read
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Patricia M Wilson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 23, 2021
Patricia Wilson presents her readers with a gorgeous dual timeline story set in Greece. The second book in a row I have read where the story is set on a Greek island. Loving these island reads!
An intriguing and moving tale of passion, heartbreak and sacrifice.
From the perspective of two family members, present time Shelly Summer, and World War I nurse Gertie Smith. Shelley is a vet, who enjoys visiting the stunning Greek islands every year for a few weeks respite, concentrating on her photography and wreck diving. Gertie Smith is an eighteen year old nurse sent to look after soldiers on the British hospital ship, HMHS Britannic, Titanic’s sister ship.
A truly wonderful read filled with a cast of spirited and genuine characters, and as with most war stories there are moments of sobby sadness and soul-stirring bliss.
The authors note at the end was fascinating. I loved the additional information about the Britannic, WWI nursing, Loggerhead turtles and dolphins of the mediterranean - dolphins rule. They really do.
Listened to the audio version.
An intriguing and moving tale of passion, heartbreak and sacrifice.
From the perspective of two family members, present time Shelly Summer, and World War I nurse Gertie Smith. Shelley is a vet, who enjoys visiting the stunning Greek islands every year for a few weeks respite, concentrating on her photography and wreck diving. Gertie Smith is an eighteen year old nurse sent to look after soldiers on the British hospital ship, HMHS Britannic, Titanic’s sister ship.
A truly wonderful read filled with a cast of spirited and genuine characters, and as with most war stories there are moments of sobby sadness and soul-stirring bliss.
The authors note at the end was fascinating. I loved the additional information about the Britannic, WWI nursing, Loggerhead turtles and dolphins of the mediterranean - dolphins rule. They really do.
Listened to the audio version.
September 6, 2021
There seems to be some confusion here. I am English and the author of this book: Patricia Wilson (Patricia M Wilson on social media). I don't write chic lit. My other novels are Island of Secrets, Villa of Secrets, Secrets of Santorini, Greek Island Escape, and this is my 2021 novel, Summer in Greece. All my novels are inspired by epic events in Greek history. Thank you.
July 2, 2021
More like a 4.5 but I rounded up because I've spent hours poring over research records online during reading this to try and find out more about the ill-fated Britannic. (Which I'm ashamed to say I hadn't heard of and thought it was made up for the story!) I always say I love to learn and this book certainly gave me that with so much history contained - admittedly not necessarily all factual but still well-researched. Also that's what Google is for afterwards; and the author includes a handy note of other books and websites of interest.
Dual timeline novels have cemented their place as one of my favourite genres and this was such a good read. I could have happily kept reading about Gertie and Shelly, although I did find it all a bit rushed at the end.
Some twists in the story that others might see coming but I certainly didn't and this added another element. I have looked up Patricia's other work and they will all be on my wishlist now although I doubt this one will be toppled as my favourite.
Dual timeline novels have cemented their place as one of my favourite genres and this was such a good read. I could have happily kept reading about Gertie and Shelly, although I did find it all a bit rushed at the end.
Some twists in the story that others might see coming but I certainly didn't and this added another element. I have looked up Patricia's other work and they will all be on my wishlist now although I doubt this one will be toppled as my favourite.
August 10, 2023
"Oh sweet Jesus, that was awful." My words on finishing this book.
It became less bearable as it went on, my tolerance worn down by how utterly assinine the whole thing was. Wilson had an absolute aversion to shades of grey in her characters, any words or behaviour that could even vaguely make her characters' actions or motives anything less that "good at heart" and it absolutely drained the book of any tension. The present-day narrative was particularly bad for this, long stretches of characters reinforcing how faultless they were to each other, with some utterly naff "banter" thrown into the mix. The emotional exploration was so inconsistent, Shelley angstily holding onto her grief and guilt for twenty years (honestly, I'm amazed she had time with all of the qualifications she acquired...) and going round and round in circles all the way up to the great "twist" concerning the love of her life. Meanwhile, a pretty life-defining relationship concerning adoption was skimmed over in on conversation, all explanations accepted, straight into using "mum" and no mention of the adopted family again. It was cheap, laboured and actually disrespectful.
