I really struggled with a rating for this one. For the most part it was an interesting read but I also found it a bit repetitive. The author used the word hubris far too often and I found it annoying "oh there's that word AGAIN" What I did enjoy was the historical content and the beautiful way she described the island of Erikousa. When she described the swaying of the cypress trees and how they seemed to whisper I could almost feel myself on the island. If you've ever seen a cypress tree you know how beautiful and majestic they are. In the end what bumped this from a 3 to 4 star rating, was the telling of the traditions and culture and how important it is to not forget your roots no matter how successful you become. We are nothing without our family traditions and culture.Update: July 12, 2014Downgraded rating from 4 to 3...it really is more a 3. In discussing with my book club buddy I realized that I graded this higher than I normally would. Judgement clouded by the appeal of Greece. Not exactly what I expected, but lovely. I thought this would be a romantic romp on a Greek island with some Greek culture thrown in. It was not the book I expected, but I think I loved it more for that. I would describe this as a slow and quiet read, one which examines the life choices our main character, Daphne, has made. When she returns to Greece, and to her grandmother, she takes stock of he life and the choices she has made, and her priorities. It is about stopping and reflecting at a certain point in your life and realizing that our past, our family and our history are what shape us. And that is a beautiful thing.
What do You think about De Zomer Van Mijn Leven (2014)?
An ok contemporary fiction read. Best part is the setting in the Greek Island of Erikousa.
—Butterflykiss1980
This was a cool read. Old Greek tales translated into a young girl/woman's life
—veinlet
Loved everything about this book except the ending.
—pandmsh
