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The Summer of Secrets
In this emotional novel based on Greece's real history we follow three generations of one family, broken apart by secrets and war, as Olivia travels to the island of her mother's birth to piece together a century's worth of her family's past.
On the Greek island of Castellorizo young Sofía must put her big dreams on hold to support her older sister Maria with her large family. But World War II is looming and while the idyllic island may seem far from harm at first, there are unspeakable dangers on the horizon - perils that will change the sisters' lives forever . . .
Devastated by her divorce and the death of her dear mum, Olivia seeks solace on Castellorizo. Her Granny Sofía fled the beautiful Greek island during the war, but Olivia knows little else about her family's history. The only link to the Island she has left is her elderly great-uncle George. As his memory begins to fail, Olivia feels her one chance at uncovering the truth about her grandmother start to slip away.
As a mother's sacrifice echoes throughout the generations, will Olivia discover some things are best left in the past?
On the Greek island of Castellorizo young Sofía must put her big dreams on hold to support her older sister Maria with her large family. But World War II is looming and while the idyllic island may seem far from harm at first, there are unspeakable dangers on the horizon - perils that will change the sisters' lives forever . . .
Devastated by her divorce and the death of her dear mum, Olivia seeks solace on Castellorizo. Her Granny Sofía fled the beautiful Greek island during the war, but Olivia knows little else about her family's history. The only link to the Island she has left is her elderly great-uncle George. As his memory begins to fail, Olivia feels her one chance at uncovering the truth about her grandmother start to slip away.
As a mother's sacrifice echoes throughout the generations, will Olivia discover some things are best left in the past?
480 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2022
About the author
Patricia Wilson
77 books183 followersPatricia Wilson (1929 – 2010) was a best-selling writer of 53 romance novels for the Mills & Boon publisher from 1986 to 2004. She placed her novels primarily in England, Spain or France.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
June 1, 2022
My review is on my website www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
The paperback The Summer of Secrets is the best post-war story I have ever read!
This is the perfect book to sit and relax with in the garden in the sunshine! Or pack in your handbag to read on the plane to your holiday destination.
Patricia Wilson has written a splendid story with a great cast of fictional characters with true history, about post-war, blended into the story that has now educated me.
On the island of Castellorizo of Greece, young women of seventeen were married with at least one child.
Everyone called Maria’s mother Mama although her real name was Mamarita.
I had tears in my eyes, with the sorrowfulness that is set sweeping into this post-war storyline.
As Mama was bearing down ready to give birth with the midwife by her side, terror and fear was unfolding for everyone in Castellorizo on Saturday 26th June, with a shocking earthquake that caused panic. Building, dogs and older people were taken away by the turbulence in the earth, which were sadly never seen again.
Olivia is now divorced, and in Brighton her mummy died in hospital after a short illness. Her Daddy has died too. She is remembering her Granny Sofia who passed away in 2016. The last time she saw her great uncle George was seven years ago.
As the story weaves through, Olivia has questions about her family history and the only one who can help her is her great uncle George.
Patricia Wilson has done an incredible job of doing her research, and educates us into what fear feels like.
The earthquake scene was one scene that really shocked me, bringing it home to me that Britain is a lucky place to live without the big earthquakes.
The Summer of Secret is packed full with a cast of beautiful characters that you really care about. I loved reading the incredible history notes at the back of the book, it just goes to show how the author cares about its readers in giving us facts about history in Castellorizo in Greece, about the post-war years.
The paperback The Summer of Secrets is the best post-war story I have ever read!
This is the perfect book to sit and relax with in the garden in the sunshine! Or pack in your handbag to read on the plane to your holiday destination.
Patricia Wilson has written a splendid story with a great cast of fictional characters with true history, about post-war, blended into the story that has now educated me.
On the island of Castellorizo of Greece, young women of seventeen were married with at least one child.
Everyone called Maria’s mother Mama although her real name was Mamarita.
I had tears in my eyes, with the sorrowfulness that is set sweeping into this post-war storyline.
As Mama was bearing down ready to give birth with the midwife by her side, terror and fear was unfolding for everyone in Castellorizo on Saturday 26th June, with a shocking earthquake that caused panic. Building, dogs and older people were taken away by the turbulence in the earth, which were sadly never seen again.
Olivia is now divorced, and in Brighton her mummy died in hospital after a short illness. Her Daddy has died too. She is remembering her Granny Sofia who passed away in 2016. The last time she saw her great uncle George was seven years ago.
As the story weaves through, Olivia has questions about her family history and the only one who can help her is her great uncle George.
Patricia Wilson has done an incredible job of doing her research, and educates us into what fear feels like.
The earthquake scene was one scene that really shocked me, bringing it home to me that Britain is a lucky place to live without the big earthquakes.
The Summer of Secret is packed full with a cast of beautiful characters that you really care about. I loved reading the incredible history notes at the back of the book, it just goes to show how the author cares about its readers in giving us facts about history in Castellorizo in Greece, about the post-war years.
August 27, 2022
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I read The Island by Victoria Hislop a few months ago and quite liked it. Both books could have done without the contemporary plot line and would have been much better in my opinion.
It just felt like a filler to slow down the other storyline. Quite unsuccessfully in The Summer of Secrets. The "secret" was alluded to early on and mentioned in almost every Olivia chapter, only to be "postponed" in rather uncreative ways. Then her love story was also very cliche, overall it added nothing to the book. From around p.100-150 I started only skimming through her chapters.
Why I persevered was because of Sofia's story. It seemed much more interesting. But then it kept dragging on, and more and more fillers were introduced there as well and then the ending was just... no words. True, I did not see this coming until it was very close, but wow. I did not like it, but even more so didn't like the words chosen to describe it. Reading about very deep and engaging topics like war and the tragedy on the ship, and then all the "eroticism" that ensued in a single book was not something I expected and could handle well.
The historical notes at the end were the best part of the book and I think Sofia's story held lots of potential and could have been much stronger as the single plot line.
It just felt like a filler to slow down the other storyline. Quite unsuccessfully in The Summer of Secrets. The "secret" was alluded to early on and mentioned in almost every Olivia chapter, only to be "postponed" in rather uncreative ways. Then her love story was also very cliche, overall it added nothing to the book. From around p.100-150 I started only skimming through her chapters.
Why I persevered was because of Sofia's story. It seemed much more interesting. But then it kept dragging on, and more and more fillers were introduced there as well and then the ending was just... no words. True, I did not see this coming until it was very close, but wow. I did not like it, but even more so didn't like the words chosen to describe it. Reading about very deep and engaging topics like war and the tragedy on the ship, and then all the "eroticism" that ensued in a single book was not something I expected and could handle well.
The historical notes at the end were the best part of the book and I think Sofia's story held lots of potential and could have been much stronger as the single plot line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
I love Greek islands and the history behind them particularly in the world wars so this duel timeline story surrounding the Eastern island of Castellorizo was very appealing to me.
There were things I loved and some things I didn't love so much about this book. Some of the passages felt padded and like a lot could have been covered in a much shorter amount of writing but I can understand there was a lot of history of a large family to cover and that the history had clearly been very well researched.
