4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Why Greece? In Keep on Sailing the Wine Dark Sea, author Elizabeth Rakoczy and her husband, Steve, decide to sail to the exotic islands of Greece. When their children question their decision, their answer explains why throngs of people are drawn to this mysterious country. Greece is said to be the cradle of civilization.
Told through a scientist’s outlook on many matters pertaining to life, including religion, the book explores the Greeks’ mythology, history, cuisine, culture and the landscape of their picturesque lands. Rakoczy intertwines her own adventures with those of Greek legendary characters. Unique aspects of each place that they tour are adeptly brought out. In Delos, for example, the author recounts the mythical event following the birth of Apollo which is detailed in the Homeric Hymn said to have been composed around 8th century BC. The plot is further accentuated by words written by Greek philosophers as well as travel photos and images of artifacts.
The organization of the text is well-thought out considering that the book contains different sub-plots. Plots are differentiated by distinguishing fonts so as to ease reading and avoid confusion. There is also a great flow of the information contained and current details are well blended with historical accounts.
The book covers each place at a time, exploring the unique food and each people’s culture as well as their history. This provided me with a deeper understanding of each particular island and city and not just the country as a whole.
Reading Keep on Sailing the Wine Dark Sea was like taking a tour of the Greek islands. Rakoczy tells her story well and takes different opportunities to insert remarks containing humor. The intertwining of her personal accounts in Greece while making space for ancient Greek stories brings out a wonderful narrative that is both captivating and fascinating. Including her viewpoint on life and the activities in Greece made the tone much more informative and engaging though in some instances it felt quite forthright.
The images in the book are breath-taking, to say the least. The beautiful architecture and the images of the serene landscapes captured the charm of Greece. It was interesting to view the places which appear in many historical accounts most of them dating thousands of years ago. The photos are very clear and colorful and they provide a wonderful glimpse into the background of the plot.
I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I found it not only informative but also engrossing and I recommend it to all readers with an interest in Greek mythology and history told with a touch of adventure.
******
Keep on Sailing the Wine Dark Sea
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like EmunahAn's review? Post a comment saying so!
