The Summer of Secrets: A Gripping Summer Story of Family, Secrets and War

In this emotional novel based on Greece's real history, three generations of one family are separated 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. During World War II, young Sofia must put her dreams on hold to support her older sister Maria with her large family, but the island is not immune to danger. Olivia seeks solace on the island and discovers her grandmother's history, but her great-uncle George's memory begins to fail, and she must decide whether to uncover the truth or leave some things best in the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 26 May 2022
Publisher: Zaffre

In this captivating novel, based on the rich tapestry of Greece's real history, we embark on a poignant journey that spans three generations of a family torn apart by secrets and war. The story unfolds as Olivia travels to the island of her mother's birth, driven by a burning desire to unravel the mysteries of her family's past.

On the picturesque Greek island of Castellorizo, young Sofia finds herself forced to put her aspirations on hold, dedicating herself to supporting her older sister, Maria, and her expansive family. However, the shadows of World War II loom large, casting an unsettling aura over the tranquil island. At first, it may seem as if the island is immune to the impending dangers, but as time passes, Olivia begins to realize that unspeakable perils lie on the horizon, ready to alter the course of her sister's lives forever.

Devastated by the divorce and the untimely passing of her beloved mother, Olivia seeks solace on Castellorizo, hoping to find some semblance of peace and healing. Her grandmother, Sofia, fled the island during the war, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a longing for connection. Olivia's only link to the island is her elderly great-uncle, George, whose memory begins to fade with each passing day. As Olivia grapples with the impending loss of her great-uncle's invaluable insights, she feels a growing sense of urgency to uncover the truth about her grandmother's life.

As the story unfolds, the echoes of a mother's sacrifice resonate throughout the generations, leaving Olivia with a profound sense of introspection. She begins to question whether some things are best left in the past, as the weight of history bears down upon her. Through her journey, Olivia discovers the intricate web of secrets and betrayals that have shaped her family's history, and she must navigate the delicate balance between seeking closure and respecting the legacy of those who came before her.

In this emotionally charged novel, author Mary Papazian weaves a rich tapestry of characters and events, drawing readers into the heart of Castellorizo and its tumultuous past. With her vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Mary transports us to a time when the world was on the brink of change, and the lives of three generations of a family were forever intertwined.

Weight: 351g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838779016