I didn't love the ending, particularly one aspect that went a little too far out for my taste, but that's just my opinion. The heartbreaking ordeals of the islanders through the period covered is as poignant now as ever as we find war on European soil again; the suffering & displacement of innocent people and the desecration of a beautiful paradise was tough reading and I was certainly gripped and appalled at what they went through.
There were things I loved and some things I didn't love so much about this book. Some of the passages felt padded and like a lot could have been covered in a much shorter amount of writing but I can understand there was a lot of history of a large family to cover and that the history had clearly been very well researched.
I didn't love the ending, particularly one aspect that went a little too far out for my taste, but that's just my opinion. The heartbreaking ordeals of the islanders through the period covered is as poignant now as ever as we find war on European soil again; the suffering & displacement of innocent people and the desecration of a beautiful paradise was tough reading and I was certainly gripped and appalled at what they went through.
February 8, 2025
❞ أريد أن أتذكر جميع الأشخاص في هذه الجزيرة، ولا سيما جميع أرواح عائلة كونستانتينيديس، الذين يتشاركون في مكان الراحة المائي هذا. يوحدهم البحر في الموت، كما جمعهم حب العائلة، في الحياة. ❝
July 31, 2022
*Book Club read*
I started this book with high hopes, and looked forward to losing myself in this historical novel. Although it has a strong storyline, I just couldn't get on with the writing style. I found it overly sentimental and romanticised. After several attempts to see beyond this, I finally had to give up. Not for me I'm afraid.
I started this book with high hopes, and looked forward to losing myself in this historical novel. Although it has a strong storyline, I just couldn't get on with the writing style. I found it overly sentimental and romanticised. After several attempts to see beyond this, I finally had to give up. Not for me I'm afraid.
August 26, 2022
I quite liked the part about Greek history.
I didn't know a lot about history of this part of the world. It was an easy read, good for a vacation.
But the overall story line is a bit naive to my taste, characters felt a little artificial to me so I could not finish the book.
I didn't know a lot about history of this part of the world. It was an easy read, good for a vacation.
But the overall story line is a bit naive to my taste, characters felt a little artificial to me so I could not finish the book.
May 27, 2022
The Summer of Secrets is the sixth book by Patricia Wilson and it’s gorgeous cover epitomises what this book is about. Set on the tiny Greek island of Castellorizo with a very small population, the story weaves back and forth between the war years as the island suffered and the present day. It has a blend for the most part of a good, solid storyline with intriguing characters and a secret at its centre and fantastic descriptions of the island, it’s people and it’s traditions. With such eloquent, visceral descriptive writing the reader feels transported to the island where the intrinsic beauty of the landscape and the noble spirit of the residents shine through.
Baba, the father of the story, and his brother Kurillos are awaiting the birth of Baba’s second child which he desperately hopes will be a boy. As Mamarita is in labour a catastrophe occurs when a devastating earthquake strikes the tiny island located several miles off the coast of Turkey. Buildings are demolished, boats sink, cracks and chasms appear, and lives are lost but amidst this carnage a new being enters the world. Sofia is born, not the son Baba wanted but none the less Sofia will go on to be an integral element to what will go on to be a large family and she is a character who plays a very important role throughout the story.
After the dramatic opening to the book, we move forth to the present day to Brighton, England where Olivia has just lost her mother. She hopes to scatter her ashes on the island and we soon discover that Sofia was her grandmother. Instantly, the readers interest is piqued. What caused Sofia to leave the island? Why was it such a taboo subject never to be spoken about? Olivia knows no details of her families past but she desperately wants to know the reasons for the silence within her family that echoes with so many unanswered questions. Her mother always said no good came in digging up the past but maybe now the time has come for some burrowing back through the years to uncover the family secret that tore a loving and united family apart. The secret and a certain event are hinted at throughout the book. It seems as if the majority of the characters that feature in the present day know what occurred but it’s Olivia who is the one that is clueless and it won’t be easy to reach the truth. It’s a slow and leisurely path to the significant event that sent so many other wheels in motion and when we do reach it in the later stages of the book it was brilliantly written.
Of course, I won’t say what it was, but it was so vividly written. I could picture it image by image playing out in my mind as if I was watching things unfold on the big screen and to learn at the end that it was based on real events was even more horrifying to read knowing that it was real. This happening sets in motion another chain of events for the principal character Sofia and I will say this is where I found the book to descend into something implasuable. Being 100% honest, I found it to be so far fetched that it couldn’t possibly be true. OK, yes I can see the act did happen but as to why it occurred I found myself having to suspend my disbelief and view it as a something that needed to occur in order to explain a major plotline that was hinted at in titbits throughout the book. I understood how it tied in with the business the family operated but yet it just seemed to over the top. But pushing this to one side and forgetting about it underneath it all there is a good story here that details the history of the island whilst focusing on one family over a period of many years. The heritage of the island, the traditions and the residents are given a strong voice and a light is definitely shone on a different side to the war you may not have read about before as so many books in this genre are set in Germany or France etc.
Sofia’s younger brother George, always known as the baby of the family and the one who was protected, is still alive in the present day. He holds the key to all the secrets but he doesn’t give it willingly to Olivia. I liked how this occurred because George knew deep down that instead Olivia needed to go on a journey back to the island to really understand what her family was all about and how the island and the war shaped and moulded them. When Olivia arrives to the island, unaccompanied by George as he has just undergone an operation, she wishes he was there by her side to help her make sense of everything. She meets electrician Greg who will try and help her get the family’s house and distillery on the hilltop accessible again. After all, now that her mother is gone it’s Olivia who is the one who has come into an inheritance but Australian Rob has other plans in store. As so many of the islanders emigrated to Australia there is now a long line of descendants who have their own claim to the house.
Olivia is a kind and willing person and wants to do things by the book but to me Rob just came across as quite sneaky with ulterior motives. As Olivia tries to navigate her way through filling in the blanks in her family history she slowly uncovers bits and pieces. In the present day occurrences of the past are mentioned and then we go back many years and things are explained in significantly more detail. But really, it’s her Uncle George she needs by her side as he was there, he knows what happened. When she tries to contact him back in England and can’t get any answer, her senses are alerted. What has happened to George? Is he ok?
After the earthquake of 1926 we are taken all the way through to the war years and for several years after its endpoint. Sofia, for the most part, narrates the story and she is even more of a matriarch than her mother as she tends to the distillery where the family distils precious oils that can bring a special kind of euphoria and which have been sold to Parisian fashion houses. We learn of the family’s renown for this most special of traditions and how oldest daughter Maria married Mustafa the Turk who was a sailor and trader and in turn they went on to have 16 children and this is where I feel the term matriarch is most appropriate for Sofia because she cared so deeply for and tended to those children as if they were her own. She was like the glue that held the family together and when the worst befalls the island and they are bombed during the war she remains resilient and strong and her love for English soldier Jamie fortifies her through the difficult journey ahead of her. Even more so when the island was evacuated. I found all this to be so fascinating to read about because what unfolds did happen to the islanders. Their lives were disrupted. They faced starvation and possible death and to be ripped from your home when the tiny island is all you have ever known must have been devastating and full of pain, loss, confusion and anxiety.
