The Island is one of my all time favourite novels so I was excited to read another Victoria Hislop novel set in Greece, this time in Athens from the late 1960s to the 80s. I've visited Athens myself and stayed in an old apartment similar to Helena's grandparents in the story. I felt the story was slightly too long, and very detailed in Greek politics which whilst interesting, slowed down the narrative. I do understand from my Greek friends how ingrained in daily life politics is however, so I can understand this choice. Brilliant writing as always.

The first part covering Helena's childhood visits to Greece are really interesting. They give an insight of what it was like to be part of the wealthy, ruling elite. But as she grows up and encounters boys it starts to go downhill.
Based at a dig in the most boring part of the country, excavating the most boring shards she has only thr excitement of a lothario ne'r do well for the entire stay. Her exam resilta slip and only her love of Greece keeps her going.

As usual, the author's love of the country shines through. Parts around her grandparents' flat are really enjoyable but others drag,I found.

It's a good way to gain an understanding of the country's recent history. But not one of her best.

As I started reading I was a bit like 'is this going to be for me' however, I was soon engrossed in the storyline. I found that I couldn't put it down. They way it was written was just beautiful and I loved that although on the surface it may appear simply about getting 'revenge' almost there was much more to the book.

The descriptions of places were done beautifully without being too over descriptive, Although it focused on Helena, the other characters that were written as part of the story each played their part and added to it. I feel very touched by this book and it really makes you think and reflect on things. I almost feel that I can't quite put in to words well enough what a fabulous book this was.

This was a beautiful historic novel, featuring captivating scenery from the Greek setting. I enjoyed the rich history along with the modern day issues of illegal trafficking of historic artefacts. The blending of the old and new within the novel symbolises the dilemma faced by those living next to thousands of years of history. I found the beginning a bit slower, and harder to get into. However, once I reached a certain point, I was captivated and didn't want to put it down. Highly recommend!

Absolutely loved everything about this book, didn’t want it to end. Loved that it was set and all about Greece, authors love for Greece shines through. First book since t’he island’ I’ve read by same author, look forward to reading more.
Liked characters and storylines. Could there be a follow up? Hope so!. Would definitely recommend.

As always, the sense of Greece at a certain moment in time is created perfectly by Victoria Hislop. The oppressive atmosphere of young Helena’s grandparents’ apartment when she visits in the 1970s echoes the regime her grandfather is part of, and the whiff of corruption is never far away. And when, years later, she discovers an Athens of her own, the sense of new freedoms is palpable too.

I also really liked Helena as a character and was sufficiently interested to know how her story unfolded to almost forgive the head-hopping, which blighted the early parts of the book in particular. There was a vividly drawn supporting cast too, but I felt there were too many of them at times, too many scenes which contributed little to the overall narrative. I did enjoy the story, but overall it was too long in the telling for my taste.

On one level I feel bad criticising such a successful and established writer, but on the other, I do not want to misrepresent my personal opinion of the book.

An easy enjoyable read which would be a perfect holiday book. Overall I wasn’t as captivated by this as I have been with her previous books such as ‘the Island’ which is a particular favourite. However it is very well researched and depicts Greece and all its beauty with such clarity It just was a little longer than needed to be for the story I felt.

I’m afraid I didn’t finish this book, after reading for several hours and still having at least 6 more hours left I just wasn’t enjoying it. The writing seemed a little juvenile and nothing much seemed to be happening so I gave up. I was disappointed as I’d heard such good things about this author but this book just wasn’t for me!

as always, Victoria hislop does not disappoint. A thrilling Romantic story that will bring the Greek scenery to life.

I always look forward to a new Victoria Hislop. The books are easy to read but are well researched. I have learnt so much about the history of Greece and the people from her books. She isn’t afraid to describe things as they are and as they were. Her descriptions are wonderful and her characters are well rounded with real feelings. I found “Those who are loved” heartbreaking in places and “The Figurine” picks up on a few of the themes found in her earlier book. On the surface the book is about buying and selling stolen figurines and other Greek antiquities from archaeological digs but it goes much deeper into politics, relationships and the choices people make if indeed they even have a choice. At times, there may be just a little too much detail but it is certainly a book that makes the reader think about the rights and wrongs of the theft of historical remains that tell a story of the country. The Elgin marbles are still in the British Museum. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication in exchange for a review.

What a great book! This book has themes of family, love, politics, travel, history! I really enjoyed this book, I picked it to read because I'd covered #culturalrepatriation of the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon as part of my University degree and this book piqued my interest.

The book follows Helena from her childhood trips to stay with her Greek Grandparents in school summer breaks right through to adult life. Her childhood innocence and seeing things she didn't understand until later life. I enjoyed the later sections the most when the puzzle pieces come together and Helena develops into an independent force to be reckoned with, she surrounds herself with great friends to achieve great things!

