How often do you read a book that stays with you? It’s rare that I find myself feeling totally immersed in someone’s world from the moment I start reading, let alone finding their words lingering in my mind long after I’ve turned the final page. All of these things are true of my experience reading My Greek Island Home by Claire Lloyd. Greece has always been a special place for me as the summers of my happier childhood years were spent exploring many of the islands. As a family we’d hire a tiny motor boat, a pack lunch and set off onto the millpond-like Mediterranean waters with my Dad steering us into rocky coves so we could jump off and snorkel for hours. We’d always be full of anticipation at what we might discover, the caves we would explore and the tiny tavernas full of locals that we’d moor up right outside on the beach. We would enjoy traditional Greek dishes as our little vessel bobbed up and down just across the sand in the crystal clear waters. My brother and I would lie in our beds at night and much to his annoyance I would also complain that I felt like I was still bobbing around on the boat!
These special memories are what resonated with me as I read My Greek Island Home. Claire’s inspiring story follows her journey from London to Lesvos, each moment along the way is told through her spirited and evocative words that sit beautifully next to her rich, grainy photographs. Her visuals capture the texture, warmth, colour and spirit of Greek life so that you can really feel as though you are right there on Lesvos with her. The book details how Claire and her partner Matthew set up life on the island, from finding their dream home to the people they’ve met and befriended in their village to traditional recipes learned from neighbours. My Greek Island Home is a beautiful book that reminds the reader how the simple pleasures of life really are the best. Have you read My Greek Island Home? Or travelled to Greece? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
// Photography by Will Taylor
21 Comments
oh, how lovely! don’t you just love when a book not only inspires you visually but also emotionally? thanks for sharing, i might just have to purchase this one myself. mariana
I’ve always dreamt of visiting Greece but hadn’t heard of this book until now so I’m delighted to discover it because it looks beautiful.
This looks like the perfect summer book!!
Love your review – and love Greece! A special place for me too. Think I might have to invest in this one… Hoping to one day discover an authentic recipe for Stifado. Nothing so far has come close to how the Greeks make it! xx
@Rachiepops – Thank you! It’s a great book and if you love Greece you will love the book, too.
Will, I promise I’ll find you a great old stone house in Crete in a small village close to the sea, to renovate, decorate and live there happily with your man. I’ll be visiting you for iced frape under the vine pergola and long chatting about the meaning of life..
You just have to say so 😉
@Eleni – OK, I have my passport and I’m ready to jump on the plane right now. What a wonderful dream that is!
This time next year our 18th century village house in Crete will be finished – we can’t wait to start spending at least half the year there, half way between beautiful Rethymno city and the amazing south coast beaches.
@Sarah – That sounds fab, Sarah – look forward to seeing snaps once it’s finished. Good luck with the renovations!
I’d love to read this, will definitely check it out!! You know how much I love Greece 🙂
Happy Days! Some of my best holidays have been in Greece. the simply life..great weather, food, wine. I’m just back from Mykonos I feel I need to book another holiday!
Looks like a lovely book x
Beautiful book, and amazing pictures!
It’s been a long time since I had that with a book, but I can see why you were into this book – the pictures alone let me drool and dream about Greece! I’ve never been there myself, but I have some fond memories of an old Greek restaurant in Antwerp – the owners were from Kos. They had the most delicious food and the ambiance was great – they smashed porcelain plates to the ground while dancing the Sirtaki with the other guests (including me)… 😀 Oh… memories! 🙂
Would love to go to Greece someday. And as a book lover I’d love to read this book too. 😉
A big sunny hug to you, Inge x
@Inge – What a wonderful memory! I ate a wonderful Greek restaurant in Paris last December that only had four tables. So fun! x
I will definitely have to read this! Greece is where I studied abroad for a semester in college, so it definitely is a special place for me too. Miss it so much!
the book cover already convinced me to get this book. greece is wonderful and inspiring and we’ve seen quite some islands. would love to have another backpack island hopping holiday! cheers
It looks fabulous! Must have it! Greece is also a special place for me 🙂
The post I was waiting for! I cannot wait to hold this book in my hands; I think I will have to add it to my birthday Amazon package. The pages of it look beautiful and thanks for sharing your wonderful story.
I have never been to Greece. Almost went there during an Interrail trip many many years ago and can just kick myself for not having added it to my journey. But Greece is on my list of travel destinations – it’s just a matter of time.
@Lisa – Thank you! You really must get to Greece if you can. There’s something so special about it, the place just gets under your skin!
olives, cool rose, ripe tomatos and fresh seafood all against a backdrop of stunning light illuminating white and blue.. I love Greece, such fabulous memories. I will definitely be checking this out.
Thank you so much for the review of my book My Greek Island Home. As you can see I love Greece and all my Greek friends and feel priviledged to have been welcomed into the village we call home. Goodluck with your new project and have lots of fun doing it. Warmly Claire