At times, when reading as it starts in 1926, I was wondering when would we get to the war years and the event which is endlessly mentioned but no specific details given. The family history and all their traditions and the extended members etc was interesting to read but at times I felt the book went off on tangents and I questioned their necessity in the overall plot. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed reading this book as a whole but perhaps if it was slightly shorter with some scenes cut out which would have meant all that would have been included was all strictly relevant and moving the plot forward at all times. Towards the end you can see why the author included what I deem extra or unnecessary but it just felt too long winded in order to reach the climax. Yes, it helped build a picture and helped the reader to understand the overall context behind the big mystery but for me it just meant things dragged in parts. So yes, overall, I did enjoy The Summer of Secrets and it is worthy of a read especially if you happen to be abroad in sunny climes to read considering the beautiful imagery throughout but I still think I prefer some of the author’s earlier books.
Baba, the father of the story, and his brother Kurillos are awaiting the birth of Baba’s second child which he desperately hopes will be a boy. As Mamarita is in labour a catastrophe occurs when a devastating earthquake strikes the tiny island located several miles off the coast of Turkey. Buildings are demolished, boats sink, cracks and chasms appear, and lives are lost but amidst this carnage a new being enters the world. Sofia is born, not the son Baba wanted but none the less Sofia will go on to be an integral element to what will go on to be a large family and she is a character who plays a very important role throughout the story.
After the dramatic opening to the book, we move forth to the present day to Brighton, England where Olivia has just lost her mother. She hopes to scatter her ashes on the island and we soon discover that Sofia was her grandmother. Instantly, the readers interest is piqued. What caused Sofia to leave the island? Why was it such a taboo subject never to be spoken about? Olivia knows no details of her families past but she desperately wants to know the reasons for the silence within her family that echoes with so many unanswered questions. Her mother always said no good came in digging up the past but maybe now the time has come for some burrowing back through the years to uncover the family secret that tore a loving and united family apart. The secret and a certain event are hinted at throughout the book. It seems as if the majority of the characters that feature in the present day know what occurred but it’s Olivia who is the one that is clueless and it won’t be easy to reach the truth. It’s a slow and leisurely path to the significant event that sent so many other wheels in motion and when we do reach it in the later stages of the book it was brilliantly written.
Of course, I won’t say what it was, but it was so vividly written. I could picture it image by image playing out in my mind as if I was watching things unfold on the big screen and to learn at the end that it was based on real events was even more horrifying to read knowing that it was real. This happening sets in motion another chain of events for the principal character Sofia and I will say this is where I found the book to descend into something implasuable. Being 100% honest, I found it to be so far fetched that it couldn’t possibly be true. OK, yes I can see the act did happen but as to why it occurred I found myself having to suspend my disbelief and view it as a something that needed to occur in order to explain a major plotline that was hinted at in titbits throughout the book. I understood how it tied in with the business the family operated but yet it just seemed to over the top. But pushing this to one side and forgetting about it underneath it all there is a good story here that details the history of the island whilst focusing on one family over a period of many years. The heritage of the island, the traditions and the residents are given a strong voice and a light is definitely shone on a different side to the war you may not have read about before as so many books in this genre are set in Germany or France etc.
Sofia’s younger brother George, always known as the baby of the family and the one who was protected, is still alive in the present day. He holds the key to all the secrets but he doesn’t give it willingly to Olivia. I liked how this occurred because George knew deep down that instead Olivia needed to go on a journey back to the island to really understand what her family was all about and how the island and the war shaped and moulded them. When Olivia arrives to the island, unaccompanied by George as he has just undergone an operation, she wishes he was there by her side to help her make sense of everything. She meets electrician Greg who will try and help her get the family’s house and distillery on the hilltop accessible again. After all, now that her mother is gone it’s Olivia who is the one who has come into an inheritance but Australian Rob has other plans in store. As so many of the islanders emigrated to Australia there is now a long line of descendants who have their own claim to the house.
Olivia is a kind and willing person and wants to do things by the book but to me Rob just came across as quite sneaky with ulterior motives. As Olivia tries to navigate her way through filling in the blanks in her family history she slowly uncovers bits and pieces. In the present day occurrences of the past are mentioned and then we go back many years and things are explained in significantly more detail. But really, it’s her Uncle George she needs by her side as he was there, he knows what happened. When she tries to contact him back in England and can’t get any answer, her senses are alerted. What has happened to George? Is he ok?
After the earthquake of 1926 we are taken all the way through to the war years and for several years after its endpoint. Sofia, for the most part, narrates the story and she is even more of a matriarch than her mother as she tends to the distillery where the family distils precious oils that can bring a special kind of euphoria and which have been sold to Parisian fashion houses. We learn of the family’s renown for this most special of traditions and how oldest daughter Maria married Mustafa the Turk who was a sailor and trader and in turn they went on to have 16 children and this is where I feel the term matriarch is most appropriate for Sofia because she cared so deeply for and tended to those children as if they were her own. She was like the glue that held the family together and when the worst befalls the island and they are bombed during the war she remains resilient and strong and her love for English soldier Jamie fortifies her through the difficult journey ahead of her. Even more so when the island was evacuated. I found all this to be so fascinating to read about because what unfolds did happen to the islanders. Their lives were disrupted. They faced starvation and possible death and to be ripped from your home when the tiny island is all you have ever known must have been devastating and full of pain, loss, confusion and anxiety.
At times, when reading as it starts in 1926, I was wondering when would we get to the war years and the event which is endlessly mentioned but no specific details given. The family history and all their traditions and the extended members etc was interesting to read but at times I felt the book went off on tangents and I questioned their necessity in the overall plot. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed reading this book as a whole but perhaps if it was slightly shorter with some scenes cut out which would have meant all that would have been included was all strictly relevant and moving the plot forward at all times. Towards the end you can see why the author included what I deem extra or unnecessary but it just felt too long winded in order to reach the climax. Yes, it helped build a picture and helped the reader to understand the overall context behind the big mystery but for me it just meant things dragged in parts. So yes, overall, I did enjoy The Summer of Secrets and it is worthy of a read especially if you happen to be abroad in sunny climes to read considering the beautiful imagery throughout but I still think I prefer some of the author’s earlier books.
August 15, 2022
I’m a huge fan of this author so I was very excited to be invited onto the blog tour for this her latest book. Once again the author has written an intriguing, emotional book that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Firstly I loved the beautiful descriptions of the Greek Island Casterllorizo which were strikingly vivid, often making me feel like I was actually there witnessing everything for myself. The author also includes a bit of information about Greek Culture and traditions which was especially fascinating to find out more about. I’d definitely like to visit the Greek Islands one day.
The story is told in two time lines one following Sophia through the second world war and the other following her grandaughter Olivia as she tries to find out more about her grandmother and her family history. I must admit to enjoying Sophia’s story a bit more as it was fascinating to learn more about the Greek Islands role during the war. I had no idea that they were occupied by Italy and that they weren’t allowed to speak Greek during the occupation. Some of the events described in this book are quite gruesome and really heartbreaking at times, more so because the reader know them to be true. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy Olivia’s story though. It was interesting to follow her connecting with and learning more about her family. I liked how Olivia finds out something in the present day and then the reader is taken back in time to learn more about it, I thought that was very clever.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. The slow reveal of secrets was tantalisingly done and I soon found myself so wrapped up in the story that it was very hard to put down. It is much more then the easy beach read you might expect as some of the events are very hard hitting. There are some slower moments in the book, but do keep reading as things soon pick up again.
