The Pale Surface of Things

by Janey Bennett

Archaeology, goats and dogs, honor, ethics, lies and betrayals are part and parcel of all that happens when two cultures abrade. When a young American archaeologist runs from his impending marriage and secure future, and finds himself in the traditional world of a Cretan village, he is forced to confront the feelings he has avoided all his rage, fear, envy, and shame, as he becomes the central pawn in a vicious family vendetta. During World War II, the village suffered terrible reprisals at the hands of the Nazis. The present day priest is the grandson of the priest at that time. He works to heal the deep wounds remaining from the war. Love, loyalty, power, and death all pass through the days of the story as it unfolds across the face of western Crete.

Genres: Greece, Fiction

337 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

THE PALE SURFACE OF THINGS, set on Crete, is Janey's first novel. Her background is in architecture history. The website is www.palesurfaceofthings.com"

Reviews

[David]

That most rare of books, an optimistic novel in which many people learn from their mistakes, and even the less likeable characters make some positive steps. Lots of characters in this novel are genuinely decent people. That's rare in contemporary fiction. It's a little heavy on details of Crete. It occasionally waxes philosophical. In a very real way, it is a Romantic novel--at least in the sense that it is the antithesis of Gothic. But it is enjoyable to read, especially on the grounds that quite a lot of suspense in the book is tied into how things might get better rather than how they might get worse.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything: Murder, betrayal, toxic men being completely stripped of their power... I loved it! Also it's set in Greece in the '90s! The contrast between the city of Crete, where the tourists stay and there's luxuries like Internet, and the countryside of Ana Vraho where people and technology seems to have been frozen 400 years in the past but still thriving... Urban and rural cultures coexisting on the same island was fascinating to me. I would like to read it again someday and annotate it. There are some really good lines in here: one of which is "Unexpressed gratitude rises in the throat like dark green phlegm. It sits there, choking off all other thoughts... Being heard!!! Being heard!!! Now that he had something real and important to say, no one would ever hear it." (295-96)

[Marni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting murder mystery set in Crete. I was fascinated by the history and geography of this island.

[Laura C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the title of the novel refers to the way the young protagonist, Douglas Watkins, lived his life until his rich and unhappy fiance throws a glass paperweight at him for being late to their wedding . He wisely flees, literally running into a goat and a young boy several miles outside of town. The story that unfolds is somewhat fantastical, but is told in a economical, straight forward way. It makes you believe that well, it could have happened. I couldn't help but be amused that the author is Janey Bennett, and draw some kind parallels between this book and the adventures of that other Jane Bennett and her incomparable sister, Elizabeth.

[Laia]

I didn't know whether to classify this as read or currently reading, because the truth is neither! I read this most of the way through, when trying to find a good book club pick. I ran out of time, had to return it to the library, and I guess it wasn't gripping enough to make me get it again. I probably would enjoy finishing it if I had it around and nothing better to read. It is the sort of book that is enjoyable for the escape to an interesting place (island of Crete in modern times), kinda fun characters, and a somewhat intriguing mystery. My review isn't totally fair, since I haven't finished it yet. If I ever get around to it, I'll let you know if my opinion changes.

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in modern-day Crete. The characters are varied, including a Greek orthodox priest who was raised in America, an American student of archeology, his former fiance', her parents and a cast of many others. A small town in Greece is the locale, where a war crime took place in the second World War and is still producing a ripple effect. Highly, highly readable and enjoyable! Many thanks to my brother for giving this to me.

[Sophia Bliziotis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is impossible for me to separate out my inherent interest in all things Crete to be objective enough to provide a helpful review. It is a good read and captures elements of Greek and Greek American culture in a spot on way....Def worth a read.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to visit Crete after reading this! I like that the reader isn't just following one character- the reader learns about the lives, thoughts, and feelings of several characters. The story is woven together nicely.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read with much to contemplate

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't get into this one...never finished

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. The story of Douglas, the loveable loser, and his somewhat bumbling misadventures on Crete. Recommended.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I most enjoyed the interactions between the two main characters, the priest and Douglas.