Flukten til den greske øya

by Patricia M Wilson, Solveig Moen Rusten (Translator)

HVOR LANGT ER EN MOR VILLIG TIL Å GÅ FOR Å REDDE SIN DATTER?

På Kretas vakre strender går en gresk kvinne rundt og deler ut papirlapper. Sofia, som er 85 år, leter etter en datter hun ikke har sett siden jenta var liten. På grunn av den politiske uroen i Athen da hun vokste opp, ble hun tvunget til å gi fra seg barnet sitt få dager etter fødselen. Nå håper hun på en gjenforening med datteren før det er for sent.

Samtidig, i Manchester, leter også Zoe etter barnet sitt. I månedene etter at tenåringsdatteren hennes rømte hjemmefra, har livet falt fra hverandre. Mannen hennes har forlatt henne, sønnen virker fraværende, og hver eneste dag er en kamp. Desperat leter Zoe etter datteren, og hun aner ikke at jenta er på vei til Kreta ...

Genres: Greece, Romance, Audiobook, Summer Reads, Chick Lit, Historical, Contemporary

428 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2020

About the author

There is at least one more author with this name in this data base. This one is Patricia M Wilson.

Reviews

[StinaStaffymum · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the title and the cover, I thought GREEK ISLAND ESCAPE would be a nice light read but it actually turned out to be a tragic and moving story that was so beautiful and heartbreaking it brought me to tears many times throughout. I cannot say how much I truly loved this book!

Crete, present day: The story opens with Sofia, an 85 year old woman, who has been unable to speak for over forty years. Her life has been one of tragedy and heartbreak and now she is continuing her search for her daughter she gave up for a better and safer life just a few days after she was born. Each day, she travels around Athens and journeys to Crete handing out a handwritten message she has toiled over to everyone she meets.

"I am Sofia, searching for my daughter, born in Korydallos prison, Athens, 1st November 1972. Can you help me?"

Some people give her money, some ignore her but for the locals of the island of Crete as well as in parts of Athens, they know her as Yiaya (meaning grandmother). To them she is a local identity, a once well known singer before she lost her voice and quite possibly her mind. But no one knows her story - her real story - or why she hands out hundreds of slips of paper to locals and tourists every day of every month of every year searching for a child that, by all accounts, she was never known to have had.

Crete, 1944: Dressed in an emerald green taffeta dress, 10 year old Sofia Bambaki is excited to hear her mother Alexa perform a collection of Christmas carols and popular songs before some visiting British dignitaries. She couldn't wait to make her way through the front of theatre to the seat reserved for her alongside her father and brothers to watch her mama. But she was late making her way in and could only watch from rear wall. As her mother ended her final song, there was huge eruption and noise and Sofia found herself buried under a mountain of bodies as she called for her mama. But as she looked around, only the wall she'd been standing against remained...the rest of the theatre was gone, along with her entire family.

Sofia's childhood was harsh having been sent to an orphanage, from which she escaped, to starving on the streets. She meets 14 year old Markos who takes pity on her and gives her some food before he disappears again. She is caught stealing a loaf of bread but begs for leniency from the bakery owner before he takes her in...and teaches her how to knead dough and bake bread. But her life continues to be harsh from the night she was made an orphan to the most harrowing days of all, imprisoned inside Korydallos prison. There she meets Anna Despotakis and her gunta colonel husband, who runs the prison, and her life changes forever.

London, present day: Despite her successful career as a youth magistrate, Zoe Johnson's life is falling apart. Seven months ago her 16 year old daughter Megan ran away from home, leaving her mother a vague note telling her not worry and not to look for her. Then her ailing mother who had lived with them returned to Crete shortly after Megan's disappearance and then her husband left her. Now today is Megan's 17th birthday and what would have been a joyous occasion brings only sadness from her memories of happier times and grief for what she now misses.

Then Zoe receives a call from police in Manchester to say they have her daughter in custody for suspected shoplifting. Manchester? What is Megan doing there? But when she arrives she is devastated to learn that it wasn't her daughter, but someone who looked a lot like her who had possession of Megan's rucksack which held her birth certificate, her passport and a family photo of Zoe, Frank, Megan and her brother Josh. If this girl wasn't Megan, then she must know her.