As for Gertie during WWI, her characterisation and emotional arc of guilt-love-guilt-love was practically identical to Shelley's to the point where neither character felt distinct or real. Both of Gertie's love interests were grim (the language surrounding a woman's virginity in this book sent my blood pressure rocketing), despite Wilson attempting to frame them as cheeky and romantic. None of this was helped by the fact that the writing was an incredibly poor reflection of Gertie's strand supposedly being monologues on tape. There are some great, current examples of authors using that device in fiction and Wilson opted to have it read, gramatically, as standard fiction. Beyond the neverending plotline of "Gertie was to blame...", her arc was so, so bland. The substance wasn't there for her losses to resonate and Wilson's attempts at reflecting the life of a young woman in that period were poor, limited to jaunty references to the suffragettes and Gertie managing to overcome deep-rooted, male preconceptions about women with a bit of "pluckiness". Nothing about this book ever felt real.
There was so much potential in the premise of a woman attempting to find her own identity through the horrors of war and the parallel of her great-granddaughter trying to move on with her own life, but Wilson's writing undid all of that potential. Bland, cheesy and massively hampered by Wilson's refusal to take any risks at all with her characters.
It became less bearable as it went on, my tolerance worn down by how utterly assinine the whole thing was. Wilson had an absolute aversion to shades of grey in her characters, any words or behaviour that could even vaguely make her characters' actions or motives anything less that "good at heart" and it absolutely drained the book of any tension. The present-day narrative was particularly bad for this, long stretches of characters reinforcing how faultless they were to each other, with some utterly naff "banter" thrown into the mix. The emotional exploration was so inconsistent, Shelley angstily holding onto her grief and guilt for twenty years (honestly, I'm amazed she had time with all of the qualifications she acquired...) and going round and round in circles all the way up to the great "twist" concerning the love of her life. Meanwhile, a pretty life-defining relationship concerning adoption was skimmed over in on conversation, all explanations accepted, straight into using "mum" and no mention of the adopted family again. It was cheap, laboured and actually disrespectful.
As for Gertie during WWI, her characterisation and emotional arc of guilt-love-guilt-love was practically identical to Shelley's to the point where neither character felt distinct or real. Both of Gertie's love interests were grim (the language surrounding a woman's virginity in this book sent my blood pressure rocketing), despite Wilson attempting to frame them as cheeky and romantic. None of this was helped by the fact that the writing was an incredibly poor reflection of Gertie's strand supposedly being monologues on tape. There are some great, current examples of authors using that device in fiction and Wilson opted to have it read, gramatically, as standard fiction. Beyond the neverending plotline of "Gertie was to blame...", her arc was so, so bland. The substance wasn't there for her losses to resonate and Wilson's attempts at reflecting the life of a young woman in that period were poor, limited to jaunty references to the suffragettes and Gertie managing to overcome deep-rooted, male preconceptions about women with a bit of "pluckiness". Nothing about this book ever felt real.
There was so much potential in the premise of a woman attempting to find her own identity through the horrors of war and the parallel of her great-granddaughter trying to move on with her own life, but Wilson's writing undid all of that potential. Bland, cheesy and massively hampered by Wilson's refusal to take any risks at all with her characters.
July 4, 2022
Audio book
I feel quite sad only rating this book a 2 as have read previous books by this author and really liked them.
It was incredibly repetitive and felt I was plodding through it. The characters were irritating as well - all needing some sort of therapy I reckon.
Also the narrator wasn’t the best either.
Sorry.
I feel quite sad only rating this book a 2 as have read previous books by this author and really liked them.
It was incredibly repetitive and felt I was plodding through it. The characters were irritating as well - all needing some sort of therapy I reckon.
Also the narrator wasn’t the best either.
Sorry.
March 31, 2022
A very enjoyable dual timeline story set partly in England and partly Greece. A bit of a sad start to the book, but that didn’t stop my enjoyment of it. A great bit of escapism.
September 30, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I haven't read much about the great war, or books set in Greece before I loved the history, details of nursing, the setting. More information is given afterwards about the ship, turtles, dolphins and nursing during the war. I preferred the historical storyline to the current day one, I must admit, but thought the excerpts from letters clever.
April 5, 2021
I do enjoy books that traverse between past and present and Summer in Greece by Patricia Wilson does this seamlessly.