The ending and final reveal was brilliant and I closed the book with a happy, contented sigh. Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Zaffre for my copy of this read.
Firstly I loved the beautiful descriptions of the Greek Island Casterllorizo which were strikingly vivid, often making me feel like I was actually there witnessing everything for myself. The author also includes a bit of information about Greek Culture and traditions which was especially fascinating to find out more about. I’d definitely like to visit the Greek Islands one day.
The story is told in two time lines one following Sophia through the second world war and the other following her grandaughter Olivia as she tries to find out more about her grandmother and her family history. I must admit to enjoying Sophia’s story a bit more as it was fascinating to learn more about the Greek Islands role during the war. I had no idea that they were occupied by Italy and that they weren’t allowed to speak Greek during the occupation. Some of the events described in this book are quite gruesome and really heartbreaking at times, more so because the reader know them to be true. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy Olivia’s story though. It was interesting to follow her connecting with and learning more about her family. I liked how Olivia finds out something in the present day and then the reader is taken back in time to learn more about it, I thought that was very clever.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be recommending it to others. The slow reveal of secrets was tantalisingly done and I soon found myself so wrapped up in the story that it was very hard to put down. It is much more then the easy beach read you might expect as some of the events are very hard hitting. There are some slower moments in the book, but do keep reading as things soon pick up again.
The ending and final reveal was brilliant and I closed the book with a happy, contented sigh. Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Zaffre for my copy of this read.
August 21, 2022
This was the first book of read by Patricia Wilson and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The book made you feel emotional at times but excited to read on. How the relationship between uncle George and Olivia developed and strengthened whilst retrieving the family history was a joy to read. George was a wonderful character had lived his life being loyal to his family whom he’d loved so deeply but then faced such sadness by being his true self.
The descriptions of the oils and perfumes were so well written you could almost smell the scent.
Really enjoyed reading about the Greek islands involvement in the war and the learning about the struggles the islanders went through during that time.
The book made you feel emotional at times but excited to read on. How the relationship between uncle George and Olivia developed and strengthened whilst retrieving the family history was a joy to read. George was a wonderful character had lived his life being loyal to his family whom he’d loved so deeply but then faced such sadness by being his true self.
The descriptions of the oils and perfumes were so well written you could almost smell the scent.
Really enjoyed reading about the Greek islands involvement in the war and the learning about the struggles the islanders went through during that time.
June 8, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
August 29, 2024
Great story and beautifully written. Highly recommend
July 19, 2022
The Summer of Secrets, Patricia Wilson
Based on historical events surrounding mostly WWII, this a romantic novel about an English woman who returns to a little Greek island in search of the truth about her family’s history.
The story is well paced and has a reasonable story line. I wanted to find out more as I read it. However the writing is awkward in places and often skips over time. I thought it was a little cliched in the romance department, but it’s a book that describes a beautiful Greek island. What more does one need?
A family tree reference at the beginning would have been invaluable as there are a lot of different characters in the book.
If you are looking for a beach book to enjoy with a glass of wine, this is a good choice.
Based on historical events surrounding mostly WWII, this a romantic novel about an English woman who returns to a little Greek island in search of the truth about her family’s history.
The story is well paced and has a reasonable story line. I wanted to find out more as I read it. However the writing is awkward in places and often skips over time. I thought it was a little cliched in the romance department, but it’s a book that describes a beautiful Greek island. What more does one need?
A family tree reference at the beginning would have been invaluable as there are a lot of different characters in the book.
If you are looking for a beach book to enjoy with a glass of wine, this is a good choice.
March 11, 2025
أسرار صوفيا في رواية تناول الحب ، والخجل ، والألم، وانفطار القلب .
وتشدنا من البدايه لأستكشاف مافي مظلم يكشفه الخال جورج لأبنه اخته " أوليفيا" بعد عودتهم إلى مسقط رأسهم " كاستيلوريزو " في رحلة لنثر رماد والدتها وجدتها .
تُكشف أسرار انقسام الأسرة بشكل تدريجي أثناء وجود " أوليفيا" هناك .
رايي :
الروايه لطيفه لكن فيها ملل ، مو من الروايات الي تشد صراحه 🤝.
لكن الحلو فيها اني تعرفت على جزيرة " كاستيلوريزو " وعادتهم وتقاليديهم وايضاً الاحداث الي صارت اغلبها كانت حقيقة 👍.
وحقيقه مؤلمه تقاليدهم بالذات بالزواج المرأه فقط للانجاب 💔.
ايضاً بالنسبه لي اشوف أوليفيا ماله داعي تكون موجوده بالروايه مالها دور .
تنبيه ⚠️ :
فيها 🔞 لكن مو قوي
معلومات الروايه :
دار نشر : ملهمون
عدد الصفحات : 598
وتشدنا من البدايه لأستكشاف مافي مظلم يكشفه الخال جورج لأبنه اخته " أوليفيا" بعد عودتهم إلى مسقط رأسهم " كاستيلوريزو " في رحلة لنثر رماد والدتها وجدتها .
تُكشف أسرار انقسام الأسرة بشكل تدريجي أثناء وجود " أوليفيا" هناك .
رايي :
الروايه لطيفه لكن فيها ملل ، مو من الروايات الي تشد صراحه 🤝.
لكن الحلو فيها اني تعرفت على جزيرة " كاستيلوريزو " وعادتهم وتقاليديهم وايضاً الاحداث الي صارت اغلبها كانت حقيقة 👍.
وحقيقه مؤلمه تقاليدهم بالذات بالزواج المرأه فقط للانجاب 💔.
ايضاً بالنسبه لي اشوف أوليفيا ماله داعي تكون موجوده بالروايه مالها دور .
تنبيه ⚠️ :
فيها 🔞 لكن مو قوي
معلومات الروايه :
دار نشر : ملهمون
عدد الصفحات : 598
August 7, 2022
Book Group selection
3.5 stars
After finishing the book I want to book a holiday to Castellorizo. If I didn't already live by the sea I'd want to move to the island. So location has to be the standout success of Patricia Wilson's novel.
I knew little about Greece's history in WWII, even less about the Dodecanese and the culture of those islands, so it was an educational experience as well as page-turning read.
The structure, with multiple character perspectives and jumps back & forwards in time, is complicated and it took a while to sort out Who's who and When- a family tree would have been useful here.
Undoubtedly an immersive and satisfying book, with interesting and sympathetic characters. I enjoyed the drip, drip effect of the Slow Reveal, though I admit to serious temptation to skip ahead to satisfy my need to know sooner! What I wasn't so keen on is the syrupy coating of the novel's romantic and sentimental approach to its characters, their stories and the island setting.
A perfect beach read, it makes me want to read more about modern Greek history and contemporary literature. This novel was just a bit Shirley Valentine, escapist and readable, but ultimately didn't quite live up to expectations.
3.5 stars
After finishing the book I want to book a holiday to Castellorizo. If I didn't already live by the sea I'd want to move to the island. So location has to be the standout success of Patricia Wilson's novel.
I knew little about Greece's history in WWII, even less about the Dodecanese and the culture of those islands, so it was an educational experience as well as page-turning read.
