I’ve read and loved all of Dinah Jefferies’ novels. This is set in Corfu during the 1920s and 30s, centering on the disappearance of a young boy, Billy and the impact that has on his family.

The settings and the historical detail were fantastic, however, I struggled to connect with the two main characters, Dulcie and her daughter Thirza and the ending seemed a little implausible.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for my eARC.

ah settle in and settle down people we have another Dinah Jeffries novel to lose ourselves in...all is well. she is one of my ultimate time stealers. i lover her books. everything she writes i have devoured and i mean that with my whole heart. i do always end up at the end of one of her books that feeling of sadness, simply because its the end of another one of her books! so i felt so lucky to be able to dive back into another one.
this book has so much emotional pulls both with the characters themselves and the plot points. the scenery setting is also fantastic and i could feel myself there through every chapter.
in this book we have Thirza. she has a great family and life in Greece and Corfu. she lives with her mum,dad and brother. the when the war invades their island it all falls apart with tragic consequences for all involved. because they are separated and her younger brother Billy is put in the care of a cousin. when Billy disappears the family is shattered. the only way they can deal with it is for the family to return to the uk. they cannot be in that place anymore nor with the family. Thirzas mother pulls away and pushes her daighter away. she cant seem to care for anyone or anything. poor Thirza she really had my whole heart throughout. her dad also pulls away in his own way by throwing himself into work.
the house is left to ruin. on returning years later with her cousin she decides she is going to bring it back to life. and in doing so hopefully bring repair to more than just the walls of the house. but when secrets and lies are revealed, and then too what happened to her brother. will it all feel too much. will the family ever heal. as the secrets and events involve those closest to Thirza. how do they all come back from this, can they mend what is so broken and in pain.
there is also the added romance to this book which Dinah always writes to perfection. she truly is a talent. we are taken on a real journey with the book both of the characters themselves and the mystery involved.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I love this author and have read probably most of their published work

I feel very lucky to have been able to read this

Absolutely loved it

I love their writing style and I devoured this in 1 sitting. I just couldn't put this down

Fabulous

This book is set in the 1920’s in Corfu and after reading this story you immediately want to visit. The Caruthers family are living a good life. Tragedy strikes in 1923 when there is an attack by the Italians on the island. Chaos reigns. The family become separated and Billy disappears and his body is never found. Where is he – there is no ransom note. Their lives are shattered. Dulcie is inconsolable and blames herself. Thirza, Billy’s sister, cannot get over the drama and also blames herself. The marriage does not work out as Dulcie and Thirza leave Corfu to try and escape the hurt the island has dealt them. Thirza eventually returns to Greek House with her cousin hoping that her mother would follow. Thirza throws herself into making Greek House habitable again hoping her mother would follow on. She also becomes involved with an Italian who is visiting the island. Eventually Thirza decides to turn Greek House into an upmarket retreat and sets out dealing with this. One of the reasons is that she finds herself pregnant and single and needs an income. The story weaves many strands and it all comes together in which a strange but pleasant way. I did not expect part of the ending of the story but I must say it left me very satisfied that I had read a really good book.

Dinah Jefferies is a master storyteller. She has taken me all around the world, and her latest creation takes you to Corfu in Greece. He characters are always beautifully crafted, and you can almost small the sea when she describes the scenery.

Thirza’s life is wonderful. She spends much of her time in Greece either at her family home in Corfu, or up the coast in her mother’s summer house ‘Merchant’s House’ which is on the coast. She lives with her parents Dulcie and Piers, her beloved younger brother Billy, and her mother’s cousin Columbine and Columbine’s daughter. When the Italian’s invade the island, and Billy is left in the care of Columbine, and Thirza, Billy disappears, and Dulcie and Thirza are heartbroken and return to the UK. Piers, who works in Corfu, spends time on the Island in their Corfu house. Meanwhile the Merchant House is empty and becomes extremely rundown. Now an adult, Thirza and her cousin return to Merchant House to renovate it, and bring it back to its former glory for Dulcie. Whilst Thirza feels closer to Billy through her memories, at times she finds it very difficult. Without giving any spoilers Thirza finally finds out what happened to Billy, there are secrets and lies from both Dulcie and Piers, and even from Columbine.

