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The Figurine
In her irresistible new novel, Sunday Times No 1 bestselling author Victoria Hislop shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price people - and countries - will pay to cling on to them.
Of all the ancient art that captures the imagination, none is more appealing than the Cycladic figurine. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors - and looters - alike.
When Helena inherits her grandparents' apartment in Athens, she is overwhelmed with memories of the summers she spent there as a child, when Greece was under a brutal military dictatorship. Her remote, cruel grandfather was one of the regime's generals and as she sifts through the dusty rooms, Helena discovers an array of valuable objects and antiquities. How did her grandfather amass such a trove? What human price was paid for them?
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. Their finds fuel her determination to protect the precious fragments recovered from the baked earth - and to understand the origins of her grandfather's collection.
Helena's attempt to make amends for some of her grandfather's actions sees her wrestle with the meaning of 'home', both in relation to looted objects of antiquity ... and herself.
Of all the ancient art that captures the imagination, none is more appealing than the Cycladic figurine. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors - and looters - alike.
When Helena inherits her grandparents' apartment in Athens, she is overwhelmed with memories of the summers she spent there as a child, when Greece was under a brutal military dictatorship. Her remote, cruel grandfather was one of the regime's generals and as she sifts through the dusty rooms, Helena discovers an array of valuable objects and antiquities. How did her grandfather amass such a trove? What human price was paid for them?
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. Their finds fuel her determination to protect the precious fragments recovered from the baked earth - and to understand the origins of her grandfather's collection.
Helena's attempt to make amends for some of her grandfather's actions sees her wrestle with the meaning of 'home', both in relation to looted objects of antiquity ... and herself.
568 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2023
1593 people are currently reading
3188 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Hislop
61 books2,069 followersVictoria Hislop read English at Oxford, and worked in publishing, PR and as a journalist before becoming a novelist. She is married with two children.
Her first novel, The Island, held the number one slot in the Sunday Times paperback charts for eight consecutive weeks and has sold over two million copies worldwide. Victoria was the Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2007 and won the Richard & Judy Summer Read competition.
Her second novel, The Return, was also a Sunday Times number one bestseller, and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A short story collection, One Cretan Evening, was published in September and both a third novel, The Thread is published in English in October and in Greek in November 2011.
Her first novel, The Island, held the number one slot in the Sunday Times paperback charts for eight consecutive weeks and has sold over two million copies worldwide. Victoria was the Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards 2007 and won the Richard & Judy Summer Read competition.
Her second novel, The Return, was also a Sunday Times number one bestseller, and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A short story collection, One Cretan Evening, was published in September and both a third novel, The Thread is published in English in October and in Greek in November 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 789 reviews
October 4, 2023
Stunning.
My followers will probably know by love for Victoria Hislop's books. The Island is one of my favourite books of all time and I highly recommend to anyone wanting to try out the historical fiction genre.
I have read most of her novels she has written since The Island, and whilst I have enjoyed them, I didn't feel that any of them reached the wonderful heights of that book.
Ladies and gentleman, we have a new rival. The Figurine is up there with it. Like with all Hislop's books, they are set in Greece, and you can see the love Hislop has for the country. The way she describes the richly detailed scenes, the language she uses and the Greek words she inserts into the dialogue (but always followed with the English so you can understand easily), gives the book real authenticity and readers will feel like they are there.
I loved the addition of Greek music into The Figurine. I looked up some of the songs that are referred to and listened while I was reading the book. I highly recommend doing this. It is quite an experience and made the book all the more magical to me.
One of the qualities that shines in her books, is Hislop's ability to weave incredible amounts of research into the story, and with such clear explanations that never alienates her readers. The field of archaeology in The Figurine is advanced, but Hislop just made me fascinated and wanting to learn more.
It's a fairly long book, at over 500 pages in hardback, and the figurine from the title doesn't even get mentioned until over 150 pages in. This would normally frustrate me, but instead, I just absorbed the story, and my enjoyment didn't waver. I initially wondered why there were scenes from when Helena, our protaganist, was young and spending summers with her Greek grandparents, but I know Hislop's writing and knew it would become apparent and necessary to the story later.