Using her experience as a youth magistrate, Zoe questions the young woman and manages to get her name, Emily, and how she knew Megan. Emily is released into Zoe's custody and the two visit shelters and old haunts in their search for Megan...but it all goes horribly wrong. And Zoe finds herself in a pit of despair, unable to continue her search.

After spending seven months on the streets, Megan wants nothing more than to save enough money to buy her a ticket to Crete to stay with her Granny Anna. Having been questioned by police for possession of drugs, she was released with her rucksack containing her passport and with enough money she has saved from busking, Megan makes her way to Crete. When she arrives, she finds the mention of her granny's name brings frowns and anger from locals that she cannot understand. Her Greek is very poor so she is unable to decipher why her kind and caring granny, who would not hurt a soul, appears to be so hated here.

WOW! While may be a rather comprehensive outline of the tapestry of stories, it does not even begin to come close to all the threads that will ultimately weave them all together. Steeped in modern Greek history that I had no idea about that just breaks your heart at the atrocities dealt many Greek people who just wanted a fair and free life of equality for their country...and got tortured for their troubles. At the height of the gunta regime, these soldiers made the Nazis' treatment of the Jews pale in comparison. It was heartwrenching to read of their harsh treatment for doing nothing wrong but fight for fairness and freedom for their people.

The characters of Sofia and Markos were expertly drawn and I felt an affinity to them, despite wanting to smack Markos about the head at times for his stubbornness. And I loved the character of Zacharia, the baker who took the young Sofia in and gave her a purpose in life. He was like a father to her and she, a daughter to him. Their relationship was a special one that brought tears to my eyes.

I loved Zoe and Megan in the present day storyline, as they both search for the answers that would bring them together again. And despite the fact Sofia was unable to speak, the grief she carried with her, her anguish for all she had loved and lost over the years, her character shone through the strongest. Although this story is of all three women, it is Sofia's that is the most defining. And the most heartbreaking.

Told in dual timelines, which I absolutely love, Sofia's first person narrative to Zoe and Megan's third person are woven together beautifully, making GREEK ISLAND ESCAPE a beautiful, yet heart wrenching, escapism read that left me bereft when it came to an end. For I never wanted it to. I was in tears for the entire final chapters.

Be prepared to reach for the tissues with this one for the story is both poignant and harrowing that makes GREEK ISLAND ESCAPE as moving as it is unforgettable.

My first read by Patricia Wilson, GREEK ISLAND ESCAPE has a mix of contemporary, chick lit, family and historical fiction, with a little mystery thrown in, making it a recommended read that will truly leave you breathless. Honestly, it is THAT good. What a read.

I would like to thank #PatriciaWilson, #NetGalley and #ZaffreBooks and #BonnierBooksUK for an ARC of #GreekIslandEscape in exchange for an honest review.

This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.

[Isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5🌟

[Stephanie Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absorbing and emotional read, concerning two mothers searching for their daughters.
There is a lot of historically factual information which adds layers to Sofia’s story and helps the reader to understand why she made the choices she did in such difficult circumstances. It is impossible not to become invested in her fervent hope for a happy future as events unfold, although we know from the beginning that she has grown into a frail and desperate old woman.
The contemporary story is a refreshing change to some of the more intense chapters, but it also holds some challenges which explore the mechanics of a strained mother/daughter relationship.
As the two storylines merge in the present day, there is a lighter feel to the conclusion of the book and the beautiful scenic descriptions of Greece in each chapter leave the reader with a positive memory of a tale well told.

[Charlotte Nilsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Sofias story from the past, but the present story following Zoe and Megan did not catch me in the way I hoped it would. Another wonderful read by Patricia Wilson, and much deeper than I anticipated at first. 3/5 stars, but absolutely worth it!

[Marie Tailor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of the book leads you to believe that it is based on sun, sea and a sizzling Greek man that whips a lady off her feet .... no. Not at all.
This book is a great read that has amazing twists of fate knitted into it. Read it. You won't be disappointed.

[nicole baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in 24 hours was such a page turner! A really heartbreaking storyline although it initially appears like a bit of a beach read - couldn’t recommend enough to readers who enjoy that tropical setting of Greece and like a blend of past and present!

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set mainly on CRETE past and present



3.75*

The novel opens in the present in Chania, Crete, as an older woman (who seems unable to speak) is accosting strangers and holding out a card to anyone who will look. On the card she draws attention to the fact that she is searching for her daughter whom she last saw many years ago. Contemporaneously in England Zoë is utterly preoccupied with her daughter Megan, who has been missing now for seven months.

