Update - London, Crete, and a new job
Apr 11, 2024 11:01 am
Hi
Hello to all my readers, and a warm welcome to any new subscribers. I hope this email finds you well.
It’s been a very busy few weeks. I’ve just returned from holiday, and before the jet lag has even worn off, I've started a new job (which is going well so far!).
The holiday was wonderful – a couple of weeks in England catching up with family and friends, and a week in Crete which I fell hopelessly in love with. I’ve wanted to go to Greece ever since I can remember, and I wasn’t disappointed. The weather was still cool and there weren’t many tourists, so it was a very laid back feel.
We went to the Knossos (a must see in Crete - the site of the Minotaur's labyrinth, where Ariadne helped Theseus to slay the Minotaur). It has been partially restored by earlier archaeologists, which gives a bit of a picture of what it might have looked like, although the additions are controversial because they are only one possibility. I love wandering around ruins and trying to imagine myself back in time.
But the absolute highlight was Zeus’s cave, high up in the snow-capped mountains. According to the mythology, it is the cave where the titan Rhea hid the infant Zeus, to protect him from his father Cronus, who intended to swallow him like others of his progeny. It's a magical spot. I had no idea that Crete even had snowy mountains. The scenery was spectacular, and the cave itself was truly atmospheric.
We stayed in Chania, which is a mediaeval city that was badly damaged by German bombs in 1941. The ruins form the basis for the modern buildings that have been built in and among them, and our hotel was nestled in amongst the ruins of a medieval monastery. Our balcony looked out over the remains of the fortress that guards the harbour. A perfect spot for a glass of wine and a dish of olives!
Everywhere you go on Crete there are archaeological digs, and I just loved the feeling of walking through thousands of years of history.
Back in England, I got to spend an afternoon exploring the fabulous Imperial War Museum in London which was really inspiring in a completely different way. I remember visiting it as a child on a school trip, but this was the first time I’ve been back since. There's a fabulous World War 2 gallery, which even has a section of a Lancaster bomber you can explore.
I’m still making notes for the new series, but I think it’s going to be a while before I actually write anything. I have to admit I’ve done very little writing-related work since my last newsletter, but I plan to get the final edits of When the Light Still Shone done over the next couple of weeks. The break has done me the world of good – I’m refreshed and eager to get back to it!
I will have review copies available prior to the book's release in July, so look out for details in upcoming emails.
And don't forget When the Light Still Shone is available to preorder here:
What I’m reading – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. A surprising and delightful tale set in the 1960s, when women in science had to be extraordinarily resourceful to make their mark.
What I’m watching – The 3 Body Problem. Based on the bestselling science fiction novel, this is a gripping and thought-provoking series that truly explores the possibilities and limits of science.
Please do drop me a line if you have any comments or feedback - I'd love to hear from you.
Here are the links to my books. Have you read them all?
See you next time – until then, happy reading!
Kind regards
Samantha
https://www.samgrosserbooks.com