The characters were so real. I researched a few of them as I wasn't sure if they were genuine or invented by Hislop for the purposes of the story. You can see the talent in Hislop's writing in that element alone. I miss the characters now I have finished it.
Victoria Hislop, I applaud you. This was a huge undertaking, and you have given us a truly incredible book.
My followers will probably know by love for Victoria Hislop's books. The Island is one of my favourite books of all time and I highly recommend to anyone wanting to try out the historical fiction genre.
I have read most of her novels she has written since The Island, and whilst I have enjoyed them, I didn't feel that any of them reached the wonderful heights of that book.
Ladies and gentleman, we have a new rival. The Figurine is up there with it. Like with all Hislop's books, they are set in Greece, and you can see the love Hislop has for the country. The way she describes the richly detailed scenes, the language she uses and the Greek words she inserts into the dialogue (but always followed with the English so you can understand easily), gives the book real authenticity and readers will feel like they are there.
I loved the addition of Greek music into The Figurine. I looked up some of the songs that are referred to and listened while I was reading the book. I highly recommend doing this. It is quite an experience and made the book all the more magical to me.
One of the qualities that shines in her books, is Hislop's ability to weave incredible amounts of research into the story, and with such clear explanations that never alienates her readers. The field of archaeology in The Figurine is advanced, but Hislop just made me fascinated and wanting to learn more.
It's a fairly long book, at over 500 pages in hardback, and the figurine from the title doesn't even get mentioned until over 150 pages in. This would normally frustrate me, but instead, I just absorbed the story, and my enjoyment didn't waver. I initially wondered why there were scenes from when Helena, our protaganist, was young and spending summers with her Greek grandparents, but I know Hislop's writing and knew it would become apparent and necessary to the story later.
The characters were so real. I researched a few of them as I wasn't sure if they were genuine or invented by Hislop for the purposes of the story. You can see the talent in Hislop's writing in that element alone. I miss the characters now I have finished it.
Victoria Hislop, I applaud you. This was a huge undertaking, and you have given us a truly incredible book.
September 28, 2023
I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole. Readers were divided between those who enjoyed this book and those(myself included) who found it unnecessarily long and simplistic. Though I enjoyed being transported to Greece, specifically the islands - tastes and sounds, I found the writing very drawn out and the characterization swinging from vile to saintly. The main character Helena was unbelievably naive. Add to this convenient coincidences and a total disregard for Greek laws pertaining to death and property taxes, not to mention implausible dialogue and no protocol for handling the cataloging of recovered antiquities and I was left disappointed. 3 stars
November 11, 2023
A 2.5. The book started off in typical Hislop style as a family saga with some of the ever traumatic history of Greece skilfully thrown in. So far so good.
Strangely the first mention of any figurine is at just over 150 pages in. There is no further reference until another one, the eponymous figurine, comes into play at page 322. Sadly, between these pages the book becomes rather dull and predictable and the main character, Helene, is just so implausibly and annoyingly naive.
What a lost opportunity! I was expecting a fascinating story about archaeology and the looting of antiquities, worthy of this author. What I found was formulaic chic lit with the historic elements a backdrop, not the focus. Perhaps my rating is harsh but it’s because I know that Victoria, an author I have long admired, could have done something so much better with this subject.
Strangely the first mention of any figurine is at just over 150 pages in. There is no further reference until another one, the eponymous figurine, comes into play at page 322. Sadly, between these pages the book becomes rather dull and predictable and the main character, Helene, is just so implausibly and annoyingly naive.
What a lost opportunity! I was expecting a fascinating story about archaeology and the looting of antiquities, worthy of this author. What I found was formulaic chic lit with the historic elements a backdrop, not the focus. Perhaps my rating is harsh but it’s because I know that Victoria, an author I have long admired, could have done something so much better with this subject.
October 26, 2023
I have a few of this Authors books in my tbr pile and have read August nights so far. For my second read, i can definalty say i will be keeping an eye on anything new from this author from now on.
