Bestselling Greek American author Christopher Cosmos is back with a new novel, and this time he’s taking readers straight to the magical shores of Crete.
His latest book, Island of Ghosts and Dreams, unfolds near the utterly gorgeous and charming Cretan city of Chania and follows Maria, a village woman whose life becomes entwined with her husband and a young British soldier who washes up by her family’s olive groves.
A story of love, resistance, and the long shadow of war – one that’s already gotten plenty of attention, including a ‘Best Books of the Year’ nod from Today.com, which called it “a modern epic.”
Speaking with The Greek Herald, Cosmos opened up about how the novel came together – and why it’s close to his heart.
Finding Maria
Cosmos says the idea for Maria’s journey really began after his debut, Once We Were Here, came out in 2020. Readers were curious what happened next in Greece’s wartime story.
“That novel ended where it did,” he explains, “but history didn’t.”
He also realised he wanted to explore World War II from a female perspective – to highlight the experiences and resilience of women whose stories are not as visible.
“The character Maria became the lens through which I could do that,” he explains.
Writing with one eye on today
When Cosmos starts a project, he explains that he always comes back to two questions: who should tell this story, and why now?
While working on the novel, he spent long stretches living in Greece, soaking up the landscape and history. What surprised him most was how relevant the story felt.
“The geopolitical tensions and human dilemmas of the 1940s echo strongly in today’s world, with proof that while times change, human nature doesn’t all that much,” Cosmos said.
Why Crete keeps calling him back
Cosmos travels constantly, but western Crete holds a special place in his heart. He describes the region as “truly magical,” not just for its beauty but for its people.
Setting the novel there was his way of honouring the island – and acknowledging the generosity and sacrifices of the communities that inspired him.
Many more stories to tell
As for what’s next, Cosmos isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon. Writing novels may be a long, demanding process, he says, but it’s also what he loves most.
“The strong response to Island of Ghosts and Dreams has been especially rewarding because of how many years – and how much emotion – went into it,” he explains.
For readers, he hopes the experience of reading the book is as immersive as writing it was for him.
It might even take you from wherever you are to Chania (in real life) – and that sounds sensational!