The structure, with multiple character perspectives and jumps back & forwards in time, is complicated and it took a while to sort out Who's who and When- a family tree would have been useful here.
Undoubtedly an immersive and satisfying book, with interesting and sympathetic characters. I enjoyed the drip, drip effect of the Slow Reveal, though I admit to serious temptation to skip ahead to satisfy my need to know sooner! What I wasn't so keen on is the syrupy coating of the novel's romantic and sentimental approach to its characters, their stories and the island setting.
A perfect beach read, it makes me want to read more about modern Greek history and contemporary literature. This novel was just a bit Shirley Valentine, escapist and readable, but ultimately didn't quite live up to expectations.
August 13, 2023
This book was my choice for my holiday in Crete but sadly it just didn’t deliver for me. Too prescriptive in it’s descriptions and conversations that just weren’t wholly believable. I didn’t believe characters would speak to each other in such a formal , lengthy explanatory way! The history was very interesting and I learned much about the plight of the islands during WW2. I kind of guessed the key reveal but felt the end was rushed. I have to like the character and really care about them and sadly I didn’t care enough about Olivia. That’s just my opinion! However, I may try another novel as I love the Greek setting.
September 7, 2022
This is a novel based on the real history of the Greek island of Castellorizo. It is set in two time frames and follows the fortunes and misfortunes of three generations of a large island family. During the war years in the early 1940s, Maria is married to a handsome Turk and is producing children at the rate of knots. Her sister Sofia helps out where she can, while also trying to pursue her education and keep the family business going whilst George, their brother, is a very inquisitive and impish child. As the war rages around them they must cope with deprivation, fear, separation and death. Move forward to the present day, Olivia lives in the UK and is mourning the loss of her mother, Sofia’s daughter. She knows very little about her family history apart from the fact that Sofia fled Greece during the 1940s. Her great uncle George also lives in the UK, Olivia’s only link to the past and the two of them embark on a journey of discovery to educate Olivia about her roots.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a good story very well told and a gripping read. The plot is well thought out and the characters well developed, plausible and mostly likeable - always a bonus as you need a character that you are invested in and rooting for, although a good villain never goes amiss. The book is also extremely well researched and I learnt a lot, not only about the island itself but also about the struggles they faced during WW2. It was both fascinating and distressing. It is also a very easy read with an engaging writing style. There are also amusing moments, largely to do with mischievous children and equally mischievous uncles.
I suppose it comes into the category of a romance or holiday-read. The problem with categorising a book as chick-lit or a holiday read is that it conjures up an image of a book with no intellectual content and very little to recommend it in the way of literary prose. Whilst the storyline in this book puts it firmly in the chick-lit (or possibly romance) genre and the writing style is definitely designed to be an easy read, it would be unfair to dismiss it as trite. A lot of work has been done by the author to ensure that the historical and geographical settings for this book are depicted accurately.
The Greek island itself sounded idyllic and the descriptions in the book evoked such a strong sense of place that I am determined to go and visit it.
The only slight niggle is that the number of characters is extensive and I had to keep looking back to find out who was related to who. This was a little irritating and a family tree of some sort would have saved me a lot of time and made my life a lot easier.
I have not come across Patricia Wilson before but will certainly be looking out for more of her books. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I really enjoyed this book. It is a good story very well told and a gripping read. The plot is well thought out and the characters well developed, plausible and mostly likeable - always a bonus as you need a character that you are invested in and rooting for, although a good villain never goes amiss. The book is also extremely well researched and I learnt a lot, not only about the island itself but also about the struggles they faced during WW2. It was both fascinating and distressing. It is also a very easy read with an engaging writing style. There are also amusing moments, largely to do with mischievous children and equally mischievous uncles.
I suppose it comes into the category of a romance or holiday-read. The problem with categorising a book as chick-lit or a holiday read is that it conjures up an image of a book with no intellectual content and very little to recommend it in the way of literary prose. Whilst the storyline in this book puts it firmly in the chick-lit (or possibly romance) genre and the writing style is definitely designed to be an easy read, it would be unfair to dismiss it as trite. A lot of work has been done by the author to ensure that the historical and geographical settings for this book are depicted accurately.
The Greek island itself sounded idyllic and the descriptions in the book evoked such a strong sense of place that I am determined to go and visit it.
The only slight niggle is that the number of characters is extensive and I had to keep looking back to find out who was related to who. This was a little irritating and a family tree of some sort would have saved me a lot of time and made my life a lot easier.
I have not come across Patricia Wilson before but will certainly be looking out for more of her books. I would recommend this book to anyone.
June 19, 2022
Patricia Wilson’s The Summer of Secrets is a complex, emotional and beautifully layered tale that follows three generations of a single family tangled up in a web of hidden truths, devastating lies and impossible sacrifices.
Sofia has big dreams. Dreams which she sadly had to put on the back burner to support her older sister Maria and her large family on the Greek island of Castellorizo. The gathering clouds of the Second World War might be fast approaching, but surely the terrible conflict will not come anywhere near this idyllic Greek hideaway…or will it? There is peril on the horizon that will tear the sisters’ lives apart forever and change them beyond all recognition…
After the end of her marriage and the death of her mum, Olivia is devastated. Wracked by grief and heartbreak, a chance to escape from her life and go to the Greek island of Castellorizo is just what the doctor ordered. Growing up, Olivia had heard that her grandmother Sofia had been born on the island, but her family’s past is shrouded in mystery. Arriving in Greece, Olivia meets her elderly great-uncle George, who is the only link to the past, but with his ailing health and fading memory, he cannot really shed any light whatsoever on what really happened to her ancestors during the war in Castellorizo.
Oliva, however, needs to find out the truth about the past, but as she starts to look into the secrets of her family that have been hidden for generations, she begins to wonder whether some things are best left dead and buried…
Patricia Wilson is a lyrical, instinctive and talented writer with a wonderful gift for making both her settings and her characters come to instant life. The Summer of Secrets is a powerful family saga that is emotional, heart-wrenching and uplifting and which grabs the reader’s attention from the start and keeps them avidly turning the pages until the very end.
The Summer of Secrets is a story that cannot fail to resonate with readers as it sensitively explores grief, heartbreak, renewal and love.
Patricia Wilson’s The Summer of Secrets is a book that will get under readers’ skins and stay with them long after they’ve turned the last page.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sofia has big dreams. Dreams which she sadly had to put on the back burner to support her older sister Maria and her large family on the Greek island of Castellorizo. The gathering clouds of the Second World War might be fast approaching, but surely the terrible conflict will not come anywhere near this idyllic Greek hideaway…or will it? There is peril on the horizon that will tear the sisters’ lives apart forever and change them beyond all recognition…
After the end of her marriage and the death of her mum, Olivia is devastated. Wracked by grief and heartbreak, a chance to escape from her life and go to the Greek island of Castellorizo is just what the doctor ordered. Growing up, Olivia had heard that her grandmother Sofia had been born on the island, but her family’s past is shrouded in mystery. Arriving in Greece, Olivia meets her elderly great-uncle George, who is the only link to the past, but with his ailing health and fading memory, he cannot really shed any light whatsoever on what really happened to her ancestors during the war in Castellorizo.