In 1916 after losing her beloved brother Arthur in the trenches and he darling Sister Sissy to Spanish Influenza as she was nursing abroad, Gertie decided she wants to help out soldiers in the Great War. After lying about her age to secure a position, she heads off to Greece aboard the ill-fated HMHS Britannic. She excels as a trainee nurse but is totally unprepared for the horrors of war. Bound for the island of Lemnos, the ship never reaches its destination and Gertie finds herself on the island of Kea where she meets Manno. She quickly falls in love with the Greek fisherman but finds she is torn between hun and her duty to an English soldier. Gertie feels immense guilt from that tragic night on this ship and is on constant fear her past will catch up with her.
Shelley lives in Great-gran Gertie’s cottage with her father. She’s a successful vet but has spent the last twenty years trying not to think about her past. She only feels true release when she’s diving in the Mediterranean. After discovering some of her great-grandmothers belongings including her taped memoirs, Shelley starts to uncover the secrets of Gertie’s past. Will this also help Shelley let go of her own?
I found this book to be most enjoyable and enjoyed moving between past and present. The parts set on Kea are so descriptive, you can almost imagine you are there, It’s a beautiful story that I can highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
In 1916 after losing her beloved brother Arthur in the trenches and he darling Sister Sissy to Spanish Influenza as she was nursing abroad, Gertie decided she wants to help out soldiers in the Great War. After lying about her age to secure a position, she heads off to Greece aboard the ill-fated HMHS Britannic. She excels as a trainee nurse but is totally unprepared for the horrors of war. Bound for the island of Lemnos, the ship never reaches its destination and Gertie finds herself on the island of Kea where she meets Manno. She quickly falls in love with the Greek fisherman but finds she is torn between hun and her duty to an English soldier. Gertie feels immense guilt from that tragic night on this ship and is on constant fear her past will catch up with her.
Shelley lives in Great-gran Gertie’s cottage with her father. She’s a successful vet but has spent the last twenty years trying not to think about her past. She only feels true release when she’s diving in the Mediterranean. After discovering some of her great-grandmothers belongings including her taped memoirs, Shelley starts to uncover the secrets of Gertie’s past. Will this also help Shelley let go of her own?
I found this book to be most enjoyable and enjoyed moving between past and present. The parts set on Kea are so descriptive, you can almost imagine you are there, It’s a beautiful story that I can highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bonnier Books UK and the author for the chance to review.
June 6, 2022
I grabbed 'Summer in Greece' by Patricia Wilson on a cold, wet and windy day, hoping to be transported to a sunny Greek island and perhaps a bit of a romance. And I was, though I got much more than I bargained for. A dual narrative, the 1916 portion centred on a nurse who survives the sinking of the hospital ship 'Brittanic' ( Titanic's sister ship) and her life and loves on the Greek island she stays on to continue her nursing during the war. The Author's Note at the end of the book is a worthwhile addition, explaining this historic event and filling in gaps of knowledge. The present day story is about Shelly (her surname is Summer, hence the rather misleading title). She's had her fair share of tragic moments too. I loved the descriptions of the islands visited in the story ('an occasional scramble of vermilion bougainvillea'; 'square houses with small windows and red-tiled roofs clustered over two hilltops ... sprinkled with bell towers and churches... ' and the way the dual narrative unfolded (even though I'm not a fan of this style). Themes of atonement, forgiveness, love and redemption resonate throughout; there are quite a few emotional moments as wartime surgery is vividly described, secrets are revealed, and sacrifices made. A surprising, engrossing read for me.
October 11, 2022
This is a good book, indeed it is an excellent book with a tightly constructed story, with complicated and unexpected twists and turns, which never felt far fetched. I am full of admiration for the amount of research which has clearly been employed: HMHS Britannic was a sister ship to the Titanic, which was supposed to be unsinkable, but sank off the Greek island of Kea in November 1916 while working as a hospital ship. Wilson has thrown herself into naval history, the trauma of war and war injuries, the adventurous and dangerous work of divers, the work of pigeons as messengers, human frailty and romance woven into two very different stories. The WW1 story is told through the family of a doctor in Dover, particularly the two daughters who served as nurses tending to casualties in the Aegean islands brought to Lemnos from the Dardanelles where their brother had perished. The present day story concerns a descendent whose own story tugs at heartstrings as letters and artefacts from her great-grandmother are found in a loft, bringing Syros, Kea and Lemnos into a remarkable narrative.
February 23, 2022
This is my first time reading Historical Fiction and I think I struck gold with this novel from Patricia Wilson.