All the secrets, lies, and intrigue make for a very exciting book, full of twists and turns and many surprises. There is never a dull moment. There is plenty of romance without it being uncomfortably explicit, and much historical detail. Where Ms Jefferies really excels is with her clever characterisations, and her gorgeous descriptions of the scenery. This wasn’t my favourite of her books, but I really enjoyed it.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7469087277

https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-greek-house-by-dinah-jefferies.html

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. Diana Jeffries is a very good author & I look forward to reading her books. This is another excellent book. The story is set on Corfu in 1923 & 1930. The impact of the The disappearance of a 9 year old boy as Italy invade the island has a devastating impact on one family. Dulcie, the mother withdraws from her daughter Thirza and husband. She leaves the island and stays away, despite her daughter moving back 7 years later. Can they recover their former lives? Will the fractures in their relationships be mended?
The descriptions of the location are so wel, written, that I would like to visit Corfu and see it for myself. I fe,t sympathy for Dulcie after Billy was lost, but later she annoyed me. How could she neglect her daughter. Can the relationships be mended? A very well written story. Highly recommended for all.

When the Italian army invaded Corfu in 1923 and nine year old Billy disappeared, the lives of Thirza Caruthers and her parents changed forever. Dulcie grieved deeply, moving to London, while Piers busied himself with business. When Thirza finally returned to the island and their dusty, abandoned home, her determination to return the house to its former glory held great merit. Cleaning, dusting, then painting, renovating - it was beginning to come to fruition when she met an Italian man visiting the island. Their affair was passionate, but it also set more problems into motion. With secrets surrounding everyone, and Billy always in their thoughts, the one constant was - would they ever find what really happened to Billy?

The Greek House is another wonderful historical novel by Dinah Jefferies, although I must say, the explicit sex scenes weren't something I expected from this author. The location is exceptional; the beauty of the island and scenery around Thirza's house and the deliciously blue waters, sublime. Corfu is somewhere I'd love to visit :) Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & HarperCollins UK for my digital ARC to read and review.

The story begins in 1923 on the island of Corfu which is invaded by the Italian navy. In the midst of the chaos as they bomb the main town nine year old Billy Caruthers becomes separated from his family and disappears without trace. Despite the efforts of the Greek, Italian and English community nothing more is heard of him until his blood stained clothes turn up.
Seven years later his older sister Thirza returns to Merchants, the family home on the island intent on redecorating the house which has been neglected since Billy's disappearance. While working on the property she meets Emilio, a handsome Italian, somewhat older than herself and falls in love.
But the path of love is never smooth and secrets from the past bubble up to affect the family, drawing them all into a world of uncertainty where they distrust each other.
I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Corfu, the colours, the smells and the light. They created a real sense of place. The characters of Thirza and Dulcie are strong although both are floored by their emotions at times. The rest of the characters are varied and believable.
This was the first book by Dinah Jefferies I've read and I would be happy to read more from this author. I am intrigued to read there will be another book about these characters and wonder where the story would go.
With thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for an arc copy in return for an honest review.

In 1923 the island of Corfu was invaded by the Italians. In the mayhem and confusion 9 year old Billy Caruthers is separated from his family and disappears without trace. Seven years later his older sister Thirza returns to the family home on the island intent on carrying on with her work as an artist. However she meets and falls in love with the enigmatic Emilio. However, as secrets from the past start to come to light, will their love survive?. Another enjoyable read from Dinah Jeffries who never disappoints.

Thirza Caruthers returns to the family house in Corfu years after her brother, Billy disappeared on holiday.
It brings back so many memories of her childhood but with her parents on the edge of divorce Thirza is very emotional.
She starts an affair but that itself will bring more pain and could shatter everything she has fought to keep.

Set back in the 1920’s I could picture the scene as described perfectly. A family are thrown apart after their son/brother disappears in Corfu. The story follows the family as they cope with the aftermath. How the daughter takes over the family house and turns it into a b& b, the mum retreats to London and the dad finds new love. A twist with a lost love and his new love.

Set on the gorgeous Greek island of Corfu is this author’s latest historical fiction novel. It begins in 1923 when it is suddenly invaded by the Italians causing confusion, fear and tragedy.
The Caruthers family are faced horror when the youngest member 9year old Billy goes missing. His family is naturally frantic and desperate to find him but the loss is felt throughout the story even though they never give up hope.
The book then jumps to 1930 when Thirza, Billy’s sister returns to Corfu setting up residence in their old family home. Here Thirza finds love but even this romance is not without problems and upset as her lover Emilio has been to the island before but using a different name.
There is sadness and pain in this story but also elements of hope and passion.
My thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for the ARC.