This really was a pleasure to read. This story has a relaxed flow that breezes us through the pages with ease. I felt wrapped up in the beauty of Greece from the imagery provided and it is a place i have always wanted to visit.
The characters were very moreish. Some were scandalous. The story itself was a huge interest to me as i love to read about Artifacts, their origins and the smuggling trade that exists.
This was interesting, gripping in parts near the end, sweet, sad, holiday book bliss and i could go on. I could read it all again already.
Many thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for a free DRC. It was a pleasure to leave my review.
Publication Date 28/8/23
Review written 8/8/23
This really was a pleasure to read. This story has a relaxed flow that breezes us through the pages with ease. I felt wrapped up in the beauty of Greece from the imagery provided and it is a place i have always wanted to visit.
The characters were very moreish. Some were scandalous. The story itself was a huge interest to me as i love to read about Artifacts, their origins and the smuggling trade that exists.
This was interesting, gripping in parts near the end, sweet, sad, holiday book bliss and i could go on. I could read it all again already.
Many thanks to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for a free DRC. It was a pleasure to leave my review.
Publication Date 28/8/23
Review written 8/8/23
November 9, 2023
Sorry Hislop, but this was absolute tripe. Loved the others but this is vacuous; far too long and tedious. The characters are unbelievably 2D, I lost count of the times I eyerolled.
July 31, 2023
Published in the UK on the 28th Sept. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy.
From the first page this book took over my life. Eating, sleeping, working-all were just an annoyance keeping me away from Helena's adventures in Athens.
Wonderfully absorbing book and though there is peril of course it is a truly feel good read. Perfect for the holidays, it's descriptions of Greece were so inviting that I am determined to revisit.
The book is a treasure of stories-Helena's childhood summer holidays with her grandparents, within the context of a suppressive military regime. The beautiful telling of her relationship with her mother, Hislop is artful in how she explores the slow unfolding of understanding one's parents through childhood and in to adulthood.
It has incredibly moving movements and the transition almost in to thriller feels so natural. The world of the book is inescapable, I was utterly absorbed.
From the first page this book took over my life. Eating, sleeping, working-all were just an annoyance keeping me away from Helena's adventures in Athens.
Wonderfully absorbing book and though there is peril of course it is a truly feel good read. Perfect for the holidays, it's descriptions of Greece were so inviting that I am determined to revisit.
The book is a treasure of stories-Helena's childhood summer holidays with her grandparents, within the context of a suppressive military regime. The beautiful telling of her relationship with her mother, Hislop is artful in how she explores the slow unfolding of understanding one's parents through childhood and in to adulthood.
It has incredibly moving movements and the transition almost in to thriller feels so natural. The world of the book is inescapable, I was utterly absorbed.
September 2, 2023
I'm going to keep this review short and (not) sweet as so many others have given full descriptions of this book.
Although I found this an easy read, it did not fill me with longing to pick it up to find out what happened next. Ideally all good books should make you feel this.
I loved The island but unfortunately I think this is where the author reached her peak. So far anyway.
This book has no characters to fall in love, sympathise or even hate. It's all a bit blah.
It's way to long at 500+ pages. I felt as though I'd made no progress at all even after reading it for a week. With still 70% to go I decided to give in and let it go. Life's to short to read a book you don't enjoy. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in return of an honest review.
Although I found this an easy read, it did not fill me with longing to pick it up to find out what happened next. Ideally all good books should make you feel this.
I loved The island but unfortunately I think this is where the author reached her peak. So far anyway.
This book has no characters to fall in love, sympathise or even hate. It's all a bit blah.
It's way to long at 500+ pages. I felt as though I'd made no progress at all even after reading it for a week. With still 70% to go I decided to give in and let it go. Life's to short to read a book you don't enjoy. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in return of an honest review.
May 17, 2024
I was looking forward to reading this book but I was very disappointed. Initially, I was interested, the story of a young girl visiting her grandparents in Athens in 1968, at the height of the Junta. Her scarey grandfather in his military uniform, the creepy uncle, and the loving grandmother and maid.The political rallies and formal parties, policeman, and soldiers at every corner.