Flicking between the story of Gertie Smith, a nurse onboard the HMS Britannic, a boat and story I had never heard of until reading this book and her great granddaughter, Shelly Summer who discovers Gertie’s memoir on tape whilst grappling with her own struggles of grief as well as joys in love and a new adventure in Kea, Greece.
I particularly liked the insight from Gertie’s storyline and it’s clear from the acknowledgements that a lot of love and care has been put into the research of the Britannic and the islands in Greece. I also liked the honesty of Shelly’s story and some of the twists definitely took me by surprise.
Overall, this read kept me engaged throughout with a good cadence of exciting moments mixed with moments of calm reflection and comfort made this a joy to read – 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Flicking between the story of Gertie Smith, a nurse onboard the HMS Britannic, a boat and story I had never heard of until reading this book and her great granddaughter, Shelly Summer who discovers Gertie’s memoir on tape whilst grappling with her own struggles of grief as well as joys in love and a new adventure in Kea, Greece.
I particularly liked the insight from Gertie’s storyline and it’s clear from the acknowledgements that a lot of love and care has been put into the research of the Britannic and the islands in Greece. I also liked the honesty of Shelly’s story and some of the twists definitely took me by surprise.
Overall, this read kept me engaged throughout with a good cadence of exciting moments mixed with moments of calm reflection and comfort made this a joy to read – 4.5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
February 12, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this book! With a dual timeline. Will be reading more of her books!
December 30, 2024
it's a good summer book, the historical details made me want to more forward with the story, however, the relationship with both the kid and the boyfriend are portrayed in such an easy way that made me 1) bored 2) lose motivation.
There was a lot of potential to explore the emotions of the characters (and mine) but I was not able to connect.
There was a lot of potential to explore the emotions of the characters (and mine) but I was not able to connect.
April 16, 2021
For years Shelly Summer has buried herself in her work, trying to forget her past. The only time she feels truly herself is when she’s diving in the Mediterranean – the calm and stillness of the clear waters help her forget. Back home, Shelly stumbles across the belongings of her great-grandmother, Gertie Smith including a recording of Gertie’s memoirs. As Shelly listens to it, she starts to uncover the secrets of Gertie’s past, which might just hold the key to letting go of her own. In 1916, when trainee nurse Gertie Smith signs up for the war effort, she is thrilled to learn that her destination will be Greece. With a head full of blue skies and handsome men, she boards the Titanic‘s sister ship, the ill-fated hospital ship Britannic. Unprepared for the horrors of war, she heads for the Greek island of Lemnos on a mission to rescue three thousand wounded British soldiers. But tragically, the Britannic never reaches its destination. When rescued, Gertie is taken to the Greek island of Kea, where she meets and falls in love with a Greek fisherman, Manno – but she finds herself torn between him and her duty to an English soldier. Gertie cannot shake the guilt she feels from that tragic night the ship sank and is afraid her past will eventually catch up with her.
If there is one thing I know I will get from Wilson’s books it is complete and utter escapism and this book is no different. I found myself swept away to the heat and beauty of Greece, I could envisage I was there and wished I truly was! This is a great read to get lost in. However, if I am being truly honest, this is probably more of a 3 star read, I am being generous with 4 as I just adore Wilson’s books and concepts so much. The reason for not liking it as much as her others is because this is just too long. I think a hundred pages could easily be removed from this without the plot suffering. If this had been a bit shorter then it would have been a better pace read, this felt quite sluggish.
The plot for this is beautiful from start to finish and packed with emotion. I loved Shelly’s chapters the most, getting to know her and her family was a joy. Shelly goes through a lot in this read, she is harbouring a lot of angst and secrets which are just waiting to come out. Knowing there were secrets to be revealed kept me reading to the next chapter. We also have chapters set from Gertie’s point of view as we learn what she did during the war and the consequences that were felt for a lifetime afterwards. Put together, the two characters make for endearing reading and you will find it very easy to get swept away.
‘Summer In Greece’ is the perfect summer read, this offers escapism to a stunning country, loveable characters and enough emotion to last all year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advance copy.
If there is one thing I know I will get from Wilson’s books it is complete and utter escapism and this book is no different. I found myself swept away to the heat and beauty of Greece, I could envisage I was there and wished I truly was! This is a great read to get lost in. However, if I am being truly honest, this is probably more of a 3 star read, I am being generous with 4 as I just adore Wilson’s books and concepts so much. The reason for not liking it as much as her others is because this is just too long. I think a hundred pages could easily be removed from this without the plot suffering. If this had been a bit shorter then it would have been a better pace read, this felt quite sluggish.
