The Greek Islands – A Notebook: Occasional journeys through Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and other islands

This is a book with short stories about the author who lived in Crete. This is not a guide book, but it was exactly what I was looking for! You get an insight on how it is in Greece. Things like customs, Greek hospitality, favorite artists, Greek food, the history of Greece, authentic places you might want to visit but also a summary of Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey, Zorba the Greek.... and many more things. Thanks to amazon I found this wonderful book that gave me so much insight into the Greek culture. PS: The author just published his second book. It's on Crete!

pretty good book to read before visiting the Isles, written by a been there, done that guy. Easy style. Gives you good information on what to see, and what to skip. Good backgorund info as well.

What a lovely book. Although it claims it is not a guide book if I ever visit any of the places mentioned (even those I have already visited) I will be sure to take this book with me, it is packed with historical notes and insights as well as being beautifully descriptive of Greece and the Greek way of life. Having said that it did not read as a guide book, I read it like a novel with the narrator as the 'hero', some of his boat tips were dreamy, allowing me to escape the pouring rain of my present outdoor reality. What I liked most about the book was that it was personal and with that came an honesty, no wrappings, no embellishments other than descriptions of Greece itself. I would recommend this book both to people who have never been to Greece as well as to seasoned travelers. It was a joy.

Not much info about the islands themselves; it is boring

I'm only a third of the way through this book but what a journey of discovery. It's 20 years since I visited a Greek Island (Crete) but this book has reawakened a lot of happy, happy memories - of the wonderful food, the welcoming locals and the stunning landscape. I love the way it combines the author's personal experiences with Greek history and culture - if I'd never been to these islands, I'd sure as hell be itching to go. I must admit, I think of these lands as being inextricably linked with the distant past - real and mythological - so what a surprise to see lots of references to popular culture (from Zorba the Greek to Captain Corelli's Mandolin). Richard Clark lovingly expresses his passion for these islands but I'm pleased to say he's not blind to the shortcomings of the places blighted by the worst excesses of tourism. Thankfully those are few, which is why I suspect that by the end of this 'notebook' I'll be booking my ticket to visit these paradise islands once more.

Interesting anecdotes and info but too randomly put together to refer back if you wanted

This is a very personal account of a life spent living on and visiting the Greek Islands. As such, it has a wonderfully intimate feel which helps to give a real sense of place. It provides a great guide to the islands but so much more besides, including an understanding and passion for the way of life that it absolutely infectious. Besides the very handy 'Get by in Greek' section, the wealth and breadth of experience on offer have made this not just a useful guide, but an excellent book.

It is about an English teacher moving there. Now he returns to Crete. Nice storey, humorous, culturally informing.

What a lovely book. Although it claims it is not a guide book if I ever visit any of the places mentioned (even those I have already visited) I will be sure to take this book with me, it is packed with historical notes and insights as well as being beautifully descriptive of Greece and the Greek way of life. Having said that it did not read as a guide book, I read it like a novel with the narrator as the 'hero', some of his boat tips were dreamy, allowing me to escape the pouring rain of my present outdoor reality. What I liked most about the book was that it was personal and with that came an honesty, no wrappings, no embellishments other than descriptions of Greece itself. I would recommend this book both to people who have never been to Greece as well as to seasoned travelers. It was a joy.

Great read.

So lovely to read about some of the parts of Greece I have been fortunate enough to visit on numerous occasions over the decades. He passes on his knowledge of the history of Greece in an informative and unpatronising way, which holds your attention and perhaps helps you understand how this very generous and friendly people are as they are. If all you want to do is lie by a pool with the odd beer to cool you down, this is not for you! Without a doubt, worth a read even if your own particular favourite part of Greece is not covered.

I dipped in and out of this book regulary as I have just visited Rhodes but have also visited several other Greek islands in the past. There was a lot of interesting information about what to see and do and I also enjoyed reading about the writers experiences with the culture and people on the islands.

I was disappointed to discover that many of the chapters were repeated in Crete a notebook,which I had just enjoyed the other chapter were good