An Aegean Odyssey: A Memoir

By: Kathryn Gauci

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

From USA TODAY Bestselling author Kathryn Gauci comes a vivid memoir of her life and travels across the ancient and spectacular islands of Greece.

“I would be like Odysseus, wandering in search of adventure. How it would turn out, I had no idea:
I would leave that to fate.”

After more than thirty years as a successful carpet and textile designer, Kathryn decided it was time for a change: she wanted to become an author, and the first place she turned for inspiration was Greece, where she had worked as a carpet designer in Athens in the 1970s.

With no idea of what she would write about, she took two months off and returned in 2005 in search of a new adventure. All she knew was that she wanted to find the old Greece that was quickly disappearing through modernization and tourism. It was a great leap of faith to make this change in mid-life, yet not being one to miss an opportunity, she packed her bags and set out alone, hoping to discover the beauty and rich tapestry of characters that had inspired such great writers of the past – Nikos Kazantzakis, Lord Byron, Henry Miller, Patrick Leigh Fermor, Odysseus Elytis, and Homer himself.

Follow along with Kathryn’s journey as she explores the centuries-old mastic villages of Chios; the island of Lesbos, with its vast landscapes of olive groves and purveyors of the world’s finest ouzo; Karpathos, with its stunning beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters; and finally, the majestic mountains and gorges of Crete, home of the God Zeus, the legend of the Minotaur, and that famous Cretan spirit of Zorba – the same spirit that fought against the Ottomans and the Germans in World War II.

Staying in unspoiled villages and mountain retreats, she also discovers the mouth-watering regional food cooked in the age-old tradition. Along the way, she finds her own story – and discovers that a part of Greece will always be embedded in her psyche.

“I sip my ouzo, cloudy with ice and accompanied by a small plate of mezedes, at a table along a sidewalk filled with pink oleander.”

“Somehow, I feel different. I can sense a peacefulness I don’t think I’ve had for years. I have begun to let go and really relax, and I wasn’t even aware it was happening.”

“Surrounded by nature and inspired by the courage of the Greeks with their turbulent past; sometimes glorious, sometimes bloody, I too have learnt to live with the rhythm of life.”

“I’ve read quite a few Greek memoirs, but this has to be one of the best. The author’s ability to transport us to a Greece few travelers know is rich with detail and humour. Whether it is the landscape, the history, food, or the plethora of colourful people she meets, I felt I was there with her. A captivating and entertaining read that I recommend to all lovers of Greece.” - Barbara Gaskell Denvil, author of the Historical Mysteries Collection

"Greece presents itself as a country that intertwines the past with the present: its people living modern lives against a centuries-old historical, cultural and geographical backdrop. Kathryn Gauci’s book cleverly merges the fascinating history of this country with her own autobiographical memoir as she retraces her steps and recounts her time living in this colourful and flavourful country. Her passion for history is evident throughout the book as she skillfully weaves together historical facts and significant events with plate after plate of delicious local food. Beware—her wonderful descriptions of the many meals she enjoyed will leave your mouth watering! I was left wanting to buy a ticket to this charming and fascinating country and retrace her footsteps. Highly recommended." - Alyson Sheldrake, author and artist.

great for travel lovers

A warm memoir that captures the atmosphere and everyday charm of life around the Aegean. I especially enjoyed learning more about Turkey—a place I’ve visited several times—as the author's writing brings the region vividly to life. This book is a lovely find for readers who enjoy travel memoirs and exploring the historical riches of the world.