Bitter Lemons of Cyprus
by Lawrence Durrell | Travel | This book has not been rated.
ISBN: 0571201555 Global Overview for this book
ISBN: 0571201555 Global Overview for this book
5 journalers for this copy...
Amazon.co.uk Review
"While Cyprus is often touted as a tourist destination, the origins of the prolonged war between the island's Greek and the Turkish communities are less well known. In Bitter Lemons of Cyprus--first published in 1957--Lawrence Durrell blends the story of beginning a new life in this beautiful place with an account of the conflict's beginnings. It is a narrative that retains political relevance today.
The book starts out like something by Peter Mayle or Chris Stewart, a forerunner of the "good life abroad" genre. Durrell is a hard-up writer looking for Mediterranean peace and a stunning old house--Cyprus obliges. But circumstances and Durrell's poetic genius ensure that the book is far more than a glib chronicle of hilarious events and eccentric neighbours. These exist in plenty, and Durrell writes about them with zest and great wit, but slowly he gets drawn into the unfolding tragedy of Cyprus's battle for self-determination.
The revolt ignites, and Durrell's tranquil life is shattered. His stay on Cyprus becomes one of great sadness, which he communicates with restrained fury as he describes the political transformations and paradoxes that overtake the island. In his poetic and loving descriptions of places and people--most of them remarkably steadfast in the face of political convulsions--there is an empathy and an attention to detail which provides a poignant memorial to a life which, it becomes clear, was shattered as much by the indolence of men in grey suits as by the violent spirits of the hills." --Toby Green
Product Description
"One of a three-part series of Lawrence Durrell's writings. In this volume he explores the island of Cyprus, evoking the sun-drenched landscapes, dazzling light and vivid blue skies of the Aegean."
About the Author
"Lawrence Durrell was born in 1912 in India. He attended the Jesuit College at Darjeeling and St Edmund's School, Canterbury. His first literary work, The Black Book, appeared in Paris in 1958. His first collection of poems, A Private Country, was published in 1943, followed by the three Island books: Prospero's Cell, Reflections on a Marine Venus, about Rhodes, and Bitter Lemons, his account of life in Cyprus. Durrell's wartime sojourn in Egypt led to his masterpiece The Alexandria Quartet, completed in southern France where he settled permanently in 1957. Between the Quartet and The Avignon Quintet he wrote the two-decker Tunc and Nunquam. His oeuvre includes plays, a book of criticism, translations, travel writing, and humorous stories about the diplomatic corps. Caesar's Vast Ghost, his reflections on the history and culture of Provence, including a late flowering of poems, appeared a few days before his death in Sommières in 1990."
"While Cyprus is often touted as a tourist destination, the origins of the prolonged war between the island's Greek and the Turkish communities are less well known. In Bitter Lemons of Cyprus--first published in 1957--Lawrence Durrell blends the story of beginning a new life in this beautiful place with an account of the conflict's beginnings. It is a narrative that retains political relevance today.
The book starts out like something by Peter Mayle or Chris Stewart, a forerunner of the "good life abroad" genre. Durrell is a hard-up writer looking for Mediterranean peace and a stunning old house--Cyprus obliges. But circumstances and Durrell's poetic genius ensure that the book is far more than a glib chronicle of hilarious events and eccentric neighbours. These exist in plenty, and Durrell writes about them with zest and great wit, but slowly he gets drawn into the unfolding tragedy of Cyprus's battle for self-determination.
The revolt ignites, and Durrell's tranquil life is shattered. His stay on Cyprus becomes one of great sadness, which he communicates with restrained fury as he describes the political transformations and paradoxes that overtake the island. In his poetic and loving descriptions of places and people--most of them remarkably steadfast in the face of political convulsions--there is an empathy and an attention to detail which provides a poignant memorial to a life which, it becomes clear, was shattered as much by the indolence of men in grey suits as by the violent spirits of the hills." --Toby Green
Product Description
"One of a three-part series of Lawrence Durrell's writings. In this volume he explores the island of Cyprus, evoking the sun-drenched landscapes, dazzling light and vivid blue skies of the Aegean."
About the Author
"Lawrence Durrell was born in 1912 in India. He attended the Jesuit College at Darjeeling and St Edmund's School, Canterbury. His first literary work, The Black Book, appeared in Paris in 1958. His first collection of poems, A Private Country, was published in 1943, followed by the three Island books: Prospero's Cell, Reflections on a Marine Venus, about Rhodes, and Bitter Lemons, his account of life in Cyprus. Durrell's wartime sojourn in Egypt led to his masterpiece The Alexandria Quartet, completed in southern France where he settled permanently in 1957. Between the Quartet and The Avignon Quintet he wrote the two-decker Tunc and Nunquam. His oeuvre includes plays, a book of criticism, translations, travel writing, and humorous stories about the diplomatic corps. Caesar's Vast Ghost, his reflections on the history and culture of Provence, including a late flowering of poems, appeared a few days before his death in Sommières in 1990."
What an enjoyable read - and it had sat on my shelf unread for ten whole years! I've been to Cyprus once and after I started reading the book, I kept telling my husband that I want to go back :)
I liked Durrell's poetic style a lot. He definitely has a knack for describing the environment so that the reader can not only see but also taste, smell and feel the environment. What I enjoyed most, though, were the chapters focusing on everyday life and people - and I must admit to skimming through the parts about the politics of the era.
I liked Durrell's poetic style a lot. He definitely has a knack for describing the environment so that the reader can not only see but also taste, smell and feel the environment. What I enjoyed most, though, were the chapters focusing on everyday life and people - and I must admit to skimming through the parts about the politics of the era.
Now on its way to jumpingin in Canada. She picked it from the Global Village VBB. Happy reading!
Another wonderful-looking book from Annimanni is now on my TBR shelf. I've read Gerald Durrell's books about their early days in Greece, so I'm looking forward to reading this one. Thanks, Annimanni!
This was an interesting read! I learned a lot about the history behind the conflict in Cyprus, as well as about the everyday lives of the people there.
This book will soon be on its way to wildflower37, who requested it from debbie4osu's nonfiction VBB.
This book will soon be on its way to wildflower37, who requested it from debbie4osu's nonfiction VBB.
Travelling by surface mail to wildflower37.
This just arrived today. Thanks for the note reminding me it was my selection from the VBB. For a moment I thought it was for a ring and thought I would need to read right away. Instead, now I know I can wait and savor it. Many thanks for sharing!
Sent today as a wishlist RABCK. I can see that i am not making good progress on my TBR shelves, so i thought i would share. Enjoy!
Oh yay. Surprise RABCK. Thank you wildflower37. You're a real gem!
The book is off to Uganda for a International school.
Christmas in February! This parcel of books had been waiting at the post office since the 7th of November (having been posted on the 22nd of October) but the first claim form was put in the wrong box so I was only made aware of it on the 20th of January. Never mind! The book is here and I have never read anything set in Cyprus so I am quite looking forward to it. Thank you!
This book will be released at Flavours in Jinja, Uganda. They have a bookshelf there where you can trade a book or donate to take a book. The collection looks a little tired despite all the mzungu that eat there. I think leaving my collection of books there will help boost that little bookshelf and help these books continue on their worldwide journey!
