Title: The Return
Author: Victoria Hislop
First published January 1, 2008
432 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780755332939 (ISBN10: 0755332938)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alhambra in Granada, The Return by Victoria Hislop is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of family ties. Sonia Cameron arrives in the city with no knowledge of its tumultuous past, but as she delves deeper into the history of the Ramírez family, she discovers the harrowing impact of the Spanish civil war.
In 1936, the Ramírez family is torn apart by the conflict, with each member forced to choose sides amidst the chaos and devastation. With evocative prose and unforgettable characters, The Return is a heart-wrenching exploration of one family’s journey through a dark and turbulent time in Spain’s history.
About the Author
Victoria Hislop is a talented author who has had a successful career in various fields before becoming a novelist. She studied English at Oxford University and worked in publishing, public relations, and journalism.
Victoria is happily married and has two children.
Her debut novel, The Island, was a huge success, topping the Sunday Times paperback charts for eight consecutive weeks and selling over two million copies worldwide. Victoria was named Newcomer of the Year at the Galaxy British Book Awards in 2007 and also won the Richard & Judy Summer Read competition.
Victoria’s second novel, The Return, also reached number one on the Sunday Times bestseller list, and her books have been translated into more than twenty languages. In September, she published a collection of short stories called One Cretan Evening.
Her third novel, The Thread, was published in English in October and will be released in Greek in November of 2011.
Editoral Review
The Return, written by Victoria Hislop, is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the complex themes of family, love, loss, and redemption. First published in 2008, Hislop’s novel is a compelling work of historical fiction that takes readers on a journey through modern-day Greece and the tumultuous events of the Spanish Civil War.
Hislop, a bestselling author known for her historical fiction, has expertly crafted a gripping narrative that weaves multiple storylines together. The narrative is anchored by the protagonist, Sonia Cameron, who travels to Greece in search of her family’s past.
The story is set against the backdrop of the Greek financial crisis, which adds to the tension of the novel and underscores the themes of struggle and perseverance within the book. The novel opens with Sonia arriving in Athens, and she soon discovers that her beloved grandmother, Sofia, has died.
Sofia had kept her family’s history a secret from Sonia, and when she inherits a letter from her grandmother’s solicitor, it sets her off on a journey that takes her deep into her family’s past. Sonia’s journey takes her to a small island off the coast of Greece, where she learns about her grandfather’s involvement in the Spanish Civil War and the painful secrets that have been kept hidden from the family.
Hislop’s storytelling is remarkable, bringing to life the cultural and historical significance of the events that shaped Greece’s past. She captures the essence of the Greek landscape, from the rugged mountains and dusty olive groves to the azure waters of the Aegean sea.
Her characters are vivid and three-dimensional, and their struggles and triumphs are relatable and emotionally charged. The novel is not without its flaws, however.
The pacing is at times uneven, with the narrative slowing down in some sections and speeding up in others. While the author’s descriptions of the Greek landscape are beautifully rendered, there are moments where the setting overshadows the character development, leaving readers feeling a bit adrift.
Overall, The Return is a powerful work of historical fiction that delivers an emotional punch. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex themes of family, love, loss, and redemption.
Hislop’s novel is an ode to Greece’s rich history and culture, and it resonates with readers on a deep level. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is looking for a gripping and emotionally charged read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