Oliva, however, needs to find out the truth about the past, but as she starts to look into the secrets of her family that have been hidden for generations, she begins to wonder whether some things are best left dead and buried…
Patricia Wilson is a lyrical, instinctive and talented writer with a wonderful gift for making both her settings and her characters come to instant life. The Summer of Secrets is a powerful family saga that is emotional, heart-wrenching and uplifting and which grabs the reader’s attention from the start and keeps them avidly turning the pages until the very end.
The Summer of Secrets is a story that cannot fail to resonate with readers as it sensitively explores grief, heartbreak, renewal and love.
Patricia Wilson’s The Summer of Secrets is a book that will get under readers’ skins and stay with them long after they’ve turned the last page.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 31, 2023
След смъртта на майка ѝ и съвсем скорошния ѝ развод, Оливия решава да предприеме пътуване до гръцкия остров Кастелòризо, където да научи повече за корените си. Попадайки на едно изключително цветно и колоритно място, младата жена се запознава с трагичната история на семейството си. Баба ѝ София е пренебрегнала себе си и своите мечти, за да е в помощ на огромното семейство Константинидис, които притежават дестилерия. Но Втората световна война започва и въпреки че малкият остров изглежда защитен и вън от опасност, на хоризонта се задават опасности и изпитания, които ще преобърнат живота на фамилия Константинидис, и ще изискват саможертви, на които само една майка е способна.
Изпълнена с неподправени емоции и много багри, „Лятото на тайните“ има в себе си всички съставки, които я превръщат в книга, перфектна за ваканцията. Също като съставките на парфюмите, които създава семейство Константинидис, и в тази семейна сага има много любов, разбирателство, отдаденост и готовност за компромиси, гарнирани с щипка лъжи, задоволителна доза тайни и няколко зрънца полуистини, които превръщат престоя на Оливия в лято на тайните.
Историята е разказана в две времеви линии – едната проследява живота и несгодите на София и семейството ѝ по време на Втората световна война, а другата връща читателя в настоящето, където внучката на София – Оливия, се опитва да разбере повече за семейната история. Трябва да призная, че историята на младата София, отказала се от собственото си щастие и мечти, ми допадна много повече и ме развълнува значително.
Патриша Уилсън развива част от сюжета си върху реални исторически събития, придавайки известна достоверност на романа си, насищайки го с реални и неподправени емоции. Стилът ѝ на писане е доста приятен, но на моменти описанията и детайлите ми идваха в повече. Имах чувството, че на определени места текстът беше излишно обстоятелствен. Това обаче съвсем не ми попречи да се насладя на книгата, а фактът, че я четох по време на ваканцията ми в Гърция, ми помогна да се потопя още по-добре в атмосферата на романа и да се почувствам по-близка с героите. А те са много, разнообразни, колоритни и интересни.
Ако ваканцията Ви тепърва предстои, не се колебайте да се потопите в „Лятото на тайните“ и да отпътувате за остров Кастелòризо, където ще се насладите на преливащите цветове на морето и ще намерите душата си.
Изпълнена с неподправени емоции и много багри, „Лятото на тайните“ има в себе си всички съставки, които я превръщат в книга, перфектна за ваканцията. Също като съставките на парфюмите, които създава семейство Константинидис, и в тази семейна сага има много любов, разбирателство, отдаденост и готовност за компромиси, гарнирани с щипка лъжи, задоволителна доза тайни и няколко зрънца полуистини, които превръщат престоя на Оливия в лято на тайните.
Историята е разказана в две времеви линии – едната проследява живота и несгодите на София и семейството ѝ по време на Втората световна война, а другата връща читателя в настоящето, където внучката на София – Оливия, се опитва да разбере повече за семейната история. Трябва да призная, че историята на младата София, отказала се от собственото си щастие и мечти, ми допадна много повече и ме развълнува значително.
Патриша Уилсън развива част от сюжета си върху реални исторически събития, придавайки известна достоверност на романа си, насищайки го с реални и неподправени емоции. Стилът ѝ на писане е доста приятен, но на моменти описанията и детайлите ми идваха в повече. Имах чувството, че на определени места текстът беше излишно обстоятелствен. Това обаче съвсем не ми попречи да се насладя на книгата, а фактът, че я четох по време на ваканцията ми в Гърция, ми помогна да се потопя още по-добре в атмосферата на романа и да се почувствам по-близка с героите. А те са много, разнообразни, колоритни и интересни.
Ако ваканцията Ви тепърва предстои, не се колебайте да се потопите в „Лятото на тайните“ и да отпътувате за остров Кастелòризо, където ще се насладите на преливащите цветове на морето и ще намерите душата си.
July 7, 2022
Olivia is distracting herself from her divorce and the death of her mother by writing a cook book based on her Greek heritage. Encouraged by her great uncle George, she travels to the island of Castellorizo to discover her family's past...
The Summer of Secrets is a dual timeline novel set mostly on the Greek island of Castellorizo. It is written from Olivia's first person narrative in the present day and various third person perspectives in the past.
Maria, Sofia and George are three siblings living in the shadow of war. Their island suffers natural tragedies such as earthquakes as well as the territorial disputes of WW2. The close knit family is huge with some big characters. There is plenty of drama as well as emotion as the plot develops.
In the present day, Olivia has the chance for romance but also a rival claimant for the family's house. She is fearful for her uncle's health and they have a lovely relationship but he is also the last link to her late mum. George is greatly affected by the memories of the past which have haunted him for decades.
There is a lot of build up to the event that divided the Konstantinidis family but I felt that the ending was a little rushed. In my opinion, there was scope to find out more about the siblings in the intervening years. However, this could be a great excuse for a sequel!
The setting and history are vividly brought to life. There is a good mix of carefully researched detail alongside the human emotions and reactions to events. The patriarchal values that are espoused in the past timeline contrasted with Olivia and George's freedoms in the present.
The Summer of Secrets was an emotional novel, packed with historical and cultural detail.
The Summer of Secrets is a dual timeline novel set mostly on the Greek island of Castellorizo. It is written from Olivia's first person narrative in the present day and various third person perspectives in the past.
Maria, Sofia and George are three siblings living in the shadow of war. Their island suffers natural tragedies such as earthquakes as well as the territorial disputes of WW2. The close knit family is huge with some big characters. There is plenty of drama as well as emotion as the plot develops.
In the present day, Olivia has the chance for romance but also a rival claimant for the family's house. She is fearful for her uncle's health and they have a lovely relationship but he is also the last link to her late mum. George is greatly affected by the memories of the past which have haunted him for decades.
There is a lot of build up to the event that divided the Konstantinidis family but I felt that the ending was a little rushed. In my opinion, there was scope to find out more about the siblings in the intervening years. However, this could be a great excuse for a sequel!
The setting and history are vividly brought to life. There is a good mix of carefully researched detail alongside the human emotions and reactions to events. The patriarchal values that are espoused in the past timeline contrasted with Olivia and George's freedoms in the present.
The Summer of Secrets was an emotional novel, packed with historical and cultural detail.
August 27, 2023
Although not as complex as the author's previous books, this book has a really interesting storyline providing the perfect escapism for a good summer read. The mystery in true Wilson style is very much key until the very end with a nice little plot twist.
