Books to Read Before Visiting Greece

By: Leah Shoup

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Written by British naturalist Gerald Durrell, follow his real-life family's move to the Greek island of Corfu and the adventures that ensue.

Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis

This famous Greek book tells the story of an unnamed narrator and his mentor, Alexis Zorba, and their conversations about life.

Eleni by Nicholas Gage

A New York Times reporter returns to Greece to tell the story of his mother and her disappearance during the Greek Civil War.

Mythos by Stephen Fry

For lovers of ancient Greek culture, don't miss the stories of Zeus and other Greek gods and Olympians–retold with modern humor.

Circe by Madeline Miller

If you enjoy Greek mythology, you'll love this fresh perspective on The Odyssey, told through the eyes of the witch Circe.

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes

As devastation ripples across the Greek islands, Haynes highlights the voices of the women who suffered through the Trojan War.

Corelli's Mandolin by Louis de Bernières

Readers travel to Cephallonia during World War II for a classic story of the enduring power of love during this tumultuous time.

Pandora's Jar by Natalie Haynes

Reevaluate the Greek myths in this fresh perspective, focusing on why women in these stories have been unfairly portrayed.

Clytemnestra: A Novel by Costanza Casati

Set against the backdrop of Ancient Greece, follow Clytemnestra's path from Spartan princess to her tumultuous marriage to Agamemnon.

The King Must Die by Mary Renault

For Greek history fans, trace legendary hero Theseus on his adventures through Eleusis, Athens, and Crete.