The reader is taken on a trawl through the very difficult periods of Greek history, through WW2 forward to the right wing military junta (Regime of the Colonels) 1967-1974. There was displacement, famine, torture and it was clearly a very difficult period to navigate in the history of the nation. There was inevitably a large, communist resistance movement and part of the story explores the lives of Sophia and Markos, and Markos in particular suffered severely at the hands of the junta for his political beliefs.

In the present, Zoë follows the trail of her daughter to Manchester and she also begins to uncover why Megan chose to disappear. She is aghast when she becomes aware of the life she is leading – to wit, her daughter is a vagrant earning a pittance by juggling – and she is beside herself. She then discovers that Megan has gone to Greece in search of her missing grandmother, someone with whom she always had a strong bond.

Naturally towards the end, all the strands dovetail. I warmed to the narrative because it is very creative and nicely put together but ultimately for me there was almost a surfeit of life events, there were so many breathless strands determined to keep the reader entertained as the story line zipped between past and present. There is also quite a lot of ‘telling’ rather than ‘showing’ – for me, the emotional responses to terrible trauma and cruelty were a bit thin and simple. The story whizzes along, there are twists, turns and serendipitous happenings and fortuitous encounters that ease the story into the next part of the storyline. All the threads come together nicely at the end. Predictable as it was at times, it nevertheless made for an engaging read.

[Annemarie Coade · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the first book I've read from this author and the first couple of pages didn't grab me, but my goodness am I glad I kept reading! I'm in tears having just finished it....a story of undying love set against the heartbreaking backdrop of the aftermath of the Greek civil war....beautifully written, you really feel like you are there in Crete and Greece. I did feel perhaps that some of the scenes in Manchester were a bit drawn out, but the telling of the love story between Sofia and Markos more than made up for it.
I'll definitely read more of this author!

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a breathtaking book this was to read!

I was hooked from start to finish, I smiled, I cried, it was an absolutely stunning story following Zoe and Sophia. The characters were so well developed, I felt like they were friends and I loved getting to know them as the story progressed.

The book was well paced and the plot was perfectly developed.

This was a really enjoyable story, no hesitation at all – it is 5 stars from me – very highly recommended!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous story from Patricia Wilson. The dual timelines move effortlessly between past and present, England and Greece and the three strong female characters are inspirational. combining the best of fiction set in Greece and historical fiction, this book is timeless. Be prepared with tissues as you'll need them. Moving, emotional and poignant this book is unforgettable.

[Tracy Clarkson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely yet tragic story of love and hope. Get the tissues ready x

[Novelle Novels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story linking two generations, set half in Greece and Half in the uk. Two mothers struggling with decisions they have made and battles they have to face.

[Дарина Димитрова]

