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.

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.

A totally absorbing novel giving an excellent overview of the history of Greece in the middle part of the 20th century. A well researched book which I could happily read again.

Such a wonderful story as you’d expect from this author! I was totally lost in the magic of the Greek islands from the start, learning so much about its history and of these figurines that have been recovered from their ancient ancestors, sometimes illegally.

A fully rounded novel that was a joy to read, a perfect ending, characters that oozed good and bad throughout and the warmth of the Greek sunshine to cheer you along, with a touch of romance.

Thank you to Netgalley the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

I’ve loved Victoria Hislop since The Island and The Figurine is no exception. She continues to set her stories partly in Greece, this time in Kos, and weaves family and history perfectly. Her attention to detail is meticulous and the story is compelling. It’s a story for long hot days, sitting outside with. A bottle of wine and some nibbles. Perfect.

Having just returned from a trip to Kos, I enjoyed this book! So much so I read it in 2 days.
I'd never really given much thought to how many of the treasures had appeared in museums nor looting. Definitely gave me something to think about.

Helena's inheritance arrives in the form of an ancestral apartment nestled within Athens' heart—a space that reverberates with echoes of childhood summers, a time when Greece was gripped by the clutches of a merciless military regime. In this dwelling, memories entwine with dust, conjuring recollections of a stern and distant grandfather who wielded power as a general under the regime. As Helena traverses the dim corridors, she stumbles upon a trove of treasures: valuable artifacts and ancient relics. Yet, an unsettling question weaves itself into her thoughts—how were these riches amassed, and what humanity bore the weight of their acquisition?

The tapestry of Helena's quest unravels threads of her heritage, converging with a burgeoning fascination for archaeology, ignited during her sojourn amidst volunteers on an Aegean isle. As the team unearths fragments from sun-baked earth, her conviction deepens to safeguard these remnants—a testament to time's embrace—while unraveling the tapestry of her grandfather's assemblage.

In her journey toward reconciliation, Helena grapples with the multifaceted notion of 'home,' traversing the terrain of looted antiquities and the unearthing of her own identity.

This narrative resonates as an exemplar of historical fiction, a genre that dances between eras and unveils unfamiliar landscapes. The book's intricate historical research and its enthralling narrative combine to illuminate a corner of the past that had lain shrouded in the shadows. The richness of its storytelling captivated me, a reader seeking both knowledge and immersion, rendering this work an engaging and enlightening odyssey. Lovers of historical fiction are certain to find solace within its pages.

Although the eBook captivates the imagination, there is potential for an elevated user experience. The incorporation of navigational chapter links, improvement in word spacing for better readability, and the addition of an enchanting cover design could transform the eBook's appearance from a document-like facade into a gateway that seamlessly connects readers to a realm of enthralling storytelling. A slight deduction from my rating appears fitting in light of these considerations.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

There is no doubting Victoria Hislop is an incredible storyteller who has opened up the history of Greece to a wider contemporary world ; her attention to detail and the creation of warm and sympathetic characters instantly grabs readers .

This Figurine continues in the exploration of a period in Greek history and key events - this novel explores archaeology, the theft of ancient objects and the military regime regime of the 1960s and 1970s. Told through the eyes and life of Helena - a Greek / Scot -where at the age of eight she goes to stay with her mother’s parents in Athens. As annual visits continue, she begins to understand her grandfather is a man with a dark history and an angry temperament.

There follows a series of events that have an impact on Helena’s future. Upon the death of her grandparents and following a holiday in Greece with her parents- tragedy falls upon Helena and the story moves onto her university years where she becomes involved in ‘holiday time ‘ archaeological digs.Following an act of deception and violence the story takes a darker path and leads to Helena’s desire for revenge and the truth to be revealed.

From this point , the story really ‘takes off ‘and becomes even more fascinating. Helena’s relationships and friendships in Greece and England are beautifully explored . The theft and the market in stolen Greek artefacts from archaeological digs leads Helena into a world that she never expected . With a cast of wonderful characters, this is another great book - part historical story - part love story. But ultimately Victoria Hislop sends a clear message to us all to consider that shouldn’t all objects that define and belong to a people’s history remain in their country and not be sold off to collectors and the highest bidder.

