Product Description

The seahorse-shaped island of Evia - Euboia in classical history and Negroponte for many centuries - is the second largest in Greece, yet it is almost completely undiscovered by tourists. Separated from the mainland by only a sliver of sea, Evia has had a turbulent history. Today, it encapsulates the Greece of decades ago - unspoilt and pristine, a haven for the more discerning traveller. "Evia", Sara Wheeler's first book, is the story of a five-month journey she made from the southern tip to the north of the island. Instantly enchanted by the landscape and languid pace of Evia, Wheeler immersed herself in the local way of life, where she witnessed centuries-old traditions, attended a goatherd's wedding and Bronzeage excavations, was harassed by Orthodox nuns, and spent nights in monasteries and village homes. Her story is a beautifully rendered account of a way of life that in the rest of Greece has all but disappeared and of an island on the cusp of change. This book takes on a fascinating journey in a very undiscovered part of Greece.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37291 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-26
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
"A fascinating journey in a very undiscovered part of Greece. It is entertainment for the connoisseur of journeys." Peter Levi"

About the Author
Sara Wheeler is the award-winning author of Travels in a Thin Country, a finalist for the Thomas Cook Travel Book Award; Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica, a classic of polar literature and an international bestseller; the acclaimed Cherry and most recently, Too Close to the Sun, the life of Denys Finch Hatton.

Customer Reviews

EVIA-a fascinating Greek island.
Having just returned from a short holiday in Evia, I was left wanting more. I discovered this book on Amazon and really wish I had read it before I visited.
Sara goes into great depth with her description of the island, its history, tradition and people. The title of the book is spot on as I found it to be very much an 'undiscovered island', even the Greeks are only just beginning to be aware of Evia as a place for holidays.
The story covers just about every location on the island as Sara spent 5 months exploring from South to North and living as a local.
For me the most enjoyable parts of the book were the accounts of villagers she met and befriended. Her observations brought to life the traditions that still exist in Evian villages and showed the reader a face of Greece which is fading away.