All this makes for a good start. But unfortunately, as Helena grows up, she becomes very two-dimensional.
The plot is very contrived, all the characters totally unbelievable. It's not only unbelievable but really really annoying. Having been a student myself in the 70s, I don't recognise the students in this book. All very well heeled and entitled. These students aren't demonstrating about Vietnam or women's lib or gay rights. These students are having dinner parties and worrying about the wine .For the rest of the book, everything and everyone just falls into place. Completely artificial, I fought my way through a predictable set of characters and a predictable plot to the very predictable end.
All this makes for a good start. But unfortunately, as Helena grows up, she becomes very two-dimensional.
The plot is very contrived, all the characters totally unbelievable. It's not only unbelievable but really really annoying. Having been a student myself in the 70s, I don't recognise the students in this book. All very well heeled and entitled. These students aren't demonstrating about Vietnam or women's lib or gay rights. These students are having dinner parties and worrying about the wine .For the rest of the book, everything and everyone just falls into place. Completely artificial, I fought my way through a predictable set of characters and a predictable plot to the very predictable end.
May 7, 2024
I admit that Victoria Hislop is not a writer whose books I seek out particularly but she does write well and she knows her stuff. She certainly doesn't disappoint. I was lucky enough to receive an audio advance review copy which was exceptionally well read by Rose Akroyd. She has a very clear voice, didn't put on any strange accents and didn't do any of it melodramatically - just how I like it.
In The Figurine the story follows Helena whose mother is Greek and father Scottish. As a child Helena is sent each summer to spend time with her maternal grandparents in their exclusive apartment in Athens. As time goes on Helena becomes more aware of why there is such a rift between her mother and grandparents. She herself loves Greece and is usually happy there.
When grown Helena inherits her grandparents flat and discovers a love of archaeology (admittedly because of a boyfriend). She becomes aware of the Cycladic figures but when she finally comes into contact with one of these rare artefacts her whole world is affected. It leads Helena into a different world of dishonesty, theft and the smuggling of the country's rarest archaeology.
As usual Victoria Hislop has done her homework and along with the (at times soppy) love story we get a healthy slice of Greek archaeology and the trouble that smuggling has caused over the centuries. There's quite a lot of references to the most famous smuggler- Lord Elgin and if this book doesn't make an excellent case for the return of any country's treasures then I don't know what does.
A thoroughly enjoyable story. Well written and beautifully narrated. Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline Audio for the advance review copy.
In The Figurine the story follows Helena whose mother is Greek and father Scottish. As a child Helena is sent each summer to spend time with her maternal grandparents in their exclusive apartment in Athens. As time goes on Helena becomes more aware of why there is such a rift between her mother and grandparents. She herself loves Greece and is usually happy there.
When grown Helena inherits her grandparents flat and discovers a love of archaeology (admittedly because of a boyfriend). She becomes aware of the Cycladic figures but when she finally comes into contact with one of these rare artefacts her whole world is affected. It leads Helena into a different world of dishonesty, theft and the smuggling of the country's rarest archaeology.
As usual Victoria Hislop has done her homework and along with the (at times soppy) love story we get a healthy slice of Greek archaeology and the trouble that smuggling has caused over the centuries. There's quite a lot of references to the most famous smuggler- Lord Elgin and if this book doesn't make an excellent case for the return of any country's treasures then I don't know what does.
A thoroughly enjoyable story. Well written and beautifully narrated. Thankyou to Netgalley and Headline Audio for the advance review copy.
February 13, 2024
*Thanks to NetGalley and Headline for letting me read this novel in exchange for my honest review*
If you like archaeology/antiques and feel-good books, that’s one story for you.
The writing flows naturally and tells the story of Helena, who has Scottish and Greek heritage, from her childhood into her early womanhood. There is something very sweet and genuine about the way life appears through Helena’s eyes. There’s a veiled sadness, sometimes confusion, well blended with love and discovery. Past and present are intertwined in a story where everything should become whole and find its natural place, and I really liked that.
