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Books and novels about Cyprus to know the island better + extra

With recommendations from book services and various articles, I have curated a list of essential reads that will transport you to the heart of Cyprus. These works offer insights into the island’s past, traditions, and vibrant culture.

The first book I picked was “The Island of Missing Trees,” which I thoroughly enjoyed. After reading it, I bought a copy for my mother, who, after finishing it, passed it on to my sister (who also loved it) and then shared it with her friends. What better recommendation for a starter book?

Then I stumbled upon the cover of “I Am Cyprus: 25 Stories of the Migrant and Refugee Experience in Cyprus” and thought, “This is exactly what I need.” I haven’t finished it yet, but many stories have deeply moved me.

The rest are still waiting to be read and explored.

“The Island of Missing Trees” by Elif Shafak (2021)

It is a captivating novel that weaves together the stories of characters across generations, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and the enduring power of memory against the backdrop of Cyprus’s turbulent history.

“I Am Cyprus: 25 Stories of the Migrant and Refugee Experience in Cyprus” by Nnetta Benzar (2022)

A powerful anthology that gives voice to the diverse experiences of migrants and refugees living in Cyprus, offering a poignant exploration of themes such as displacement, identity, belonging, and community.

“Bitter Lemons” by Lawrence Durrell (1957)

An autobiographical work exploring Durrell’s time living in Cyprus during the 1950s, offering insights into the island’s culture, politics, and society.

“Cyprus: A Modern History” by William Mallinson (2008)

Providing a comprehensive overview of Cyprus’s history from the late Ottoman period to the present day, this book offers insights into the island’s complex political landscape and cultural heritage.

“The Island” by Victoria Hislop (2005)

While primarily set on the island of Spinalonga near Crete, this novel also touches on the history and culture of Cyprus, as it explores themes of love, loss, and resilience.

“Divided Cyprus: Modernity, History, and an Island in Conflict” by Yiannis Papadakis, Nicos Peristianis, and Gisela Welz (2006)

This book offers a multidisciplinary analysis of Cyprus’s contemporary situation, examining the island’s divided state, identity politics, and the impacts of conflict on society.

“Small Wars” by Sadie Jones (2009)

Set in Cyprus during the 1950s, this novel follows a British soldier and his wife as they navigate the complexities of love, duty, and conflict against the backdrop of a colonial society in upheaval.

“The Sunrise” by Victoria Hislop (2014)

Another novel by Victoria Hislop, “The Sunrise” is set in Famagusta, Cyprus, during the tumultuous period of the 1974 Turkish invasion. It follows the lives of individuals caught in the midst of war and political upheaval.

“Beneath the Carob Trees: The Lost Lives of Cyprus” by Rory MacLean (2016)

The book explores the rich history and cultural heritage of Cyprus. Through vivid storytelling, the book uncovers hidden narratives and forgotten voices, offering a profound look at the island’s tumultuous past and the resilience of its people. This evocative work delves into the complexities of Cypriot identity, memory, and history, making it a heartfelt tribute to the enduring spirit of Cyprus.

“Ledra Street” by Nora Nadjarian (2006)

Nora Nadjarian, a Cypriot author, explores the complexities of identity, memory, and belonging in her collection of short stories titled “Ledra Street.” Through vivid storytelling, Nadjarian delves into the lives of characters navigating the streets of Cyprus.

“A Traveller’s History of Cyprus” by Timothy Boatswain (2005)

Timothy Boatswain offers an engaging overview of Cyprus’s rich history in “A Traveller’s History of Cyprus.” From ancient civilizations to modern times, this book provides travelers with a comprehensive understanding of the island’s past and present.

“The Island Everyone Wanted: An Illustrated History of Cyprus” by Marina Christofides (2012)

Marina Christofides provides a visually stunning and informative account of Cyprus’s history in “The Island Everyone Wanted.” Christofides brings to life the island’s dynamic past and cultural heritage through illustrations and text.

“Journey into Cyprus” by Colin Thubron (1985)

Colin Thubron is a renowned British travel writer known for his evocative narratives and insightful exploration of cultures. “Journey into Cyprus” provides a captivating journey through the history, culture, and landscape of Cyprus.

“Cyprus: A Modern History” by William Mallinson (2014)

William Mallinson provides a thorough examination of Cyprus’s modern history in this insightful book. From colonial rule to independence and beyond, “Cyprus: A Modern History” offers a nuanced understanding of the island’s political, social, and cultural developments.

“Maistrotramountana: A Kyrenia Sea Story” by Andreas Keleshis (2019)

Andreas Keleshis transports readers to the coastal town of Kyrenia in “Maistrotramountana: A Kyrenia Sea Story.” Through vivid storytelling, Keleshis captures the beauty, charm, and challenges of life by the sea in Cyprus.

Explore “Fiction books by Cypriot authors”.

EXTRA: “The Magus” by John Fowles, 1965

The book is not about Cyprus but about Greece; nonetheless, it deserves attention.

The Magus, a beloved thriller by John Fowles, follows Nicholas Urfe, who takes a teaching job on a Greek island and befriends a millionaire. Their friendship becomes a deadly game, blending reality and fantasy, pushing Nicholas to fight for his sanity and survival.

Useful words and phrases in Greek

Greek WordEnglish TranslationRussian Translation
βιβλίοBookКнига
μυθιστόρημαNovelРоман
συγγραφέαςAuthorАвтор
ιστορίαHistoryИстория
κουλτούραCultureКультура
παράδοσηTraditionТрадиция
μυθολογίαMythologyМифология
ταξίδιTravelПутешествие
τουριστικός οδηγόςTravel GuideПутеводитель
γλώσσαLanguageЯзык
λαογραφίαFolkloreФольклор
αφήγησηNarrationПовесть
ιστορικό μυθιστόρημαHistorical NovelИсторический роман
βιογραφίαBiographyБиография
μυθοπλασίαFictionХудожественная литература
μη μυθοπλασίαNon-FictionНехудожественная литература
οδηγόςGuideГид
αυτοβιογραφίαAutobiographyАвтобиография
ποίησηPoetryПоэзия
διήγημαShort StoryРассказы
κυπριακή λογοτεχνίαCypriot LiteratureКипрская литература
ιστορικά γεγονόταHistorical EventsИсторические события
παράδοση και έθιμαTradition and CustomsТрадиции и обычаи
γνώσηKnowledgeЗнание
εκδότηςPublisherИздатель
έκδοσηEditionИздание
βιβλιοπωλείοBookstoreКнижный магазин
ανάγνωσηReadingЧтение
βιβλιοθήκηLibraryБиблиотека
εγκυκλοπαίδειαEncyclopediaЭнциклопедия
περιοδικόMagazineЖурнал
άρθροArticleСтатья
κεφάλαιοChapterГлава
σελίδαPageСтраница
εξώφυλλοCoverОбложка
λογοτεχνίαLiteratureЛитература
ιστορική αφήγησηHistorical NarrationИсторический рассказ
τουριστικός οδηγόςTourist GuideТуристический гид
δοκίμιοEssayЭссе
περιπέτειαAdventureПриключение
μυθιστόρημα μυστηρίουMystery NovelДетективный роман
ιστορικό γεγονόςHistorical FactИсторический факт
ερευνητική εργασίαResearch PaperНаучная работа
ταξιδιωτική λογοτεχνίαTravel LiteratureПутевые заметки

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