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The Figurine

The enchanting Sunday Times bestseller from the much-loved author of The Island

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The Figurine

By: Victoria Hislop
Narrated by: Rose Akroyd
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About this listen

 Multi-million copy bestselling author Victoria Hislop returns with the captivating tale of one woman's quest to come to terms with her family's brutal past.

In her irresistible new novel, Sunday Times No 1 bestselling author Victoria Hislop shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price people - and countries - will pay to cling on to them.

Of all the ancient art that captures the imagination, none is more appealing than the Cycladic figurine. An air of mystery swirls around these statuettes from the Bronze Age and they are highly sought after by collectors - and looters - alike.

When Helena inherits her grandparents' apartment in Athens, she is overwhelmed with memories of the summers she spent there as a child, when Greece was under a brutal military dictatorship. Her remote, cruel grandfather was one of the regime's generals and as she sifts through the dusty rooms, Helena discovers an array of valuable objects and antiquities. How did her grandfather amass such a trove? What human price was paid for them?

Helena's desire to find answers about her heritage dovetails with a growing curiosity for archaeology, ignited by a summer spent with volunteers on a dig on an Aegean island. Their finds fuel her determination to protect the precious fragments recovered from the baked earth - and to understand the origins of her grandfather's collection.

Helena's attempt to make amends for some of her grandfather's actions sees her wrestle with the meaning of 'home', both in relation to looted objects of antiquity ... and herself.

(P)2023 Headline Publishing Group Ltd©2023 Victoria Hislop 20th Century Family Life Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Women's Fiction Fiction
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I’ve been waiting for this book to be released and was not disappointed by it. Once I started this book I had to keep listening at every opportunity. Would recommend

Compelling

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I’ve read & listened to many of Victoria Hislop’s books. The stories are always well researched & I come away knowing more history after than I did before.

This is no different. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A wonderful listen

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I loved the picture of different parts of Greece and the insights into Greek life.
The narration is very good.

A wonderful visit to Greece and Greek history

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The story is gripping from the start but Victoria's descriptions are enticing. I want to tread every one of her steps.

so descriptive

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Another great listen from Hislop, love the story development and historical references. Have downloaded other of her stories that I haven’t read yet,

Brilliant

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