🏝️ „Островът на избавлението” – Патриша Уилсън 🏝️

🏝️ Романът ме остави с много смесени чувства. Той има доста добра и интересна идея, която сама по себе си е добра предпоставка за интригуващо и завладяващо произведение.
📚Действието се развива в Гърция и Англия. Всяка глава е разказана през призмата и с акцент на някоя от главните героини. Освен различните местоположения, имаме и различни времеви периоди – наши дни и минало. Миналото датира от 1944 година до 70-те.
🏝️ София е героинята, с която започва всичко в пролога, на остров Крит в настоящето. Тя търси дъщеря си, която е родила през 1972 година в затвора „Коридалос” Атина. София остава сирак на крехка детска възраст, когато в театъра, където майка ѝ – известна певица и артистка – има участие, избухва взрив. Цялото ѝ семейство загива и тя остава напълно сама. Животът ѝ е низ от трудности, перипетии и неравностойна борба за оцеляване, което продължава почти през целия ѝ живот. Историята на Зоуи бележи началото на романа в първа глава от Лондон, наши дни. Тя от своя страна също иска да открие детето си – Меган, която е избягала от дома им на 16 годишна възраст. Зоуи има привидно идеален живот със знатен съпруг, две прекрасни деца и успешна кариера. Всичко се променя, когато дъщеря ѝ Меган решава да избяга. Тя няма да се откаже от намирането ѝ и ще измине километри, за да я спаси и върне у дома. Времевите и сюжетни линии вървят паралелно, като ни разкриват парчета от пъзела и ни дават насоки за съдбата и миналото на героите. Историята на София е разказана с акцент на нейните преживявания от детството до ден днешен, докато Зоуи и Меган са фокусирани основно в настоящето. Книгата проследява събитията довели до раздяла между майка и дъщеря, показва ни едно нерадо историческо време, което е белязано от протести, окупации и комунистически набези, борби, революционни бунтове, граждански размирици. Обследва невъзможните и трудните житейски избори, както и последиците от тях. Разглежда и сложни семейни взаимоотношения, както и непосилните перипетии, с които се сблъскват героите, вследствие на съдбовни обрати. Някои ще преживеят катарзис, други - няма да имат този късмет.
📚 Романът се чете леко и бързо, въпреки засегнатите тежки теми в него. Той разглежда много проблематични въпроси както от личен, така и от обществен характер. На мен лично ми беше интересен, но поне за мен имаше абсолютно отсъствие на логика в емоциите и взаимоотношенията на героите, както и в някои диалози. Това е и причината да остана със смесени чувства. Именно в емоционален план ми липсваше достоверност. Иначе има всички необходими съставки за увлекателно и перфектно четиво – драматични моменти, любов, трагедия, история, разнолики герои, психология, повратности, обрати. За мен връзката между отделните пасажи и герои бе предсказуема още от самото начало, но това не ми попречи да се насладя максимално на развитието в сюжета. Бих препоръчала четивото като идеален избор за разпускане на плажа и не само. То е добър избор за любителите на романтични книги, любовни романи, но в драматичната гама. В никакъв случай не може да се определи само по себе си само в един жанр, но кореспондира с драмата и стила на този тип четива.

[Megan Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the beautiful beaches of Crete, an old woman is handing out scraps of paper. Sofia, eighty-five years old, unable to speak, is desperate to find a daughter she has never known. After a tragic childhood in Athens and a soaring career as a singer, the brutal treatment of the man she loved by a tyrannical regime forced her to give up her daughter mere days after her birth. Now she longs to be reunited with her child before it's too late. Meanwhile in London, Zoe is searching too. In the months since the disappearance of her teenage daughter, Zoe's life has crumbled apart. Her husband has left her, her son feels forgotten, and every day is a struggle. But Zoe is desperate to track her daughter down, even if she doesn't want to be found.

Wow what an incredible, moving read this is. I was transported to war torn Greece and mesmerised by the beauty of modern day Greece. I fell in love with the characters. My heart broke when theirs did. I felt hope when they did. I cried and laughed with them. I felt every word, every event with them and find myself bereft I have now finished this evocative, beautiful read.

So what does the read entail, well we flit between the past and present day. In the past we follow Sofia as she navigates the dangerous world she finds herself living in. I have to say the chapters set in the past are some of the most intense, painful chapters I have ever read. I found the chapters incredibly moving and full of so much hope and crushing despair. Wilson really captures the feelings of the time and I felt every moment of pain with the truly wonderful characters Wilson has created.

In the present day, we follow Zoe as she desperately searches for her daughter Megan. The present does echo the past but the present day events are not as moving nor desperate but they do serve to bring the read full circle and it did add value to the read. I was however, rushing to get back to the past as this is where the true beauty of the read lies.

I have already touched on the characters but I have to say Sofia and Marcos are two very special characters whom I took into my heart and I will always remember them and their story.

'Greek Island Escape' is exactly that, the most beautiful, heart-wrenching escapism read. Sit back, relax and be prepared to not put this down until you have finished it. Wilson has written a stunning story that will have you reaching for the tissues and holding out for that happy ending. What a read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boonier Books UK for an advance copy.