The few flaws I found in the world Hislop created and a fair level of predictability didn’t spoil the overall pleasant feeling of finding and protecting good things in life, which is the main message for me.
Helena and the figurine, to me, are the same. The attachment to their past, their broken and fragile state and their beauty/aura that bring them forward.
Nick looks like a character from Saltburn, in the most “positive” and villain-ish way.
I really want to go to Greece now. Drink some good wine and visit as many little villages as possible, honouring their people and their art.
If you like archaeology/antiques and feel-good books, that’s one story for you.
The writing flows naturally and tells the story of Helena, who has Scottish and Greek heritage, from her childhood into her early womanhood. There is something very sweet and genuine about the way life appears through Helena’s eyes. There’s a veiled sadness, sometimes confusion, well blended with love and discovery. Past and present are intertwined in a story where everything should become whole and find its natural place, and I really liked that.
The few flaws I found in the world Hislop created and a fair level of predictability didn’t spoil the overall pleasant feeling of finding and protecting good things in life, which is the main message for me.
Helena and the figurine, to me, are the same. The attachment to their past, their broken and fragile state and their beauty/aura that bring them forward.
Nick looks like a character from Saltburn, in the most “positive” and villain-ish way.
I really want to go to Greece now. Drink some good wine and visit as many little villages as possible, honouring their people and their art.
June 17, 2024
I always thought no other Victoria Hislop could beat The Island but, I was wrong The Figurine is right up there with it. A beautiful story with plenty of descriptions of Athens and its people. I loved this one. Worth more than 5 stars.
August 14, 2023
the figurine 528pp
This novel’s central figure is Helena a young girl who has striking red hair from her Scottish father and is about to learn more about her Greek mother’s homeland by spending her Summer holiday with her Greek grandparents. We gradually learn more about why her mother fled from Greece which is now under a military dictatorship. These yearly holidays take up the first part of the novel and describe foods, customs and the people of Athens.
The adult Helena becomes interested in the archeology of Greece, the Elgin Marbles are mentioned, of course. Thence unfolds a story of the looting and smuggling of ancient valuables.
I have to say I found the novel to be far too long at over 500 pages and rather dull. The writing is flat and the characters did not come to life for me, with clear ‘baddies’ and ‘goodies’ and not much in between. The plotting is also chronological and predictable. The editor should have got out that red pen.
I know Hislop is a popular writer and some readers will really enjoy this, especially the clear regard she has for Greece. An easy Summer read. It did make me download a recipe for Spanakopita. Just not for me.
I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers.
This novel’s central figure is Helena a young girl who has striking red hair from her Scottish father and is about to learn more about her Greek mother’s homeland by spending her Summer holiday with her Greek grandparents. We gradually learn more about why her mother fled from Greece which is now under a military dictatorship. These yearly holidays take up the first part of the novel and describe foods, customs and the people of Athens.
The adult Helena becomes interested in the archeology of Greece, the Elgin Marbles are mentioned, of course. Thence unfolds a story of the looting and smuggling of ancient valuables.
I have to say I found the novel to be far too long at over 500 pages and rather dull. The writing is flat and the characters did not come to life for me, with clear ‘baddies’ and ‘goodies’ and not much in between. The plotting is also chronological and predictable. The editor should have got out that red pen.
I know Hislop is a popular writer and some readers will really enjoy this, especially the clear regard she has for Greece. An easy Summer read. It did make me download a recipe for Spanakopita. Just not for me.
I read a copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers.
September 13, 2024
This looked like it was going to be good with the cover blurb about ancient figurines etc. I was hoping for some nice Ancient Greek history perhaps, some archaeological information. Unfortunately, the figurine doesn’t actually enter the story until pretty much the final quarter of the book. The rest of it is boring. It’s lots of reminiscing about dead people and pretty much nothing happens. Pages and pages about nothing.
The whole story is utterly predictable and I go so sick of reading about the main character’s amazing red, curly hair that my eyes were rolling by the end. The first couple of reminders of what she looks like, fine. By the 100th mention of her amazing hair that everyone adores and admires, it’s just silly. Of course, she’s also stunningly beautiful but has no idea that she is either. Really don’t fancy reading anything else by this author.