The plot for this is beautiful from start to finish and packed with emotion. I loved Shelly’s chapters the most, getting to know her and her family was a joy. Shelly goes through a lot in this read, she is harbouring a lot of angst and secrets which are just waiting to come out. Knowing there were secrets to be revealed kept me reading to the next chapter. We also have chapters set from Gertie’s point of view as we learn what she did during the war and the consequences that were felt for a lifetime afterwards. Put together, the two characters make for endearing reading and you will find it very easy to get swept away.
‘Summer In Greece’ is the perfect summer read, this offers escapism to a stunning country, loveable characters and enough emotion to last all year.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for an advance copy.
September 23, 2021
Patricia Wilson delivers again with another gorgeous story of life in Greece with a split timeline linking Shelly to her great-grandmother during the Great War.
Like many of her other stories, Patricia uses a real-life event as the background to this tale, adding plenty of intrigue, mystery and emotion to create a believable and poignant retelling.
The friendliness and hospitality of the Greek people is expressed with admiration and the scenery is described with the kind of love that cannot be faked. The faultless scene-setting and perfectly formed characters give such a sense of realism to this story that it feels as though it is happening on a cinema screen and the need for resolution makes it impossible to turn away.
A beautiful and strongly recommended read.
Like many of her other stories, Patricia uses a real-life event as the background to this tale, adding plenty of intrigue, mystery and emotion to create a believable and poignant retelling.
The friendliness and hospitality of the Greek people is expressed with admiration and the scenery is described with the kind of love that cannot be faked. The faultless scene-setting and perfectly formed characters give such a sense of realism to this story that it feels as though it is happening on a cinema screen and the need for resolution makes it impossible to turn away.
A beautiful and strongly recommended read.
May 19, 2021
Fabulous
OMG what a fabulous story. As a nurse of 44 years, thank you. As a lover of Syros, thank you. The story was enchanting. I’ve visited Syros about 20 times over the last 30 years and it is as beautiful and magical as Patricia describes. Must read more from this excellent author.
OMG what a fabulous story. As a nurse of 44 years, thank you. As a lover of Syros, thank you. The story was enchanting. I’ve visited Syros about 20 times over the last 30 years and it is as beautiful and magical as Patricia describes. Must read more from this excellent author.
August 17, 2022
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I’m too tired and emotionally detached to think clearly rn, but I have A LOT to say about this book - review to come in a day or two.
I’m too tired and emotionally detached to think clearly rn, but I have A LOT to say about this book - review to come in a day or two.
August 25, 2022
I found Gertie's story and the sinking of the Britannic interesting. However, the present-day dialogue often felt unnatural and stilted.
June 12, 2025
🇬🇷🇬🇧 Summer in Greece by Patricia Wilson ⚕️🚢
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
Length: 496 pages
Timelines: Dual (1916 & current day)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary:
1916, Devon, UK - Gertie Smith signs up to be a nurse on sister to Titanic, WWI hospital ship Britannic. She lied about her age to go, desperate to help save lives after the war had already taken both her brother and sister. When a torpedo (?) strikes the Britannic and the ship sinks, Gertie is saved on a lifeboat, while also saving one of her soldier patients, Corporal Perkins. She harbors great guilt as many lives were lost from the ship, blaming herself for a small mistake that may have caused the ship to sink at a faster rate. As the survivors end up on the small Greek island of Kea, Gertie falls in love with local sailor, Manno, while still feeling indebted and drawn to Corp. Perkins...
Current Day - Shelly Smith, having experienced lost love of her own, stumbles upon her great-grandmother Gertie's diary and recordings of her life and experiences during WWI and after. Compelled to go back to Greece, she may just find a new chance at her own happiness, while finding a way to squash Gertie's guilt, even after her passing.
Review:
I admittedly do not know as much about WWI as I do of WWII, so this was such an interesting read! I loved reading about Gertie's experiences as a woman nurse in a time in which women were trying to find more equality (suffragettes, etc.). Gertie was such a strong female character and it really tore at my heartstrings seeing her have to make certain life-altering decisions based on her own feelings of guilt. She was torn between her own powerful love for Manno with her sense of duty to Corp. Perkins, yet the end was satisfying as Shelly was able to uncover things about her own family in her current day timeline. I also loved Shelly's journey to happiness in Greece, especially as much of the story was set on Kea and Syros. Excellent story and it made me want to read more about the sinking of the Brtiannic and WWI as it was seen on the Greek Islands.