[Helene Barmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up this book expecting a cute summer read with some romance. I kinda got that but there was a lot more brutality and violence than I saw coming. Still, I liked the book and I enjoyed learning more about the modern history of Greece.
The book follows a couple of different timelines and several women. The main character is Sofia and we meet her as a child in Greece at the end of the war where a terrible incident leaves her all alone in the world. We see her grow up and follow her life in a country ravaged by violence and political instability. We then meet her again as an old lady in the present day where she is looking for her daughter that was lost to her sometime during this period.
The second story is that of Zöe in London. She is a mother to two teenagers and she is struggling because her daughter is also missing. Megan has run away from home and Zöe is desperate to find her.
You understand that the storylines will intertwine at some point and when they did it was all very satisfying to me.
I was very emotional reading many parts of this book and it is absolutely heartbreaking at times. But it is also lovely and sweet. A very good read for sure.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

NetGalley

Member Review

Greek Island Escape
by Patricia Wilson
Pub Date: 16 Apr 2020
Review by

jeanie m, Reviewer
Last updated on 1 Apr 2020
My Recommendation

With grateful thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
Well having read a few of this author's other books I was delighted with the aspect of reading her new one.
Without giving anything away can I just say this book totally blew my socks off.
With dual time slip of present day and past it was done so effortlessly the story just flowed and what a story unfolded before us like no other book it had me totally captivated and intrigued from the beginning the detailing was just sublime.
Its a story of hope of courage and last but certainly not least of love and trust I can't praise this book enough
Thank you.

[Sharon Milligan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Major problem here is that I was searching for chick-lit (is it still ok to call it that or is it offensive?) and found this. It is most certainly not a nice safe, funny read like I wanted.

I do not like books that make me cry. My actual life is depressing enough and I don’t need more tears from the books I read. Sack whoever marketed this. It needs a new cover and to be recategorised.

It’s full of death, torture, child loss and people getting blown up or shot.

I gave it two stars because, had I known what I was getting into I might have appreciated it more for what it was.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely book and I loved the way that the separate character chapters brought the whole story together.

[Sammy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not awful, but not really for me either.

[Ralitza · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️
Невероятна книга, изключително трогателна и емоционална. Вървеше ми малко бавно, затова не е 5 ⭐️

[Nancy Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. 5++. Highly recommend.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really lovely, easy reading book. 3 and a half stars but really enjoyed reading it!

[Holly Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover and title of this book are so misleading. It looks like it's gonna be this inoffensive slow burn travel romance?? It's very not that
It is a very dark and tragic story, there's a lot of gruesome stuff in here, like murder, prison, dead babies, and war kinda stuff
Idk who tf marketed this but they did an awful job lol it did not accurately portray the vibes at ALL
Besides the fact I had no idea what I was getting into, I did enjoy this book. I love books with two narrators who eventually intertwine, and I think the skipping timeline element worked really well too

[Heather Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the relationships that developed throughout the book and how true to life the story is. I was slightly disappointed in the ending hence why I did not give her 5*. This book also made me want to explore the Greek islands more. A very easy and enjoyable read.

[Hedda Rysjedal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5⭐️

[Loves · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely stunning book! This is my first read by this author and it won't be the last. The writing style was reminiscent of Lucinda Riley ,whose books I love.
I was hooked right away, I devoured this and was quickly enthralled with the storyline. The story unfolds with each of the three female protagonists telling their story from their own perspective. Megan is a runaway, sleeping rough on the streets of Manchester, making money juggling and busking in the hopes of making enough to get to Crete and her Grandmother. Zoe is frantic , searching for her missing daughter , she's finding life difficult in the months since Megan's disappearance. Her marriage is in difficulty, her younger son is feeling neglected and she's at rock bottom. Sofia is searching for the daughter she gave up at Birth, for her safety .All of the women end up in Greece and all of the loose ends tie up with a happy ending for everyone concerned. The characters were well rounded and each was relatable . I loved Sofia , she's a beautiful character and I was so moved by her , I felt like my heart was breaking as her story unfolds, over the course of the book but thankfully ,the author managed to put it back together again by the end. A pack of tissues by your side is strongly recommended.
I found it really shocking that I knew nothing about a period of European history that took place during my childhood. It was harrowing reading at times and so poignant at others. This was a beautifully written book and I thoroughly recommend it. It was so thought provoking, I think the Characters will stay with me for a long time afterwards .
I received a copy of the book from #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are freely given and unbiased.

[Ginger Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greek Island Escape is not what the cover might lead you to believe and in the end it left my heart in a state of deep fatigue as great stories should. Outlining the journey of various people and their realistic paths though life struggles, this book is truly an unexpected treasure. From a runaway daughter to the deep rooted love and peril of two people that met in passing as children in a divided time of war after losing their families. Although a work of fiction, the characters have so much thoughtful detail you will think they were truly real. This may be due to the fact that the individual characters are based on the accounting of real people gathered throughout the author’s travels which have been expertly woven within actual historical happenings to create a gripping and heartfelt fictional writing that feels like anything but.

