"A beautifully written and timely book that brings into dramatic focus the tragedy of Greece's recent history" John Humphreys "A fiercely absorbing, passionate novel" Guardian "I can't remember when I was so totally absorbed by a book... Enthralling, moving and wise." Cressida Connolly "A captivating novel that embraces the last turbulent 70 years of Greek history" Mariella Frostrup "Zinovieff's portrayal of Greece is beautiful and believable, engaging all the senses" Spectator "An engrossing saga of a family riven by ideological conflict and fractured by war" Observer "A broad and enriching story of the early 20th century in Greece... An expansive historical framework governs the action of this impressive debut, but it is Zinovieff's scrupulous eye for cultural curiosity which gives the story its sinew and underlying humility." The Independent "An arresting, finely woven first novel." The Economist "That rare thing: a beautifully written novel which is a great read. It is also a compelling guide to the last sixty years of Greek history at this very troubled time for Europe and for all of us" Vesna Goldsworthy, Author of Chernobyl Strawberries

Sofka Zinovieff has published two acclaimed works of non-fiction, Eurydice St: A Place in Athens and The Red Princess, a biography of her paternal grandmother. This is her first novel. She lives, with her husband and two daughters, in Greece.