It is always a pleasure to read novels by Dinah Jefferies, and this one certainly was.
The story is set in Corfu in the 20s and 30s. During the Corfu incident of 1923, when the Italian forces bombed and occupied Corfu following a dispute between Italy and Greece, Dulcie's young son Billy disappears. She blames her cousin Columbine and her daughter Thirza for it and Billy is never found. He is presumed dead. This destroys Dulcie's life and her marriage, and she leaves Corfu, abandoning her beautiful Merchant's house. Thirza comes back to the house years later and she decides to build a new life there, with new hopes, projects and opportunities for the family to heal.
I will not say more of the story, as I really hate spoilers in book reviews. I thought the plot was good and slightly surprising at times, and I enjoyed all the beauty of Corfu that Dinah Jefferies has so beautifully shared, with landscapes, scents and flavours, light and water. Dulcie and Thirza are both very strong characters and the reader is taken into their emotions and thoughts. The theme of loss and grief for a child is particularly well developed, with all its facets of endless deep pain, absence, flashes of memories coming back all the time, precious objects, the scent of clothes, etc. Written from experience, no doubt. But there is also light and hope in the book and Thirza brings that back to the family. There is new joy, forgiveness and a lot of energy for the future.
And there will be a future book as well to follow from this one. I am very much looking forward to it.
This book was a very enjoyable read by Dinah Jefferies, once more.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

This was my first time reading this author, and I was quickly drawn in by the emotionally charged first chapter and the distinct character voices. The writing is lovely, with some standout moments, although it was a little flowery for my taste at times. While I wasn't as invested in the historical and political aspects, the emotional depth and mystery kept me turning the pages. I loved the exploration of themes like loss and identity. I'd definitely be interested in reading more, especially since the author is working on a sequel with these characters. A contemplative, evocative novel that lovers of literary fiction and slow-burn mysteries will enjoy. And it's set in Corfu, so the perfect summer holiday read!
With thanks to the author and NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review.

This is the first time I have read a Dinah Jefferies novel, I am almost ashamed to say, but what a treat it was. This family saga spans the years from 1920's to the 30's and is set in the glorious island of Corfu, where we witness an invasion of Italian naval troops. Mayhem ensues and a young boy, Billy Caruthers, goes missing. His family stay away for some years from the island and move back to the UK as they try to restore some semblance of their previous lives. while dealing with their grief and guilt over what happened. Thirza, the boy's sister returns seven years later with their cousin, and sets about restoring their family home that had been damaged by the marauding Italians. Her heart has always been in Corfu. Will she find true happiness and contentment after the traumatic events in 1923?
This is a beautifully written book, a great read full of intrigue, dynamic family relationships, love, tragedy and a great ending.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. I loved it!

Set in wonderfully portrayed Corfu the story of a family with secrets kept hidden . The storyline takes place in the 1920s and 30s. It centres round the disappearance of the child Billy at the time of the Italian invasion of the island and tears the family apart . On returning to the island Thirza , his sister, tries to immerse herself in painting but as her time continues she becomes embroiled in the secrets around her brother’s disappearance. The main thrust of the tale is in the complex human relationships

I’ve read other books by this author so was excited to receive “The Greek House” as a review copy. Set in the 1920s and early 1930s on the Greek Island of Corfu this is the story of Dulcie and her daughter, Thirza, both strong female characters.
On a day of turmoil when Italian soldiers invade the island of Corfu, Dulcie’s 9 year old son, Billy disappears and is eventually presumed dead. Dulcie’s marriage to Piers has always been difficult and this completely destroys them. Dulcie leaves Corfu and their beautiful house, never to return whilst Piers remains on the island.
Thirza misses her home and feels that she has also lost her mother who continues to mourn her missing son. She cannot settle in England and eventually she decides to return to Corfu to rid herself of the ghosts of her brother and spruce up the family home in the hope her mother will return there.
She finds her father whom she has seen little of, a completely changed man and they gradually start to form a relationship. Then she meets her new neighbour and things change once again. Romance is in the air but with many difficulties along the way.
This is a family saga with a tragedy at its heart, a tragedy that has an effect on all the characters and changes them in unimaginable ways. They have to learn to live again after the terrible event and this proves hard, particularly for Dulcie, Billy’s mother. She is the least likeable of the characters and has made some strange decisions but I can see why she withdraws after losing her son.
I really liked the character of Thirza who grows from a grieving teenager to become a strong and successful woman in the course of the novel.
I enjoyed the setting of Corfu, somewhere I’ve never visited and it definitely made me want to book a holiday to explore the island. This would be a great Summer read, perfect to keep you occupied on a sunny beach!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

A really great story from start to finish keeping you in suspense for much of it. I am not normally a fan of anything written in the past however this was a great combination of modern writing reflective of 100 years ago.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This was a nice feel good read with great characters and a good storyline. I enjoyed it.

I had high hopes for this book but unfortunately it fell a bit flat. It is not a bad book, I just think I expected more. That said, the beautiful description of the setting is fabulous and makes you yearn to get on a plane to Corfu.