Island of Ghosts and Dreams

A Novel

By: Christopher Cosmos

Narrated by: Anthoula Katsimatides

A woman from a small Greek village finds herself swept up in the long and storied history of her island—and its far-reaching impact—in this unforgettable story of love, passion, and resistance.

Chania, Crete; 1941.

When mainland Greece falls to the Germans after incredible and heroic resistance, the Greek government flees south to Crete: an ancient island of Gods and Kings, and Myths and Minotaurs.

Maria is a villager whose husband has been away fighting with the Greek army, and after she finds a British soldier that washes up on a secluded beach near her home, and helps nurse him back to health, the Germans then turn south and invade Crete, too.

Occupation, tragedy, and betrayal follow. The lives of Maria and her family change in an instant and she finds herself in a role she never thought she'd have to play—and one that generations of Cretans have had to assume before her.

Steeped in history and filled with unforgettable characters, Island of Ghosts and Dreams is a profoundly moving and decades–spanning tale of passion, honor, family, the great and enduring sacrifices all generations must make for freedom, and our sacred and immortal obligation to follow the strength and power of our heart, no matter where it might lead us.

©2026 Christopher Cosmos (P)2026 Dreamscape Media

A fabulous historical novel

Many of my friends and actually most people do not know the story of Greece during World War II. This book brings it to light. The people of Crete are brave, fearless, and courageous. The story is haunting. Also, the narration is mesmerizing. I do hope there will be a follow up. Thank you, Christopher Cosmos.

A beautifully told story of life.

I especially liked learning about the history, culture, and resilience of the people of Crete.