Genre: Historical Fiction / Romance
Length: 496 pages
Timelines: Dual (1916 & current day)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary:
1916, Devon, UK - Gertie Smith signs up to be a nurse on sister to Titanic, WWI hospital ship Britannic. She lied about her age to go, desperate to help save lives after the war had already taken both her brother and sister. When a torpedo (?) strikes the Britannic and the ship sinks, Gertie is saved on a lifeboat, while also saving one of her soldier patients, Corporal Perkins. She harbors great guilt as many lives were lost from the ship, blaming herself for a small mistake that may have caused the ship to sink at a faster rate. As the survivors end up on the small Greek island of Kea, Gertie falls in love with local sailor, Manno, while still feeling indebted and drawn to Corp. Perkins...
Current Day - Shelly Smith, having experienced lost love of her own, stumbles upon her great-grandmother Gertie's diary and recordings of her life and experiences during WWI and after. Compelled to go back to Greece, she may just find a new chance at her own happiness, while finding a way to squash Gertie's guilt, even after her passing.
Review:
I admittedly do not know as much about WWI as I do of WWII, so this was such an interesting read! I loved reading about Gertie's experiences as a woman nurse in a time in which women were trying to find more equality (suffragettes, etc.). Gertie was such a strong female character and it really tore at my heartstrings seeing her have to make certain life-altering decisions based on her own feelings of guilt. She was torn between her own powerful love for Manno with her sense of duty to Corp. Perkins, yet the end was satisfying as Shelly was able to uncover things about her own family in her current day timeline. I also loved Shelly's journey to happiness in Greece, especially as much of the story was set on Kea and Syros. Excellent story and it made me want to read more about the sinking of the Brtiannic and WWI as it was seen on the Greek Islands.
August 27, 2023
This book is outstanding. A stark and poignant history lesson, blended with beautifully descriptive writing - once again a work of art by this author.
Not a book for those who are squeamish or easily triggered though as in true Patricia Wilson style, elements of tragedy, loss and darkness are woven through the storyline, but it is an ideal balance of a picturesque idyllic setting and deep shock/horror. This is NOT chic lit so those leaving negative reviews because they chose not to read the back of the book before opening it, need to cut the author some slack and realise that THIS IS her genre.
I am a 5th generation nurse decended from nurses in the family who had served in WW1. Wilson has really gone out of her way to research thoroughly and get everything spot on in terms of what life was like nursing soldiers in WW1 and also the culture surrounding marriage and behaviours for the time, even down to women and their careers/ambition and the difficulties they faced.
The historical accuracy to every detail of the hospital ship was astounding and I have to commend the author for this.
The discussion of the use of pigeons during WW1 was a great addition to the storyline - something which is rarely thought about by other writers. It is clear that she has gone to great lengths to get this right and do the heros of WW1 justice.
The modern day aspect of the story tied in perfectly, and the fact that it drifted between historical and modern day settings in the timeline works very well.
All in all, this is a fantastic read full of twists, turns and surprises and it's not a book that's easy to put down.
Finally THANK YOU to Patricia Wilson for writing about my ancestors with such grace and warmth and bringing to the forefront, the lengths that they went to to save the lives of others in such horrific times.
Not a book for those who are squeamish or easily triggered though as in true Patricia Wilson style, elements of tragedy, loss and darkness are woven through the storyline, but it is an ideal balance of a picturesque idyllic setting and deep shock/horror. This is NOT chic lit so those leaving negative reviews because they chose not to read the back of the book before opening it, need to cut the author some slack and realise that THIS IS her genre.
I am a 5th generation nurse decended from nurses in the family who had served in WW1. Wilson has really gone out of her way to research thoroughly and get everything spot on in terms of what life was like nursing soldiers in WW1 and also the culture surrounding marriage and behaviours for the time, even down to women and their careers/ambition and the difficulties they faced.
The historical accuracy to every detail of the hospital ship was astounding and I have to commend the author for this.
The discussion of the use of pigeons during WW1 was a great addition to the storyline - something which is rarely thought about by other writers. It is clear that she has gone to great lengths to get this right and do the heros of WW1 justice.
