Mermaid Singing

Australian writers Charmian Clift and George Johnston left London for Greece in 1951, settling on the islands of Kalymnos and Hydra to focus on their writing. Their experiences inspired two of Clift's best-known books, Mermaid Singing and Peel Me a Lotus, which capture the culture shock and beauty of traditional life on the islands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Muswell Press

In 1951, Australian writers Charmian Clift and George Johnston embarked on a journey from grey, post-war London to Greece, seeking a simpler life and a focus on their writing. Their first stop was the tiny island of Kalymnos, followed by Hydra, where they hoped to live a more peaceful and creative existence. The result of their decision was two of Clift's most celebrated and cherished books, Mermaid Singing and Peel Me a Lotus. Mermaid Singing captures the culture shock and sheer joy of their first year on the picturesque sponge-fishing island of Kalymnos, before the influx of backpackers and mass tourism. Clift's vivid descriptions bring the characters and the sun-drenched rhythms of traditional life to life, creating a nostalgic and evocative portrayal of the island's charm. On Hydra, featured in the companion volume, Peel Me a Lotus, Clift and Johnston became the center of an informal community of artists and writers, including the then-unknown Leonard Cohen, who stayed with them and later became romantically involved with Marianne Ihlen.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838340186
Edition number: 2 Revised edition