‘Once We Were Here’: New multi-generational love story set in Greece during WWII

·

As World War II intrudes upon their home, three young friends risk everything for freedom, love, and a chance at a better life.

This is the premise of a debut book by Greek-American author Christopher Cosmos, titled ‘Once We Were Here’, which is a multi-generational love story set in Greece during WWII.

The book was released in honour of the 80th Anniversary of Oxi Day, and in celebration of the untold story of how Greece helped the Allies to win WWII.

“Growing up, I heard stories of Greece and WWII for as long as I can remember, especially at the Greek Orthodox church that I attended in Michigan, and I wanted to honor those who fought and what they gave,” Cosmos said.

“Those stories that I heard were the inspiration for this novel, which I hope will do just that, and help honour and make the memories of our ancestors, and what they did, eternal, both for us now, and for all generations to come.”

The book was published in the United States by Arcade Publishing on October 20th, 2020, and was published only last week in Australia.

Steven Pressfield (“Gates of Fire”, “The Legend of Bagger Vance”) has called the book “a stunning literary debut about legacy and history, war and peace, fate and destiny, the power of family and stories, and how young love can still shine and endure, even in the face of the greatest evils, and long after we’re gone.”

See below for a small summary of the novel, available to order via links at the authors website:

On October 28th, 1940, Mussolini provided Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas with an ultimatum: either allow Axis forces to occupy their country, or face war, and Greece’s response was swift. “Oxi!” they said. “No!”

In a small village nestled against the radiant waters of the Aegean Sea, we find Alexei, the son of a local fisherman, and his best friend Costa, who were both born on the same night eighteen years earlier and have been like brothers ever since, though now, like all the other young men in their village and throughout Greece, they will leave their homes to bravely fight for their country.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Twin pays heartfelt tribute after shark attack claims surfer Mercury Psillakis’ life

The brother of surfer Mercury Psillakis, killed in a shark attack off Dee Why Beach, has shared a tribute describing their unbreakable bond.

‘Greece and Romiosyni have no borders’: Renos Haralambidis brings his films to Australia

Renos Haralambidis will be honoured with a retrospective at the 30th Greek Film Festival in Sydney this October, showcasing five films.

Nico Lazaridi wines shine at exclusive Sydney hospitality dinner

Nico Lazaridi organised a wine dinner at Alpha Dining on Tuesday night to promote the PGI wines they produce across northern Greece.

Box Hill couple Michael and Rita Nicolaou deny delaying $27m school project

Michael and Rita Nicolaou, who sold their Box Hill property to the state, have denied claims of holding up construction of two new schools.

Former MP Philip Dalidakis slams Daniel Andrews over Beijing parade appearance

Former Victorian Minister Philip Dalidakis has criticised ex-premier Daniel Andrews for attending a military parade in Beijing.

You May Also Like

Greek dessert chain Lukoumades shuts down final shop in SA’s Hyde Park

The beloved chain of Greek dessert bars, Lukoumades, officially closed its last physical location on King William Road in Sydney's Hyde Park.

New discovery reveals ancient Iraqis probably worshipped Alexander the Great

The discovery of coins and temple offerings have suggested that Alexander the Great was worshipped as a divine figure.

First boutique Greek craft beer ‘Seven Seals’ landing in Australia

A new, boutique, Greek craft beer 'SEVEN SEALS' is launching down under in Australia in early 2024. Find out more here.