Written during a tough time in Greece's history, the story has tragedy and loss woven through it as is typical of this author (and the reason why I choose to read her work), but on this occasion it's not as hard hitting or shocking as her previous work. It is excellently written in conveying the devastation of these events but I was quite disappointed with two things with this one.
First was the numerous grammar errors scattered through the book. It's a shame that such a brilliant author hasn't been proofread properly and this is not the first time so the publishers do really need to sort this out as it lets the book and the author down.
The second issue I struggled with was the narrative in the present day chapters of the story. As with all of Wilsons books, the story switches between a historical setting and a present day one, which is great and works very well but on this occasion the use of the present tense in the modern day chapters following Olivia was quite annoying and made it a bit of a pain to read. I just couldn't get on with it but the well planned out storyline kept me engaged therefore I tolerated it.
I will say though, that it was lovely to read about one of the lesser talked about Greek Islands and see WW2 from a different perspective- and once again, cannot fault the level of research that has gone into it.
Written during a tough time in Greece's history, the story has tragedy and loss woven through it as is typical of this author (and the reason why I choose to read her work), but on this occasion it's not as hard hitting or shocking as her previous work. It is excellently written in conveying the devastation of these events but I was quite disappointed with two things with this one.
First was the numerous grammar errors scattered through the book. It's a shame that such a brilliant author hasn't been proofread properly and this is not the first time so the publishers do really need to sort this out as it lets the book and the author down.
The second issue I struggled with was the narrative in the present day chapters of the story. As with all of Wilsons books, the story switches between a historical setting and a present day one, which is great and works very well but on this occasion the use of the present tense in the modern day chapters following Olivia was quite annoying and made it a bit of a pain to read. I just couldn't get on with it but the well planned out storyline kept me engaged therefore I tolerated it.
I will say though, that it was lovely to read about one of the lesser talked about Greek Islands and see WW2 from a different perspective- and once again, cannot fault the level of research that has gone into it.
December 31, 2022
When you finish reading this book, make sure to read the historical notes at the back. I was truly astounded to find out that many of the events that happen to the family in the back are actually real life events (such as a young boy being rescued by a submarine!).
I never knew much about events in Greece, and especially the islands, during the Second World War. I had never even heard of the island of Castellorizo. Throughout the story, which intertwines modern day (Olivia) with the past (Sofía), the reader experiences life during WWII on Castellorizo through Sofía’s eyes. As we learn the events that came to splinter the family from Sofía’s perspective, we then read the modern day story from Olivia - Sofía’s granddaughter - as she learns the same events.
I would have rated this higher if it wasn’t for a few aspects of the ending that I wasn’t a fan of. I won’t go into detail so as to avoid giving spoilers, but one part of the ending became a little too fantastical for my liking.
Overall, a solid read that has made me want to visit this tiny Greek island just a few kilometres off the coast of Turkey.
I never knew much about events in Greece, and especially the islands, during the Second World War. I had never even heard of the island of Castellorizo. Throughout the story, which intertwines modern day (Olivia) with the past (Sofía), the reader experiences life during WWII on Castellorizo through Sofía’s eyes. As we learn the events that came to splinter the family from Sofía’s perspective, we then read the modern day story from Olivia - Sofía’s granddaughter - as she learns the same events.
I would have rated this higher if it wasn’t for a few aspects of the ending that I wasn’t a fan of. I won’t go into detail so as to avoid giving spoilers, but one part of the ending became a little too fantastical for my liking.
Overall, a solid read that has made me want to visit this tiny Greek island just a few kilometres off the coast of Turkey.
July 22, 2022
5* again
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and laughed out loud at times, my excuse I have become immersed in the Greek way of thinking,having travelling there for 50yrs with my Greek husband. I have enjoyed and read all Patricia's Greek novels, although harrowing at times, I'm and aware of the history and suffering from many stories told to me personally by the family. I spent a lot of time in Athens in the '70's during riots and student protests. The family home also overlooks the channel where the Brittanic lies.
The only comment I will make is, whether this was writer's licence out not, but ashes flown from the UK have to be transported in an eco friendly cardboard box with appropriate paperwork and carried in your hand luggage definitely not in a marble urn. On my part what should have been a difficult journey, became one of Greek humour.
Looking forward to the next book!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and laughed out loud at times, my excuse I have become immersed in the Greek way of thinking,having travelling there for 50yrs with my Greek husband. I have enjoyed and read all Patricia's Greek novels, although harrowing at times, I'm and aware of the history and suffering from many stories told to me personally by the family. I spent a lot of time in Athens in the '70's during riots and student protests. The family home also overlooks the channel where the Brittanic lies.
The only comment I will make is, whether this was writer's licence out not, but ashes flown from the UK have to be transported in an eco friendly cardboard box with appropriate paperwork and carried in your hand luggage definitely not in a marble urn. On my part what should have been a difficult journey, became one of Greek humour.
Looking forward to the next book!
August 18, 2022
DNF at 100 pages.
I had really high hopes for this book having read another tale on Greek history earlier in the year however I found really struggling to enjoy the writing style.
The book has an interesting premise, exploring a multi-generational tale of a Greek/British family through the war and present day. Personally, I found the writing and particularly the dialogue incredibly awkward to read and over-padded. There was a lot of unnecessary text.
I tried on several occasions to get into this book but found myself unable to read more than a chapter or two at a time and, after 100 pages, eventually gave up.
I may pick this book up again in the future, if I decide to finish it and I’m sure many would enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me.
I had really high hopes for this book having read another tale on Greek history earlier in the year however I found really struggling to enjoy the writing style.
The book has an interesting premise, exploring a multi-generational tale of a Greek/British family through the war and present day. Personally, I found the writing and particularly the dialogue incredibly awkward to read and over-padded. There was a lot of unnecessary text.
I tried on several occasions to get into this book but found myself unable to read more than a chapter or two at a time and, after 100 pages, eventually gave up.
I may pick this book up again in the future, if I decide to finish it and I’m sure many would enjoy it, it just wasn’t for me.
February 12, 2025
2.5
I liked the book for the most part and was going to rate it a 3 but I severely disappointed in the ending. The whole book had me engrossed and curious to find out what happened and what the big secret was, but the ending felt too rushed. I also did not find it super compelling that there is a perfume so powerful that it would cause someone who has had no previous desires for a person and no thought of cheating before to cheat on their spouse with their brother-in-law. Throughout the book it is fairly apparent that Sofia is not Mustafa's biggest fan let alone that she would desire him. The ending fell very flat for me.
I liked the book for the most part and was going to rate it a 3 but I severely disappointed in the ending. The whole book had me engrossed and curious to find out what happened and what the big secret was, but the ending felt too rushed. I also did not find it super compelling that there is a perfume so powerful that it would cause someone who has had no previous desires for a person and no thought of cheating before to cheat on their spouse with their brother-in-law. Throughout the book it is fairly apparent that Sofia is not Mustafa's biggest fan let alone that she would desire him. The ending fell very flat for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 3, 2022Excellent, this covers three generations, wrote before the ww2, the mains characters are two sisters and the grand-daughter of one of them. Again Patricia has intertwined the two generations as the story unfolds.
Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down ( at least I couldn't) Patricia's stories keep getting better and her knowledge is outstanding. I haven't put anything about the characters as I don't want spoil it for you all.