This will keep you up all night as you saturate yourself in it. It will leave your eyes red, your heart swollen, and finish you off with an imprint on your soul.

I have not experienced any other books by author Patricia Wilson, but she is now on my shortlist of favorite writers. I have never been happier to stumble across a book outside of what I normally gravitate toward. This is a book that people truly need to experience. Do not make the mistake of passing over it.

*I experienced this as an audiobook and the narration was incredible also.

[Gemma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very moving and tragic story. Interesting take on some Greek history. I recently went to Crete and learn a bit about it then.

I listened to this story and did question if it was a book would I keep reading as at times I felt the story didn’t flow and during the reading there were some pauses that didn’t fit.

Overall I enjoyed listening to it and I was glad for the happy ending :-)

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a page turner and emotional story incorporating the cruel 20th century history of Greece. I didn’t want to put this book down nor for the story to end.

[Alex (Alex's Version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Greek Island Escape by Patricia Wilson really took me for a ride of emotions. I thought, looking at the book cover, it would be a sweet story and a light read. Turns out, it was a very emotional read, almost having me in tears while reading.

Greek Island Escape by Patricia Wilson is a captivating and emotional read that takes readers on a journey of tragedy, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope. The story revolves around Sofia, an 85-year-old woman who has been unable to speak for over forty years. Sofia's life has been marked by sorrow, and she is on a relentless search for the daughter she gave up for adoption shortly after her birth. Each day, Sofia travels around Athens and Crete, handing out a handwritten message to everyone she meets, hoping to find any information about her long-lost child.

The narrative alternates between Sofia's past and the present day. In 1944, a young Sofia finds herself orphaned and struggling to survive on the streets of Crete. She meets Markos, a kind-hearted boy who offers her food and compassion. Sofia's life takes a turn when she is taken in by a bakery owner who teaches her the art of baking bread. However, her journey is far from over, as she eventually finds herself imprisoned in Korydallos prison, where she meets Anna Despotakis and her husband, a prison colonel. This encounter changes Sofia's life forever.

In the present day, we meet Zoe Johnson, a youth magistrate whose life is falling apart. Her daughter, Megan, ran away seven months ago, leaving Zoe devastated. To make matters worse, Zoe's mother returns to Crete, and her husband leaves her. On Megan's 17th birthday, Zoe receives a call from the police in Manchester, informing her that they have her daughter in custody for suspected shoplifting. However, it turns out to be a case of mistaken identity, and Zoe is left with more questions than answers. Determined to find her daughter, Zoe embarks on a search that leads her to Emily, a young woman who knows Megan. Together, they navigate shelters and old haunts in their quest to find Megan, but their efforts take a tragic turn, leaving Zoe in despair.

Meanwhile, Megan, who has spent seven months on the streets, dreams of saving enough money to travel to Crete and stay with her grandmother, Anna. However, upon arriving in Crete, Megan is met with hostility from the locals, who seem to despise her grandmother. Megan's journey to uncover the truth about her family becomes a struggle as she grapples with her limited knowledge of the Greek language.

The story is not only a tale of three women searching for answers but also a reflection on the harsh realities of modern Greek history. The author delves into the atrocities suffered by the Greek people during the gunta regime, shedding light on the struggles for freedom and equality. The characters of Sofia, Markos, and Zacharia, the baker who becomes Sofia's father figure, are expertly drawn and evoke a range of emotions from the reader. Sofia's inability to speak only amplifies the grief and anguish she carries, making her character the most poignant and heartbreaking.

The dual timelines, with Sofia's first-person narrative and Zoe and Megan's third-person perspectives, are seamlessly woven together, creating a compelling and emotionally charged narrative. Patricia Wilson's writing style is captivating, and her ability to evoke such strong emotions in readers is commendable. The story is a perfect blend of contemporary, chick lit, family, historical fiction, and mystery, making it a truly unforgettable read.

Greek Island Escape is a book that will leave readers reaching for the tissues. It is a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit. Patricia Wilson has crafted a beautiful and moving tale that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. This book is a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and emotional escape into the world of Sofia, Zoe, and Megan.