The whole story is utterly predictable and I go so sick of reading about the main character’s amazing red, curly hair that my eyes were rolling by the end. The first couple of reminders of what she looks like, fine. By the 100th mention of her amazing hair that everyone adores and admires, it’s just silly. Of course, she’s also stunningly beautiful but has no idea that she is either. Really don’t fancy reading anything else by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2023
I requested this book because I thought the author was the one who had written The Secret River (who turned out to be Kate Greville), a mistake I regretted. This, sadly, was just chick lit and not an especially engaging example of the genre. The quite serious topic of illicit theft of archaeological remains is just used as background to a simplistic treatment of Greece’s complicated recent history, which in turn is just used as background for a tale of a naive young woman’s revenge on an ex-lover. The writing is pedestrian, the plotting stretches credulity, and the min character is not especially likeable. Don’t bother - I wish I hadn’t.
September 16, 2023
I can imagine this being a great holiday read with the sights and food of Greece. It is a great idea for a book about where artefacts belong and the complex history that can surround them.
At over 500 pages though I felt it was too long for the amount of plot, most of which is described in the blurb. There aren't many twists and I would've liked some more depth to the story and themes.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
At over 500 pages though I felt it was too long for the amount of plot, most of which is described in the blurb. There aren't many twists and I would've liked some more depth to the story and themes.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2024
Asked ChatGPT for book recommendations and she delivered
October 14, 2024
Total drivel- I can’t believe the author is an adult and not a twelve year old. Avoid this tripe.
November 5, 2024
worst book i’ve read this year
December 7, 2024
Got to page 235, realised I had another 250 to go and decided life's too short .
July 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this. The history and archaeology in the book was really interesting. The descriptions of Athens and the islands were great. I enjoyed the story too, you knew Nick was going to be a wrong 'un 🤣 but I loved a lot of the characters 😀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
Victoria Hislop not only writes a wonderful story, her evocative descriptions of the Greek landscape bring to life the beauty of Greece as a whole. Her descriptions are so rich it takes little imagination to conjure up the sights, smells, people, culture and history of Athens and the Greek islands. The Figurine shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price people and countries will pay to cling on to them. The Figurine is a captivating tale of one woman's quest to come to terms with her family's brutal past.
The Figurine shares the story of Helena, who is part Greek and part Scottish. As a young child, she spends her holidays with her mother’s parents in Athens. Her annual visits continue until the political turmoil of Greece in the 1970s and her grandparents passing. When emptying their lavish apartment, she finds evidence of her grandfather’s nefarious past. A past that’s shrouded in violence, corruption, looting, theft and illegal acquisition of Greek treasures. Helena’s attempt to make amends for some of her grandfather’s actions will take her on a journey that will captivate the reader.
Helena is an incredible character. We follow her journey from a young child to an adult. Her courage and determination to bring the looters to justice is to be admired. As I read more, I appreciated how Greece, once just a place to holiday, becomes an important part of Helena’s heritage, a place that feels like home. Before I read The Figurine, I knew very little about archaeological digs and artefacts, but reading this book, Hislop opened up a whole new world to me. The more I learnt, the more fascinated I became. I thought about signing up to a dig in the hope of finding a highly sought after Cycladic figurine! If you are looking for a book to escape the dreary weather, and you love historical fiction with a dose of romance thrown in, then I would happily recommend you read this beautifully told story.
You can follow me and read more of my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
The Figurine shares the story of Helena, who is part Greek and part Scottish. As a young child, she spends her holidays with her mother’s parents in Athens. Her annual visits continue until the political turmoil of Greece in the 1970s and her grandparents passing. When emptying their lavish apartment, she finds evidence of her grandfather’s nefarious past. A past that’s shrouded in violence, corruption, looting, theft and illegal acquisition of Greek treasures. Helena’s attempt to make amends for some of her grandfather’s actions will take her on a journey that will captivate the reader.
