Have You Read My Book About Crete?

Book Review for Tears from the Sun – A Cretan Journey by Jane Sharp

This is a book you have to read whether you are interested in Crete or not. It is the story of a Cumbrian woman who has lost her family in tragic accidents. She is a writer who comes to Crete to write her book. The book which she eventually writes is a book about a Minoan prince and his princess and their part in the sudden destruction of the Minoan civilization. It is certainly an alternative theory to the way in which the Minoan palace of Malia was destroyed in about 1450 B.C.

Tears from the Sun – A Cretan Journey is, in a way, two books in one. The reader accompanies Kate’s every thought and action, as she experiences life in the mountain village of Vrahassi, whilst at the same time, taking a journey back in time to follow the life of Rhamu and Sisi.

Naturally, there is much to be learned about Cretan customs such as baptisms, funerals etc, as they are described first hand by Kate. She has good times and bad as she works in the holiday resort of Sissi and trips off to Malia, Heraklion, Lassithi, Neapolis, Ierapetra and Chrissi Island.

The characters Kate meets jump of the page. It is very easy to imagine every scene, from scruffy mountain men to the Bishop of Xania, from her ex-pat friends to holidaymakers, each one brought to life in this cameo of Crete.

Together with Papa Yorgos and a Scottish sear, Kate uncovers deep, philosophical questions that inspire and inform the reader as she follows her quest to reunite Rhamu with his lost princess. She embarks on an esoteric journey in her effort to find the Emerald Crystal, which finally leads to a climax involving magic, myth and musical harmony.

The poetry which is contained within the book is beautiful and well crafted. This new novel about Crete is certainly a book with a difference; a book which will make you cry, make you laugh, and make you think.

You can obtain your copy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Waterstones, Smiths and other English bookshops, or ask your local library for a copy.  ISBN9781449073978 Also available as an e-book on Amazon’s Kindle.

For further information about Jane Sharp take a look at her website: http://janesharp.org

ORDER YOUR COPY OF TEARS FROM THE SUN - A CRETAN JOURNEY

Oh, and if you are having a relaxing weekend at home, take a look on Amazon for my book, there are some great deals, and it will make a wonderful Christmas present. Or you could download it onto your Kindle for a fraction of the price. Please excuse the blatant advert, but self-marketing with a zero budget is not too easy. Anyway, if you are thinking of that Christmas present with a difference, Tears from the Sun - a Cretan Journey is just what you need. Just click on one of the links on the right.

Love you all, Jane x

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

OK everyone, Christmas must have crossed your minds! How about giving one of your friends or relatives a copy of my book? It is a unique gift which gives an insight into Cretan life. Not only that but it will brighten up those dark winter nights. Here is the trailer to remind you what the book is all about. Happy reading, and a Happy Christmas! (bet I'm the first to wish you that). Love Jane x

Oh, and by the way, you can also order a copy from your local library, just quote the ISBN number on the advert opposite. And for all further details see my website: http://janesharp.org/

TRADITIONAL HOUSE IN VRAHASSI

It is a must to visit if you are in Vrahassi. When I first came to the village, many of the things in this house were still being used daily. I also love the music on this video. Thanks to the owners of the Maria Hotel in Sissi for this production.

CHRISSI ISLAND - NOT A PIRATE IN SIGHT!

The Ancient Cedar Forest

I went where there were trees

Before the pirates came,

Leaving charred embers,

Now bald petrifaction

Like bleached skulls remain

Uncovered skeletons,

Earth-skeletons exhumed

By earth-breath,

And earth-tears

Weeping for lost trees

Not a pirate in sight! We took the 12.30 p.m. boat from Ierapetra and travelled south 8 miles to the beautiful Island of Chrissi (Gold). It took us about an hour to get there, so naturally we downed one or two beers on the way. There was a bar on the boat and sandwiches and snacks for sale too. Chrissi is almost flat, it covers an area of about 5 sq kilometers, and once off the boat we crossed to the other side of the island. After a few hours on the golden sandy beach, swimming in the turquoise see and generally having a desert island afternoon, we caught the 5.00 p.m. boat back to Ierapetra. We could have stayed another hour for there is also a return boat at 6.00 p.m. There were lots of happy campers dotted about between the remains of a cedar forest, and I sort of wished that we could stay the night. Oh well, we shall just have to return - life in Crete eh? By the way, the 'we' was David, my daughter Jo, my grandson Jack, and Daddy John.

No 'Tears from the Sun' on this trip to Chrissi - and no Smee either! (Smee is a character in my book).

Jane Sharp at the Belvadere Hotel,Chersonissos, Crete.

I know I have neglected to write my blog for a few days, but my family arrived from England and it's been all go. After getting them settled in Sissi I took a day off today to visit the Belvedere Hotel in Chersonissos with my friend Pauline.

KNICKERS!

Vrahassi drying day. I just couldn't resist the shot!

THE CRETAN WRITERS' CIRCLE

The editor of the Khronicles, Lou Duro checking over my book, and I his, at a meeting to talk about organizing a Cretan

Writers' Circle. We hope to announce the first meeting in September. Watch this space if you are interested in joining us.

POLE DANCING NEVER USED TO BE LIKE THIS!

It's just amazing where that book gets to! A drop of the good stuff in Malia as we passed through after a spot of hospital visiting in Heraklion.

My friend went in for an MRI scan, but the machine had broken down with no sign of it being mended. After a couple of day's in pain, fixed to a drip and no nursing (as we know it) I gave her a bed bath and changed her nighty. Her husband got her to eat some yoghurt. She was in University hospital, and has now returned home to be cared for properly!

MESSAGE TO THE COUNCIL - THE PARTY IS OVER!

Sign next to the main road in Vrahassi.

Someone is obviously upset! (click on image to take a closer look).

A quick translation: Only those streets where council members live are being repaved. Kalokratis, the new law is welcome. Bon Voyage George, the party is over!

I am just reporting what I see.

LUNCH IN SISSI

Jayne (with a Y) and I spent a lovely lunchtime in Sissi today, between 12 and 2. The harbour was very quiet, there were a few people on the little beach, but no tourist throng. In a way that's how I like it, but it must be a disaster for all the little business owners. Our lunch cost us 7 euro each. To be able to sit in such a beautiful place alone was worth that. But we were alone, and there's the pity. Come back to Sissi, it is well worth a visit! Hope to see you there next time. The Thalasinos Kosmos (Sea World) taverna, overlooks the harbour.

ELTON JOHN WITH PATRICK

It's just one of those wonderful weeks. Here is my friend, Patrick with Elton John and I am off to a party of celebs this afternoon. I'll report back. Doubt Elton will be there, but I think there will be music. Maybe I'll get the chance to read something from my new novel. Exciting or wot!

TEARS FROM THE SUN - A CRETAN JOURNEY