Escape to the sun drenched islands of Greece with my hand-picked selection from the best of Greek food writing, travel and memoirs. From mythology and philosophy to art and creativity. Bake a batch of delicious baklava, pour yourself a Greek coffee and imagine sunning yourself on Hydra or swimming in the warm Ionian seas. Summer, here we come!
To purchase any or all of the books featured here head to:
Sue’s Cooking the Books – Mr B’s Emporium (mrbsemporium.com)
Greekish by Georgina Hayden
Hayden has written the ultimate feel-good cookbook. Filled with love and sunshine, the recipes celebrate the diverse influences of her Greek-Cypriot heritage. She has captured the warmth of the sun-drenched Cyclades in her summery salads,herbs and breads; embraced the heartier meat dishes of the northern mainland and rejoiced in the syrups, fruits and cream of the many gorgeous desserts across the nation. Recipes are clearly written and the accompanying photography is stunning. A lovely addition to your bookshelf.
Mr B’s recipe suggestion: Bobota ( cheesy green chilli cornbread) with whipped feta dip and brown butter pine-nuts. Delicious served warm and perfect for sharing!
Peel Me a Lotus by Charmian Clift
A striking new edition of this classic memoir of life in the Greek islands. Charmian left post-war London to move her family to Greece. On Hydra, she found herself at the centre of a bohemian group of artists and authors.
Her honest account of her “escape to the sun” is a delight that has stood the test of time.
Travels with Epicurus by Daniel Klein
One of the world’s Blue Zones, the Greek island of Hydra seduces bestselling author Daniel Klein to travel there and live amongst the locals as he strives to discover the secrets of ageing happily.
A mix of escapism and memoir, Daniel examines their lives as he muses on the thoughts of philosophers down the ages. This is a timely, witty and perceptive guide to living well from a modern-day sage.
Mani by Patrick Leigh Fermor
Described as one of the best travel books of the century, this is the tale of Patrick’s travels through the most isolated part of Greece. An extraordinary man -once a guerrilla leader in Crete- Patrick is a fine narrator who combines adventure, history, fantasy and human observation with great tenderness.
A Thing of Beauty by Peter Fiennes
What remains of the places where “heroes fought and gods once quarrelled “? Peter sets out to visit the sites of Greek mythology, looking for Beauty and for Hope- and finding them. His travels through modern Greece take him from cities to villages ruins & to the most beautiful beaches in the world. A lyrical tribute to a country he loves.