Helena is an incredible character. We follow her journey from a young child to an adult. Her courage and determination to bring the looters to justice is to be admired. As I read more, I appreciated how Greece, once just a place to holiday, becomes an important part of Helena’s heritage, a place that feels like home. Before I read The Figurine, I knew very little about archaeological digs and artefacts, but reading this book, Hislop opened up a whole new world to me. The more I learnt, the more fascinated I became. I thought about signing up to a dig in the hope of finding a highly sought after Cycladic figurine! If you are looking for a book to escape the dreary weather, and you love historical fiction with a dose of romance thrown in, then I would happily recommend you read this beautifully told story.
You can follow me and read more of my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
September 18, 2024
What I really liked about this book: learning about the historical context, the military Junta, the way Greece was ransacked for its ancient treasures, the underworld of stolen artefacts and a little about how the people of Greece feel about their ancient history.
What I didn't like so much: a clunky opening, clichéd characters, blindingly obvious plot developments and some jarringly unrealistic dialogue. Plus it could have done with some serious editing.
This just wasn't the book for me.
What I didn't like so much: a clunky opening, clichéd characters, blindingly obvious plot developments and some jarringly unrealistic dialogue. Plus it could have done with some serious editing.
This just wasn't the book for me.
August 14, 2023
Helena when she was growing up spent time on holiday with her grandparents in Greece.
After university she travels to Athens to try and find out more about her mother’s culture and her grandfather’s legacy.
An intriguing story about Greece and the acquisition of nation treasures
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
After university she travels to Athens to try and find out more about her mother’s culture and her grandfather’s legacy.
An intriguing story about Greece and the acquisition of nation treasures
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline Publishers for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 16, 2023
thanks to the publishers and netgalley for a free copy in return for an open and honest review
The latest novel doesn't disappoint and based in background of the Junta in Greece with an Anglo-Greek family and ancient treasure always a mixture of a love story and betrayal to but keeps the reader involved and carried them along.
The latest novel doesn't disappoint and based in background of the Junta in Greece with an Anglo-Greek family and ancient treasure always a mixture of a love story and betrayal to but keeps the reader involved and carried them along.
June 29, 2025
I enjoyed this. The background of greek history and antiquities was interesting. The romance side of it was a bit obvious, but overall, it was an enjoyable read.
October 14, 2024
This is a page turner novel, full of references to the Greek culture. My favourite part has been reading the author’s reflective piece at the end. This has inevitably increased my respect to the rich history and culture of Greece and the historic treasures it inherits. Downsides are the multitude of plot twists that may not have anything to do with the main narrative and some elaborations of attempted mysteries that were just too obvious. So this could comfortably be a significant novel in around 400 pages.
The biggest red flag for me were the references to the result of the Civil War in Cyprus followed by the occupation of the north on page 80. It only makes references to “…the tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots being displaced from their homes in the north…” and that “…everyone hoped for a better settlement for the Greek Cypriots in the future”. This was a massive shock after reading the author’s awareness of the two communities living side by side on page 77. It is appalling to read that when it comes to displacement of civilians, only Greek Cypriots’ pain and suffering is acknowledged. This has both disappointed me and diminished my confidence in author’s description of the historical events involving Greeks in Greece and the Cycladic islands with objectivity and inclusiveness in the rest of the book. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to also say that this has created huge uncertainties of what to expect from her earlier book on Cyprus, The Sunrise.
The biggest red flag for me were the references to the result of the Civil War in Cyprus followed by the occupation of the north on page 80. It only makes references to “…the tens of thousands of Greek Cypriots being displaced from their homes in the north…” and that “…everyone hoped for a better settlement for the Greek Cypriots in the future”. This was a massive shock after reading the author’s awareness of the two communities living side by side on page 77. It is appalling to read that when it comes to displacement of civilians, only Greek Cypriots’ pain and suffering is acknowledged. This has both disappointed me and diminished my confidence in author’s description of the historical events involving Greeks in Greece and the Cycladic islands with objectivity and inclusiveness in the rest of the book. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to also say that this has created huge uncertainties of what to expect from her earlier book on Cyprus, The Sunrise.
