Through the ages, authors and poets have been inspired to write books about Cyprus on topics ranging from the island’s natural beauty to mysticism and the echoes of history and mythology from centuries ago. Whether you like fiction or non-fiction reading, there’s a variety of books to enjoy.
Bitter Lemons of Cyprus by Lawrence Durrell
This classic novel is set in Cyprus in 1953. As the island fights for independence from British colonial rule, ancient conflicts between Turkish and Greek Cypriots trouble the glittering Mediterranean waters. Into the brewing political storm enters Lawrence Durrell, yearning for the idyllic island lifestyle of his youth in Corfu.
He settles into a dilapidated villa, and with his poet’s eye for beauty - and passable Greek - poignantly captures the moods and atmospheres of island life in a changing world. Whether collecting folklore or wildflowers, describing the brewing revolution or eccentric local characters, Durrell is a magician with words: and the result is not only a classic travel memoir but an intimate portrait of a community lost forever.
The Light Walker by Sarah Fenwick
Released in 2023, ‘Phos, The Light Walker’ is a powerful tale of the mystic Alexandros from Cyprus whose story starts in 1940 and unfolds across time, realities, and space. Set against the backdrop of a country polarised by history and politics, this mesmerising story will captivate you from start to finish.
Alexandros encounters challenges that test his courage and determination. Along the way, he discovers the true power of love and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
This magical realism book is a tour de force, weaving together themes of war and peace, love and hate, and the struggle for unity in a divided world. It’s a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, inspiring you to hope and dream for a better future.
The Sunrise by Victoria Hislop
In the early 1970s, Famagusta, in Cyprus, is the most desirable resort in the Mediterranean, a city bathed in the glow of good fortune. An ambitious couple open the island’s most spectacular hotel, where Greek and Turkish Cypriots work in harmony. Two neighbouring families, the Georgious and the Özkans, are among many who moved to Famagusta to escape the years of unrest and ethnic violence elsewhere on the island. But beneath the city’s façade of glamour and success, tension is building.
When a coup plunges the island into chaos, Cyprus faces a disastrous conflict. Turkey invades and Famagusta is shelled. Tens of thousands of people seize their most precious possessions and flee from the advancing soldiers. In the deserted city, just two families remain. This is their story.
The Mountain of Silence by Kyriakos C. Markides
An acclaimed expert in Christian mysticism travels to monasteries high in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus and offers a fascinating look at the Greek Orthodox approach to spirituality that will appeal to modern seekers.
In an engaging combination of dialogues, reflections, conversations, history, and travel information, Kyriacos C. Markides continues the exploration of a spiritual tradition and practice he began in Riding with the Lion. In his new book, Markides follows Father Maximos, one of Mount Athos’s monks, to the troubled island of Cyprus. As Father Maximos establishes churches, convents, and monasteries in this deeply divided land, Markides is awakened anew to the magnificent spirituality of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Images of the land and the people of Cyprus and details of its tragic history enrich The Mountain of Silence. Like the writings of the great mystics, the book brilliantly evokes the confluence of an inner and outer journey. The depth and richness of its spiritual message echo the thoughts and writings of Saint Francis of Assisi and other great saints of the Western Church as well. The result is a remarkable work–a moving, profoundly human examination of the role and the power of spirituality in a complex and confusing world.
The Rough Guide to Cyprus (Rough Guides)
Practical travel guide to Cyprus with a free eBook featuring points-of-interest structured lists of all sights and off-the-beaten-track treasures, with detailed colour-coded maps, practical details about what to see and to do in Cyprus, how to get there and around, pre-departure information, as well as top time-saving tips, like a visual list of things not to miss in Cyprus, and expert author picks and itineraries to help you plan your trip. This guidebook has been fully updated post-COVID-19.
In conclusion, the literary world offers a rich tapestry of books that delve into the captivating realm of Cyprus. From its natural wonders to its enigmatic history and mystical allure, these five books stand out as captivating reads for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of this Mediterranean island.
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