Once you start this book you will not be able to put it down ( at least I couldn't) Patricia's stories keep getting better and her knowledge is outstanding. I haven't put anything about the characters as I don't want spoil it for you all.
August 19, 2022
A generous 2 stars...
This book is very similar to "The island" by Victoria Hislop, which I happened to read recently. I wonder if I would've enjoyed it more if I hadn't read them so close in time.
I enjoyed the historical bits more in this book, though. There were a lot of characters (too many at points) but I found their story more lively.
However, the writing throughout felt very cheesy to me and I couldn't get into it. I was baffled at how little Olivia knew about her family -- I know the book is all about family secrets, but she was really clueless about everything. This didn't feel very realistic.
The ending in particular, the part related to the perfume, was just too much cheap drama for me. I was going to give it one star then, but the historical notes at the end actually made me increase my rating. I enjoyed having explanations of the actual events that inspired the book.
This book is very similar to "The island" by Victoria Hislop, which I happened to read recently. I wonder if I would've enjoyed it more if I hadn't read them so close in time.
I enjoyed the historical bits more in this book, though. There were a lot of characters (too many at points) but I found their story more lively.
However, the writing throughout felt very cheesy to me and I couldn't get into it. I was baffled at how little Olivia knew about her family -- I know the book is all about family secrets, but she was really clueless about everything. This didn't feel very realistic.
The ending in particular, the part related to the perfume, was just too much cheap drama for me. I was going to give it one star then, but the historical notes at the end actually made me increase my rating. I enjoyed having explanations of the actual events that inspired the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
An heartbreking story, with darknes, soul and history. The kind of books I have learned to love as I grew slightly out of my "Harry Potter" eara. It made me miss my greek family, and I want to buy tickets to get back to the food, the expressions and most of all, the people.
The only drawback for me was the internal longing it brought. It is well written, and I love the humor in between the trials.
The only drawback for me was the internal longing it brought. It is well written, and I love the humor in between the trials.
June 4, 2025
Predictable and overwrought with smarmy adjectives, The Summer of Secrets was one of my worst reads in a long time.
Here is the entire plot in a sentence or two: woman who seems to know nothing about her family travels from England to Greece, falls in love, and is joined by her gay uncle who takes forever to tell her that her grandmother became pregnant by a man who was not her husband and that it tore the family apart.
The end.
Here is the entire plot in a sentence or two: woman who seems to know nothing about her family travels from England to Greece, falls in love, and is joined by her gay uncle who takes forever to tell her that her grandmother became pregnant by a man who was not her husband and that it tore the family apart.
The end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
لا يمكن أن أرى رواية بغلاف جميل كهذا ولا أقتنيها من بين مئات الكتب. وهل سيمنعني حجمها الكبير؟ بالطبع لا.
هكذا بدأت رحلتي مع هذه الرواية الطويلة التي عشت مع شخصياتها أيّامًا، وتعرّفت على ماضيهم وآلامهم ومشاكلهم. وأكثر ما سحرني هو أنّ أحداث الرواية تدور في جزر اليونان التي تأسرني كلّما رأيت صورها، فشعرت لوهلة أنّني سافرت إليها وتجولت بين أحضان تلك الجزيرة الرائعة.
لنعد إلى صلب الموضوع: تتناول الرواية حقبتين من الزمن. الحقبة الأولى تتبع حياة أوليفيا، حفيدة صوفيا التي تتمحور حولها القصة الأولى. تبدأ الحكاية بالفتاة الشابة ماريا التي تتزوج من الشاب التركي مصطفى لتبني معه عشًّا كبيرًا مليئًا بالأطفال. ثم تأتي الأخت الصغرى صوفيا، التي خيّبت أمل والدها لكونها فتاة، إذ كان يتمنى لو رُزق بولد. لكنّها، رغم كل القيود وسط مجتمع ذكوري، أثبتت نفسها، وكانت أفضل من كثير من الرجال في جيلها. كما نتتبع قصة حبها التي شكّلت مصدر حزن لها معظم الوقت.
كنت أحمل الكثير من الآمال حول هذه الرواية، ولا أنكر أنّ بدايتها كانت قوية جدًا. لكن في المنتصف بدأت الكاتبة تُسرع في الأحداث بشكل واضح، حتى أنّني لم أتمكن من عيش التفاصيل كما يجب، وكأنها كانت تُسابق الزمن لتمريرها بسرعة. هذا جعلني أشعر ببعض الخيبة.
ومع ذلك، لا أنكر أن هناك اقتباسات لامست قلبي بعمق، وجعلتني أتوقف قليلًا للتأمل وربما لأذرف دمعة.
رواية تستحق القراءة رغم بعض العيوب
هكذا بدأت رحلتي مع هذه الرواية الطويلة التي عشت مع شخصياتها أيّامًا، وتعرّفت على ماضيهم وآلامهم ومشاكلهم. وأكثر ما سحرني هو أنّ أحداث الرواية تدور في جزر اليونان التي تأسرني كلّما رأيت صورها، فشعرت لوهلة أنّني سافرت إليها وتجولت بين أحضان تلك الجزيرة الرائعة.
لنعد إلى صلب الموضوع: تتناول الرواية حقبتين من الزمن. الحقبة الأولى تتبع حياة أوليفيا، حفيدة صوفيا التي تتمحور حولها القصة الأولى. تبدأ الحكاية بالفتاة الشابة ماريا التي تتزوج من الشاب التركي مصطفى لتبني معه عشًّا كبيرًا مليئًا بالأطفال. ثم تأتي الأخت الصغرى صوفيا، التي خيّبت أمل والدها لكونها فتاة، إذ كان يتمنى لو رُزق بولد. لكنّها، رغم كل القيود وسط مجتمع ذكوري، أثبتت نفسها، وكانت أفضل من كثير من الرجال في جيلها. كما نتتبع قصة حبها التي شكّلت مصدر حزن لها معظم الوقت.
كنت أحمل الكثير من الآمال حول هذه الرواية، ولا أنكر أنّ بدايتها كانت قوية جدًا. لكن في المنتصف بدأت الكاتبة تُسرع في الأحداث بشكل واضح، حتى أنّني لم أتمكن من عيش التفاصيل كما يجب، وكأنها كانت تُسابق الزمن لتمريرها بسرعة. هذا جعلني أشعر ببعض الخيبة.
ومع ذلك، لا أنكر أن هناك اقتباسات لامست قلبي بعمق، وجعلتني أتوقف قليلًا للتأمل وربما لأذرف دمعة.
رواية تستحق القراءة رغم بعض العيوب
July 27, 2022
I loved this book, it reminded me of captain corellis mandolin. I enjoyed how the story was told in both the past and present. I learnt so much about the island and of their traditions. It was interesting to read about about the struggles faced during WW2 for the Greek islands which people may not be aware of. The book made me feel quite tearful whilst reading about the tragedy’s faced by the Konstantinidis family. Whilst the love stories between the characters of mustafa and Maria; the stories of uncle kurillos, Anastasia and uncle George were all beautiful too. Plus it had the perfect summer holiday romance in the present day story too. There were many twists and turns throughout the story, Sofia (and Maria) go through so much in their lives it was never predictable. I would definitely recommend this and I will look out for more books written by Patricia Wilson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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