What a brilliant read. Victoria Hislop has an amazing ability to weave a story into historical events. This has all the elements, family secrets, betrayal, passion and heartbreak and love. Throughout the book you are teased, expecting the very worst to happen, which never really does. It storyline is set between England and Greece. It features some wonderful characters, and some not so nice! The descriptions are wonderful and you could imagine you were there. I always loved The Island, but I think The Figurine is actually better in my opinion. I could not put it down, but yet I never wanted it to end

Victoria HIslop writes about Greece and Greek history with passion and thorough research. The Figurine is her latest novel which aims to provide the reader with Greek history, language, culture and description wrapped up in a story with interesting characters. This time the tale is told from the point of view of Helena Macleod, daughter of a Scottish father and a Greek mother. As a child Helena makes annual summer visits to her grandparents in Athens where she perfects her Greek language, loves the family housekeeper and finds it difficult to have a relationship with her strict grandfather or her creepy uncle. The political turmoil of Greece in the 1970s put an end to her visits until after the death of her grandparents when she visits again with her parents. She begins to find out more about why her mother left Greece as a young woman never to return until after the death of her parents.
Helena studies chemistry at Oxford where she meets Nick, an English student and actor who encourages her to join him in Greece on an archaeological dig. Helena finds out more about Greek civilisation and heritage during this time but also discovers the way her mother's homeland has been looted of ancient artifacts.
Helena eventually inherits her grandparents' luxurious Athens home and returns again to clear out and sell the flat. She finds out more about the real person behind her grandfather's facade and hates him even more than she did as a child and gets caught up in investigating an international art heist.
I enjoyed this novel which was a quick read. 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. However I really got annoyed that she could not write a chapter without someone exclaiming over Helena's wonderful red and untamed hair and began to wish she would cut it all off so that she could be assessed on her intelligence. Overall an engaging story but perhaps a bit too light and romantic for the seriousness of some of its content.
My thanks to the publisher via Net Galley for an ARC of this title in return for an honest review.

I sincerely hope that Victoria Hislop is paid loyalties by the Greek tourist board as she creates the scene so fantastically that it makes you yearn to be there. To ensure that I was extra yearnful I played music by George Dalaras in the background as I read, and have dropped massive hints to my husband about where we may, perhaps, possibly go on holiday this year…
A great story which would be especially suited for a beach/holiday read.

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.

I’m a big fan of Victoria Hislop. I loved The Island and The Thread and always recommend them. I was looking forward to reading this but felt the characters took a while to develop. They lacked emotion initially. However, I enjoyed the story. It was a nice easy book to escape to Greece with even if you’re not actually there. Would recommend.

I would highly recommend The Figurine by Victoria Hislop. The story is captivating, intriguing and the descriptions of Greece are so vivid that you can imagine you are there with the characters. Interesting insight into the Greek civil war woven expertly into the storyline.

The Figurine by Victoria Hislop is an absolute gem of a novel that captivates from the very first page. As a first-time reader of Hislop's work, I can confidently say that I was not disappointed. The novel skillfully moves between the past and the present, beautifully intertwining themes of heritage, identity, and the concept of 'home', both in the context of looted antiquities and within Helena's own life. Victoria Hislop's prose is a masterful blend of elegance and poignancy. Her descriptive powers transport readers to the captivating landscapes of Greece, making us feel like we're right there alongside the characters, uncovering secrets buried beneath the layers of history. The pacing is expertly handled, making The Figurine a true page-turner that proves nearly impossible to put down.

Would definitely recommend this to anyone. Victoria Hislop has done it again; this has romance, art theft, great locations (which are lovingly described). Helena is Anglo-Greek who loves her family (well, not all of them!), her adopted homeland of Greece, and helps to uncover a case of widespread looting.

It is well-written, engaging, and difficult to put down.

With thanks to Review and NetGalley for an ARC.

This was an amazing read. I could not put it down. .You follow a young girl Helena through visiting her Greek grandparents and the troubles in Greece and the politics and the stealing of ancient artefacts . You follow Helena growing up , going to Oxford , her sadness, her love for Greece . Putting the rights of her grandfather right. Also falling in love and her amazing relationship with her parents. Just a brilliant brilliant read.

Firstly thank you Netgalley for this Arc

Another brilliant book by the author you feel like you are actually in Greece

Romance at its best can’t wait to read more