September 22, 2024
Unfortunately this is not one of her best books.
It starts off pretty great but soon, by the halfway mark, it gets boring. This is the first time I had to abandon for several days one of Victoria Hislop's books and make myself read it just to finish it and find out what happens.
Up until now I thoroughly enjoyed every book she ever wrote so this was a disappointment. I guess it's different when you write about something you choose and care about and another story when you write about a subject you want to make a point about? I don't know.
If you've never read any of her books just give this one a miss. You can't go wrong with choosing ANY of the other ones.
This one is only for the diehard fans.
The characters are not well rounded or interesting or likeable. The story is hard to believe.
I wish she had stopped writing at that point where Helena grew up. Or when her mother died. Those two points would be a perfect place to stop.
Unfortunately she didn't and the end result left a sour taste in my mouth.
It starts off pretty great but soon, by the halfway mark, it gets boring. This is the first time I had to abandon for several days one of Victoria Hislop's books and make myself read it just to finish it and find out what happens.
Up until now I thoroughly enjoyed every book she ever wrote so this was a disappointment. I guess it's different when you write about something you choose and care about and another story when you write about a subject you want to make a point about? I don't know.
If you've never read any of her books just give this one a miss. You can't go wrong with choosing ANY of the other ones.
This one is only for the diehard fans.
The characters are not well rounded or interesting or likeable. The story is hard to believe.
I wish she had stopped writing at that point where Helena grew up. Or when her mother died. Those two points would be a perfect place to stop.
Unfortunately she didn't and the end result left a sour taste in my mouth.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
Not sure if I am marking a bit low on this one.
A rather long book (over 500 pages) that if it had been a bit shorter and not so drawn out I think could have been a much better read. I have loved and enjoyed all of Victoria Hislop’s novels and some of them would be 5* books but this one doesn’t hit the mark for me.
Interesting concept of the story of stolen antiquities , so informative l, but Helena, the main character just lacked drive for me and was even a bit ‘wet’ for someone supposedly so intelligent. The story took ages to develop, nearly 3/4’s through the book before the main events about what it was all about got going.
Do not read this before others by the same author as the others are better, in fact The Island is in my top 10 list ever of good books.
Overall an ok book which might have been better if I had been reading it on a beach on a Greek island!
A rather long book (over 500 pages) that if it had been a bit shorter and not so drawn out I think could have been a much better read. I have loved and enjoyed all of Victoria Hislop’s novels and some of them would be 5* books but this one doesn’t hit the mark for me.
Interesting concept of the story of stolen antiquities , so informative l, but Helena, the main character just lacked drive for me and was even a bit ‘wet’ for someone supposedly so intelligent. The story took ages to develop, nearly 3/4’s through the book before the main events about what it was all about got going.
Do not read this before others by the same author as the others are better, in fact The Island is in my top 10 list ever of good books.
Overall an ok book which might have been better if I had been reading it on a beach on a Greek island!
September 29, 2023
Sadly I was disappointed with this new Victoria Hislop novel I have always given 5 stars and glowing reviews for her previous novels.
I found Helena’s character very naive and unbelievable in several ways. She had a great childhood with caring parents she attended Oxford University for four years but was totally naive about relationships and life! How did she afford to live in London and Athens? Who paid for her to travel, live, study and maintain her grandparents flat did she inherit money that wasn’t mentioned? There were some really great characters and the author’s historical writing brings out the beauty of mainland Greece, the islands and the importance of archeology to understand the past. Thank you Victoria and PH for the opportunity to read on Pigeonhole.
I found Helena’s character very naive and unbelievable in several ways. She had a great childhood with caring parents she attended Oxford University for four years but was totally naive about relationships and life! How did she afford to live in London and Athens? Who paid for her to travel, live, study and maintain her grandparents flat did she inherit money that wasn’t mentioned? There were some really great characters and the author’s historical writing brings out the beauty of mainland Greece, the islands and the importance of archeology to understand the past. Thank you Victoria and PH for the opportunity to read on Pigeonhole.
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