The modern day aspect of the story tied in perfectly, and the fact that it drifted between historical and modern day settings in the timeline works very well.
All in all, this is a fantastic read full of twists, turns and surprises and it's not a book that's easy to put down.
Finally THANK YOU to Patricia Wilson for writing about my ancestors with such grace and warmth and bringing to the forefront, the lengths that they went to to save the lives of others in such horrific times.
July 20, 2023
Lovely book and beautifully written. It switches between the grandmother during the world war and the grand-granddaughter every other chapter. But it’s written in a way that makes it easy to understand and remember what you read in the last chapter. The chapters aren’t too long, so I didn’t have any problems jumping back and forth in time. I usually struggle a bit with that when I read, but not with this book. The details are so well written, you really feel the surroundings and make the images in your head. Lovely story. But I think it sometimes was a bit “boring” and didn’t really feel the story went anywhere a bit over halfway in the book. But the last 150/200 pages made everything clearer and I found myself surprised, shocked and crying of joy and sadness during the last chapters. So beautiful. But I recommend reading at least 100 pages during the first read, or close to that. Because it’s many names, jumping back and forth in time and places. So take some time to get to know the characters and their relationships in the beginning of reading this book. Otherwise it can be a bit hard to pick up the book again later. That’s the only reason I cannot give it 5 stars. But I will absolutely recommend it!
April 22, 2021
I tend to avoid historical fiction, as I feel its not something I would enjoy, and if I knew half of this book was set in 1916 I would never have started on this book. But the reviews were really good, so thought I would at least give it a go.
The story has 2 separate storyline - one with Shelly which happens in present time, and in 1916 which is the life of Gertie who is Shellys Great grandmother. It flicks seamlessly between the 2 and isn't confusing at all.
I am so glad I gave this a chance as it was an round great book - the storyline was fantastic, I felt like like I really got to know and like all the characters, and the author is so descriptive in everything I felt like I could see and feel, what the characters did.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the book, especially the bits set in 1916 which really surprised me, so looks as though I may have another genre to add to my genre likes!
The story has 2 separate storyline - one with Shelly which happens in present time, and in 1916 which is the life of Gertie who is Shellys Great grandmother. It flicks seamlessly between the 2 and isn't confusing at all.
I am so glad I gave this a chance as it was an round great book - the storyline was fantastic, I felt like like I really got to know and like all the characters, and the author is so descriptive in everything I felt like I could see and feel, what the characters did.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the book, especially the bits set in 1916 which really surprised me, so looks as though I may have another genre to add to my genre likes!
June 13, 2021
Wow! Having read a lot of psychological thrillers, I decided something light was in order and being unable to go on holiday in this COVID world, I opted for a book trip to the Greek Islands.
The book time slips effortlessly between the present day and 1916 during WW1. A beautifully told story of how a great-granddaughter discovers her own past via cassette tapes found in her loft, the various links along the way leading her to complete a jigsaw of her family history. Much of the story set in 1916 is based on fact and well researched, and doesn’t shrink away from the horrors of the time. I was totally absorbed by so much substance from what I expected to be a “light” read, it was so easy to feel as if I knew the characters, felt their emotions, ended up in tears -both sad and happy ones.
One of those books that you need time to recover from when it ends!
The book time slips effortlessly between the present day and 1916 during WW1. A beautifully told story of how a great-granddaughter discovers her own past via cassette tapes found in her loft, the various links along the way leading her to complete a jigsaw of her family history. Much of the story set in 1916 is based on fact and well researched, and doesn’t shrink away from the horrors of the time. I was totally absorbed by so much substance from what I expected to be a “light” read, it was so easy to feel as if I knew the characters, felt their emotions, ended up in tears -both sad and happy ones.
One of those books that you need time to recover from when it ends!
May 26, 2023
A great holiday read.
I loved the mixture of past and present stories and how life intertwines. I’m always interested in historical accounts of people’s lives (albeit through a fictional medium) and the fact that it is set partially on Greek island, another love of mine, made it even more appealing.
The story of the Britannic has sparked my curiosity and inspired me to read more about it. I knew nothing of this prior to picking up this book, and the work of the nurses and VADs during the war is another topic I wasn’t that familiar with so now need to look into that as well so, as they say, “every day’s a school day”.
My only criticism is that the ending didn’t feel like it matched the rest of the book. The story had a great pace throughout, but then suddenly galloped to the finish line as if desperate to end. Maybe because I was engrossed in the story and wanted more?