Thank you to @netgalley and @headlinebooks for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This title will be released on 28th September 2023 in the UK.

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 and Publisher through Netgalley for a free DRC. It was a pleasure to leave my review.

Publication Date
Review written 8/9/23

This is the first book I have read by million selling author Victoria Hislop and I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched book. The story of a Figurine is on the face of it a simple one but the research via many acknowledged experts is clear to see before reaching the acknowledgements page. Victoria is an English author who also writes travel articles for various publications and clearly has a love and understanding of Greece and conveys this in her writing. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this wonderful book prior to publication.

I’m a big fan of Victoria Hislop: I love the way I learn about the history, politics and culture of other countries through the personal stories of the characters she creates.

Helena McCloud is the daughter of a Greek mother and a British father. As a child she spends holidays with her Greek grandparents in Athens, travelling alone, since her mother is estranged from her parents. Over the course of her visits, we come to understand the reason for the estrangement. Helena’s grandfather is a nasty piece of work - a General completely committed to the military dictatorship, and running his own dictatorship at home.

During a summer vacation while at university, she takes part in an archaeological dig on a small Greek island, mainly so she can spend some time with the gorgeous and charismatic Nick, who invited her. This turns out to be a life-changing decision, and ultimately one which determines her future, while allowing her to try to make amends for some of the wrongs in her family’s past.

With characters to love and others to hate, the brilliant storytelling is so evocative, I felt I was walking the streets of Athens with Helena, drinking the coffee, eating the ice cream, listening to the music, marvelling at the antiquities. I loved every minute.

As usual in my reviews I will not rehash the plot.

I've read several previous novels by Victoria Hislop and always enjoy them. This latest book was no exception.

I particularly enjoy the way Victoria Hislop weaves timelines together - so here we follow Helena as a child and an adult. The book is set partly in Greece and partly in England, and the author's love for and knowledge of Greece shines through. The settings - as ever - are very well described, and the author captures the attitudes and behaviours of the times. The characters are believable and well rounded - some nice, some far from pleasant, and some downright evil!

I did feel at times that the pace was a little slow, but also felt that cutting the book short would have spoiled it.

I look forward to reading more by this talented author.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I was delighted to receive the ARC of Victoria Hislop's 'The Figurine' just before a planned holiday to Greece. It was a great introduction to the country for me. The novel is set in the UK and in Greece. Helena is the daughter of a Scottish father and a Greek mother. She learns to love Greece during childhood visits to her grandmother in Athens. During college she volunteers with an excavation team on a small island. There she discovers trafficking of antiquities is happening and sets to help and resolve the issue and bring the treasures home to where they belong.
The novel is a delight to read and besides being involved in the protagonists' lives you get to read a lot about Greek history and the world of antiques dealing.
I would highly recommended this book.
With many thanks to Netgalley and Headline books for trusting me with this ARC for an honest review

This book is another excellent read from the pen of Victoria Hislop. Her vivid description of Greece and its colourful communities fill the reader with a passion for this beautiful country and its exotic inhabitants.
We get caught up in Greek history and our protagonist stumbles across information which both shocks and disgusts her! Will she be able to set in motion a way to rectify decades of wrong against this country that she feels she now belongs to?

As always with Victoria Hislop’s books,her love for Greece and its people shines through her writing.I always feel I want to go there, as she creates such an authentic picture of the country.
This book is set between the late 60s and early 80s,when Helena,the main character,spent summers staying with her Greek grandparents,supporters of the military regime.
In later years she inherits their Athens apartment and finds many antiques which she finds were looted and used to pay bribes to her grandfather.
The book is maybe overlong in places and in goes into a lot of detail about recent history but overall I enjoyed the story and wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review which reflects my own opinion.

I have been a big fan of the other Victoria Hislop novels I have read but I’m afraid I was left disappointed by this one

This was just an OK read for me. I didn’t connect with it the same way as her others. I felt the book was too long and the first third in particular was very slow. The explanations of Greek politics felt a bit heavy handed and clumsy at times too.

As with her other books her research and love of the country shine through but the story just didn’t grip me at all this time.

Many thanks to Netgalley & Headline for the opportunity to read an early copy

'The Figurine' is another enjoyable, sweeping story from Hislop. We follow Helena from childhood to adulthood and are with her as she learns about the devastation caused by artefacts being stolen. Interwoven with this plot thread is a general one about Helena's life. I liked the blend of the two threads and they each made the other thread more interesting. Of course, I liked the setting of Greece and Hislop always managed to really evoke a place so you feel as if you are there. The characters are lovely and I enjoyed reading their story.
This is another beautiful and important read from Hislop.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for an advance copy.