This was a book I could not put down. I knew nothing about the Greek Civil War, although I was aware of the story of Prince Philip and his mother on "The Crown." I will be interested in seeing the author's notes at publication. The children's story will break your heart as the war separated and alienated families and friends. It was both poignant and ultimately uplifting.

When I see the 5 star reviews, I wonder if we read the same book. I found the novel very disjointed, mostly the constant back and forth between times and locations. All of the sub plots were very superficial, some major historical events ( e.g. Queen Elizabeth’s wedding and coronation) were barely mentioned or skipped over. Many years passed between events and literally no mention what happened in between. Babies are suddenly adults, having their own children, etc. I didn’t care for the mythical part of the story at all. The contrite, predictable ending just added to my dislike of this book. I feel generous giving three stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Where the Wandering Ends by Yvette Manessis Corporon is an excellent, sweeping historical fiction that gives us a glimpse of the tumultuous era involving the Greek Civil War post-WWII.

This book takes place in Greece, and more specifically the island of Corfu around the time of the end of WWII (1946-1947). It was fascinating to learn so much about a subject I knew almost nothing about: the Greek Civil War and what the Greek citizens that became immigrants thereafter.

The author did an amazing job creating a lush landscape full of color, vibrance, and history as a backdrop to the stark contrast of war, strife, change, and turmoil.

I love when I can read HF and yet learn so much about history at the same time (and without even realizing it!). I highly recommend this sweeping, dramatic, and immersive novel to any historical fiction fan.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Harper Muse for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 9/6/22.

This book is a great choice for fans of historical fiction who are interested in learning more about the Greek Civil War. The characters are compelling and the story is engaging.

Where the Wandering Ends is a beautifully written story of family, love, and loss that takes place on Greece’s Corfu Island just after WWII. The history was new to me and I was so surprised to learn about their civil war.

The story follows several families that all live in the same village and have ties to each other. Their individual stories were engrossing with wonderful character development and descriptions of their lives. A touch of magical realism is weaved throughout adding a special element to the setting.

The book jumps around quite a bit with character, time, and place. I was often confused in changing chapters but ultimately followed the events. This was a very melancholy read and I had a difficult time with the women’s stories in particular which all seemed to be tragic and insurmountable.

My copy did not include the author’s note which I will need to read to tie this all together.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A beautifully-written, historically-rich story about the Greek civil war following WWII and the lives of Greek immigrants in the US. I know nothing about this time period in Greece, so I was extremely interested in learning the details. Plus I was fully invested in following these characters' journeys. Highly recommended.

Corfu Island, 1947. The time period is beautifully breathed into this story from the first pages, when we meet a young girl named Katerina and her father, Laki. She is considered a lucky one; as a provincial girl she receives an education thanks to a new teacher, who has no tolerance for ignorance of such views as provincial girls not receiving education. Former teacher was passionate about expressing his views against the monarchist citizens of Corfu, who were brainwashed in their support of the royal family and deaf to the plight of the poor Greeks. His political views were seen as extreme and he was seen as not fit to be a teacher of their children.

Laki is a staunched supporter of the monarchy, but the teacher’s words continue to play in his mind. The Communists were the ones who led the resistance and fought so valiantly against the Germans. That was initially, but now, those who refuse to support the Communist party are being slaughtered. He witnesses his own people turning against each other. When boats are blown out, at the shore, you collect dead bodies as well as dead fish, meaning less food for the villagers. The results are double dire. He has lived off the land and sea his entire life, just like his parents. He is a poor, uneducated man with strong faith. That’s why what God provides is important to him, not guns or masqueraded ideology. Thus, he keeps his views to himself.

Queen Frederica is on a mission to save children from the Communists by opening children’s villages. She provides a thriving place for children where they can receive education, and prevents many of them ending up on the streets as beggars. Marco, Katerina’s friend, is to be sent to one of those children camps due to family circumstances. Before he goes, he asks her to promise that she will remain his best friend and even more be his family. At the same time, the Communists counter the Queen with children’s camps of their own, where they are mistreated and sent to the front lines. The communist partisans create pogroms on villages, and now Katerina’s family has to flee their village. Will promise be kept?

This story presents unforgettable richness in historical fiction and masterful storytelling. The evocative writing touches one’s soul and reminds us how simple things and gestures stand for what life is about. A mother who can offer an hour of extra sleep to her children is the only luxury she can afford; or a son gifting a mother a simple wreath woven from her favorite flowers of gardenias.

With vivid portrayal, we taste a juice of a fresh fig; we smell the flowers paving the path to the sea; and we bask in the sun and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

This story is character-driven with well-fleshed out characters, filled with backstories, and woven with lyrical prose. It is highly engrossing, making the pace fast. It brings many interesting facts that don’t overwhelm the story. It is fascinating to learn what a difference Queen Frederica made by creating a safe place for children and giving each an education. Thus, making a tremendous impact on humanity.

Source: I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com

I loved the book the history and the characters. I had a hard time in putting it down! The hardships of war, the love for family and the sacrifices made, brings all the characters to life in this book. A must read just have a tissue ready!

This is a most unusual novel; partly mythical, partly historical and partly an enduring love story. The first sections jump to and fro on a timeline, which at times is slightly confusing but the second half of the novel is free flowing and makes for easier reading. The historical parts, centred around the Greek Civil War, are upsetting and in the main based on fact of which I had no previous knowledge. Throughout the novel, the island of Corfu lives up to it’s magical spells, with it’s beautiful flora and fauna, and idealistic little villages. The book tells the story of two young people who made promises to each other, before war tore them apart. Many decades pass before eventually they find each other, both very changed by the intervening years. To say any more may spoil it for readers.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Not knowing the history of Greece, I found this book both interesting and educational as well. I knew a bit about Greece during WWII, but not the Civil War or the island of Corfu. Finding myself back in time, with the descriptions of the island and the people who lived there, made me want to go back to Greece again as well as going to Corfu a place I never visited. I will be writing a review to publish on Goodreads and Amazon when this book is released. However, I will be adding it to the Historical Fiction Book Lovers website as a highly recommended novel. My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.