I loved the mixture of past and present stories and how life intertwines. I’m always interested in historical accounts of people’s lives (albeit through a fictional medium) and the fact that it is set partially on Greek island, another love of mine, made it even more appealing.
The story of the Britannic has sparked my curiosity and inspired me to read more about it. I knew nothing of this prior to picking up this book, and the work of the nurses and VADs during the war is another topic I wasn’t that familiar with so now need to look into that as well so, as they say, “every day’s a school day”.
My only criticism is that the ending didn’t feel like it matched the rest of the book. The story had a great pace throughout, but then suddenly galloped to the finish line as if desperate to end. Maybe because I was engrossed in the story and wanted more?
March 28, 2021
Patricia Wilson does not disappoint in this huge family saga!
The book unfolds in two stories. One set in 1916 with Gertie training to be a nurse to help the soldiers during WW1. She begins her journey on a ship bound for Greece. The second is set in the present day with Gertie's great granddaughter - Shelly who is at her happiest when diving in the Mediterranean. Both stories are filled with lots of secrets and are true love stories with tragic events unfolding. The characters are vividly portrayed along with the description of Greece and the various Islands visited.
This is a real page turner - not to be missed!
The book unfolds in two stories. One set in 1916 with Gertie training to be a nurse to help the soldiers during WW1. She begins her journey on a ship bound for Greece. The second is set in the present day with Gertie's great granddaughter - Shelly who is at her happiest when diving in the Mediterranean. Both stories are filled with lots of secrets and are true love stories with tragic events unfolding. The characters are vividly portrayed along with the description of Greece and the various Islands visited.
This is a real page turner - not to be missed!
August 17, 2022
Wow. Absolutely brilliant. A real page turner (or in my case, excellently narrated listening book). I loved how well researched it was. I have not visited Greece or the surrounding islands, yet can imagine them so well now.
I am a nurse (since the 70’s) and aware of many historical facts- particularly as I worked with veterans.
The plot twists were very clever. I think it would make a great book club choice.
My only regret with the story, is I have finished it! It is certainly one of those books that lingers in my mind. Do not skip the author’s notes at the end. It underlines the research and gives further references.
I will certainly be accessing more of Patricia Wilson’s books.
I am a nurse (since the 70’s) and aware of many historical facts- particularly as I worked with veterans.
The plot twists were very clever. I think it would make a great book club choice.
My only regret with the story, is I have finished it! It is certainly one of those books that lingers in my mind. Do not skip the author’s notes at the end. It underlines the research and gives further references.
I will certainly be accessing more of Patricia Wilson’s books.
November 16, 2023
Set between 1916 and present day the story ties generations together to tell a tale about war, love, loss and moving towards the future.
The author uses beautiful descriptive language to describe the Greek Islands and the history surrounding the ship Britannic was fascinating. The chapters describing the horror of war injuries and the nurses roles highlighted their wonderful natures and the bravery of the young soldiers really stood out.
'I stared at the old fisherman. His loose tanned skin folded over the bones of his face like warm toffee'
I really enjoyed both the book and the authors note at the end.
Definite recommended reading.
June 19, 2022
I think this book was well written, interesting, and had an in-depth plot that held your anticipation as the story and reveal of information bounced off each perspective well, allowing the retelling of both characters stories to be explored through the perspective of each other’s characters. However, I think more historical books just aren’t my cup of tea and so that’s where this is a 3 instead of a 4 star for me.
April 19, 2021
What a story, about Gertie told in the tapes her great-granddaughter Shelly found in the attic.
Gertie lied about her age and join the VAD in the 1st world war, she was only 18 years old, there the story starts.
Shelly as had a hard life also, so you read about 1916 and present day. I enjoyed the way Patricia Wilson wrote this book, kept you turning each page.
Gertie lied about her age and join the VAD in the 1st world war, she was only 18 years old, there the story starts.
Shelly as had a hard life also, so you read about 1916 and present day. I enjoyed the way Patricia Wilson wrote this book, kept you turning each page.
September 12, 2021
Sorry I was disappointed with this book , it was not what I was expecting.I was expecting a mix story about a summer holiday in Greece , what I got was about the great war and people dying when the ship went down, it was very graphic and as was eating my lunch at the time , not nice.
Have I got it wrong I don't know as I could read any more.
Have I got it wrong I don't know as I could read any more.
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