Mary had married Hamish McCloud, a young GP living in England and had been estranged from her family in Athens for years. Who paid for her to travel, live, study and maintain her grandparents flat did she inherit money that wasn’t mentioned?

Victoria Hislop – The Number One Bestselling Author Victoria Hislop – The Number One Bestselling Author

Once again Hislop's descriptions of Greece, both city and country, were wonderful and she injected a great deal of Greek history into the tale. She speaks little of her parents, and especially seems to loathe her father, but she appreciates that Helena should be aware of her roots. This book discusses the rights and wrongs, with the addition of fictitious heroine Helena to add interest and romance to the story. I visited the island of Spinalonga, off the coast of Crete, purely because of that book and have eagerly awaiting every one of her books ever since.It is the wanton destruction of Greece's history, the looting of incredibly important artefacts to satisfy the whims of the wealthy are really brought home and Helena's bravery and courage in facing up to the sins of her own family, and her determination to bring justice is perfectly portrayed. Although I found this an easy read, it did not fill me with longing to pick it up to find out what happened next. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

The Figurine (Audio Download): Victoria Hislop, Review The Figurine (Audio Download): Victoria Hislop, Review

Despite the odds stacked against them, Kate is determined to win, convincing Aleksis to embark on a showmance to try and win over the public. It's been an enjoyable and murder-free time for Judith, Suzie and Becks - AKA the Marlow Murder Club - since the events of last year. The synopsis continues: “Helena’s desire to find answers about her heritage dovetails with a growing curiosity for archaeology, ignited by a summer spent with volunteers on a dig on an Aegean island. Helena has been visiting Athens since she was a young child, sent every summer to visit her Mother’s parents in their flat in the capital. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors - and looters - alike.

Along the way, she falls in love with the narrow streets of Athens and the city’s big-hearted residents, who show her the murky underbelly of the antiques world – and help her understand the meaning of home. She tells us of the ancient and misunderstood disease of leprosy, exploring the themes of stigma, shame and the treatment of those who are different, which are as relevant for children as adults. The story itself was a huge interest to me as i love to read about Artifacts, their origins and the smuggling trade that exists. And know this: even when you are having a quiet sob in a corner, you’ll soon find yourself being whirled and twirled — and feeling the power of the dance.

The Figurine: Escape to Athens and breathe in the Aegean The Figurine: Escape to Athens and breathe in the Aegean

Her grandmother, Eleni PapagiannHer Greek mother, Mary, and Scottish father, Hamish, have not come with her as Mary has been estranged from her parents for many years.