This is another of Victoria Hislop's well researched and knowledgable lessons in twentieth century Greek History. The period covered is from 1930s onwards and takes in the second world war, civil strife and the military junta. History is contextualised by being told through the eyes of Themis, once the youngest of four siblings with differing ideals, now the matriarch of the family and still living in the same Athenian flat that is a constant throughout her story. This was a rich and absorbing read from which has given me a real sense of the challenges faced by ordinary people in Greece during this period in their history.....and it continues!

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This book was set in Greece during the second world war and is set in 2 time zones. A really great powerful read by an author who never fails to amaze me.

Set in two time periods we follow the life of Themis and her family. We meet her today as she is an old woman telling her life story to two of her grandchildren. In the past we follow Themsis as she grows up in the turmoil of Greece during and after WWII. Her family are bitterly divided over politics and Themsis struggles to hold true to her beliefs.

This is an excellent book in many ways. I knew very little about the struggles in Greece, the occupation by the Nazis and the later struggles with communism. There is a lot of detail – as I would expect from a book by Victoria Hislop – and the background was excellent. I struggled a little as I am not a big fan of political history. I was pleased to learn about this period of history but I wasn’t that interested in the intricacies of the politics. That doesn’t detract from the excellent writing in the book, it is just a personal preference.

I enjoyed the story of Themis. She is a strong woman who takes a while to find what she truly believes. She is not adverse to realising that despite having chosen a particular side in the civil war, they could also be wrong at times. She is also not afraid to make decisions based on what is best for the people she loves and not necessarily holding true to her beliefs. There are many people who shape Themis’ life – her friend Fotini, her grandmother, her abandonment by her parents and her strong willed brothers who are very vocal about their opposing views. The characterisation is excellent.

The standard of writing, plot structure and character development are excellent. The historical research is obviously very thorough. These are all the things I expect from a book by Victoria Hislop. It is just unfortunate that I wasn’t so interested in the politics and found that side a little much in places.

As always I shall keep an eye out for the next book by this author. If you haven’t read any of hers before then I can recommend any of her books but I have a particular soft spot for “The Island”.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

Those Who Are Loved by Victoria Hislop was an atmospheric book set in Greece during the Second World War and the terrible toll in took on the Islands inhabitants.
This is the story of Themis and her family and how they tried to survive.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

I never enjoyed historical fiction that was until I discovered The Island and ever since I have delighted in Victoria Hislop's books ever since. As soon as this book appeared on Netgalley I could not resist and it instantly moved to the top of my TBR list. The story of Themis instantly transported me to wartime Greece. It is a slow burner while you get your head round the politics and different viewpoints of that time. However once the scene is set the human element takes over and Themis and her family are subjected to the attrocities of that time. When Themis is trapped in a situation she can see no way out of the pages just turned themselves and I could not wait to see if things would turn right. As in all of Hislop's books the female protagonist does not get an easy ride of things but that is what makes her books so readable. I read her books too quickly so the wait for the next seems endless!