Having told the harrowing tale of the leper colony of Spinalonga in The Island and the history of Thessalonika in The Thread, Victoria Hislop returns to a Mediterranean island, Cyprus. Sunrise was the name of Famagusta's most luxurious hotel. It opened in 1972. We meet a bunch of people involved, from the owner to the beach boy attendant, Greek and Turkish Cypriots working harmoniously together. Then the war erupted in 1974 and we follow the plight of our characters still very central to the hotel. It is an extraordinary period and as with all conflict there are horrendous atrocities, there are survivors and there are those who profit from war. We mainly follow two families from opposing sides who come to love and rely upon each other in the deserted city. It's a powerful tale of families, hope, survival and courage. Fans of The Island will love it. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
'Intelligent and immersive... a poignant, compelling family saga' The Sunday Times The No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller from the million-copy best-selling author of The Island, The Thread, and The Return.
In the summer of 1972, Famagusta in Cyprus is the most desirable resort in the Mediterranean, a city bathed in the glow of good fortune. An ambitious couple are about to open the island's most spectacular hotel, where Greek and Turkish Cypriots work in harmony. Two neighbouring families, the Georgious and the Özkans, are among many who moved to Famagusta to escape the years of unrest and ethnic violence elsewhere on the island. But beneath the city's façade of glamour and success, tension is building.
When a Greek coup plunges the island into chaos, Cyprus faces a disastrous conflict. Turkey invades to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority, and Famagusta is shelled. Forty thousand people seize their most precious possessions and flee from the advancing soldiers. In the deserted city, just two families remain.
This is their story.
Praise for The Sunrise. . .
'Fascinating and moving' The Times
'An imaginative tour de force, and a great read' Daily Mail
'An absorbing tale about family, friendship, loyalty and betrayal' Good Housekeeping
'Heartbreaking' Essentials
'Vibrant... Hislop brings history to life in this compelling tale' Tatler
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