The Island is a historical novel written by Victoria Hislop and published in 2005. Now an international bestseller, it was translated into over 20 languages. It also won the British Awards in 2007. And was adapted as a 26-episode television series by the Greek TV channel MEGA.
This novel tells the story of Alexis, a 25-year old woman from London, whose mother is from Crete. Since she knows very little about her family, she decides to visit the little village of Plaka where her mother was born. There, she meets an old friend of her mother, Fotini, who tells her the tragic and shocking story of her family, which was closely connected to the story of the now deserted island of Spinalonga. Located just across the village of Plaka, Spinalonga used to be a leper colony from 1903 to 1957. During that period of time, many Greeks suffered, loved and lived in Spinalonga.
You might know that Crete is my favorite Greek island. And that I have visited it many times, may it be for vacations or to participe in archaeological missions. But I had never heard of Spinalonga island until I read Hislop’s novel. As horrible as the little island’s modern history might be, this book made me want to explore the former Greek leper colony. So, in summer 2017 we finally made it. As we strolled through the abandoned Spinalonga Island, I felt like walking in Alexis’ footsteps…
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10 Responses
Eric Gamble
whoa, how cool that you got to jump literally into a book you loved and find out the history of Spinalonga the Island! I had never heard of the book nor Hislop but I love learning about new literature, especially if it inspires me to travel into the location like you both are doing. To be honest, I had never been interested in the idea of exploring a Leper Colony before but my mom about 6 months to a year ago told me about how she had always wanted to explore the Louisiana Leper Home established near Carville, Louisiana, in 1894. For some reason I found her interest intriguing but it didn’t prompt me to add it to the Bucket List project until she died & you just literally reminded me of her bucket list dreams. (I hope this doesn’t sound to cheeky but you seriously just stimulated a memory for me, so thank you!)
Mei and Kerstin
Oh, we’re so sorry to learn about your mum’s passing! 🙁 Our condolences!
WanderlustBeautyDreams
I need to read this novel! I’m in search of more travel related books and this one sounds right up my alley. I haven’t visited Crete before but Greece is on my favorite countries.
Mei and Kerstin
I hope you’ll like this book! And you definitely have to visit Crete someday. 😉
The Holidaymaker / Renee
I read that book more than a decade ago too. I hadn’t realized it was a real place, until years later. I love how books and movies inspire us to travel. I have places on my travel list as a result.
Mei and Kerstin
Yes, we also love books and movies that feed our wanderlust! The more we read and the more movies we watch, the more we want to travel!
Damien
Crete is also my favourite island as well and I had not heard of this island before either. I should check out this book and the TV series!
Mei and Kerstin
Spinalonga is a tiny island, so not many have heard of it. Let me know how you’ll like the book and the TV series!
Airborne for Animals
I love reading, I think this is such a clever idea and the book looks wonderful
Mei and Kerstin
Let me know how you like it, once you’ve read it! 😉