The Figurine: Escape to Athens and breathe in the Aegean-scented air in the engrossing novel from the much-loved author

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I loved the story of Helena, how she grows to love her Greek heritage, her life at University in the 1980s which truth be told actually reminded me a bit of my time studying in the same time frame! The story itself is told through the eyes and life of Helena - a Greek / Scot -where at the age of eight she goes to stay with her mother’s parents in Athens. And also for Strictly professional dancer Amy Dowden, who will not be performing this year because she has breast cancer.

The Figurine by Victoria Hislop | Waterstones

Added to this, the sense of achievement and joy of new friendships formed the ultimate recipe for recovery from the darkness I’d felt. From the dusty, chaotic streets of Athens to the slow paced Greek islands, Hislop brings Greece to life on the page.Whilst her Greek mother feels that she should know about her Greek heritage and lets her spend summers with Helena's Grandparents in Greece, her mother will never go back to see her parents again. The Figurine continues in the exploration of a period in Greek history and key events - this novel explores archaeology, the theft of ancient objects and the military regime regime of the 1960s and 1970s. Their life goes up in flames in a single day when one man starts a fire out of greed and indifference.

The Figurine (Audio Download): Victoria Hislop, Review The Figurine (Audio Download): Victoria Hislop, Review

In its spirit, I told myself: ‘Let’s make the biggest reason for saying ‘No’, the best reason for saying ‘Yes! Helena’s grandparents live in a very well-to-do area and have a flat decorated with grand furniture and art. Helena learns that her grandfather held a position of power during the war, his cruelty affected so many families , and her grandmother appears frightened of him.

Her annual visits continue until the political turmoil of Greece in the 1970s and her grandparents passing. Especially as it means she'll be paired with a professional dancer to compete for a life-changing cash prize. But this family has survived, and slowly green shoots of hope and renewal will grow from the smouldering ruins of devastation.

The figurine - Victoria Hislop The figurine - Victoria Hislop

Feel the sun on your face and the sand of the Aegean islands beneath your feet as you uncover the fate of the Bronze Age figurines in the heart-pounding new novel from the No 1 bestselling author. The Island is one of my favourite books of all time and I highly recommend to anyone wanting to try out the historical fiction genre.

The most exciting thing on the horizon is the upcoming wedding of Marlow grandee, Sir Peter Bailey, to his nurse, Jenny Page. Victoria Hislop studied English Literature at Oxford University and afterwards worked in book publishing, PR and journalism.