I’m so pleased to welcome Andrea Christodoulou to Linda’s Book Bag today as her debut book sounds exactly my kind of read! I’m delighted Andrea has agreed to stay in with me and I would like to thank Graeme Williams for putting us in touch with one another.
Let’s find out more:
Staying in with Andrea Christodoulou
Welcome to Linda’s Book Bag Andrea and thank you for agreeing to stay in with me.
Tell me, which of your books have you brought along to share this evening and why have you chosen it?
I’ve brought along my debut novel, It’s All Greek To Me, which is a romantic comedy blending Greek island escapism and a UK setting.
And I understand it’s publication day so congratulations! Give me a quick elevator pitch for It’s All Greek To Me.
It highlights Greek culture alongside comedy, romance, and a relatable main character working out what to do with her life. Think Bridget Jones vs My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
That sounds perfect. Why Greece for a setting?
The book was inspired by my half Greek, half English upbringing from having a Greek-Cypriot Dad and English Mum, and also my general love of the Greek culture!
What can we expect from an evening in with It’s All Greek To Me?
You can expect plenty of laughs, an abundance of delicious Greek food and an unexpected romance as we follow Ismeena Eliades trying to navigate through life alongside her crazy Greek family!
I love the sound of this narrative. How has it been received so far?
A recent reviewer wrote ‘A joyous story of family – and not just any family, but a big fat Greek one! – that’s filled with heart, heaps of food and a good dose of (Greek) comedy.’
That’s lovely. I think Greek culture has its own particular quality don’t you?
Growing up I’d always been quite fascinated / amused / baffled by the Greek culture and their ways. One example of this that I mention in the book is going to Greek church where the priest sings throughout the entire service, and on occasion you have to kiss his hand at the end of mass in return for some Greek bread (handy if you skipped breakfast!). When I set out writing the book I ultimately wanted to shine a spotlight on the culture and give people a knowledgeable insight into their way of life, but with a comedic twist. Hopefully I have achieved that!
I bet you have! What else have you brought along and why have you brought it?
Greek food is mentioned throughout the book, which was inspired by my yia-yia (nan) who was the best cook, so I’ve brought along one of my favourite home-made dishes of hers – dolmades. They are vine leaves stuffed with succulent rice and meat and just melt in the mouth. Yum!
Yum indeed – reminds me of the very first holiday as a married couple my husband and I went on almost 42 years ago…
And to wash them down I’ve brought a bottle of Cyprus’s finest ouzo – Yamas!
Yamas! Thanks so much for chatting with me about It’s All Greek To Me. I think it best if you pour the ouzo (a little water in mine please) and I’ll give Linda’s Book Bag Readers a few more details about the book:
It’s All Greek To Me
Ismeena Eliades has hit a life stalemate. She’s bored of her job as an administrative assistant in the stuffy corporate legal world, fed up of her dried-up love life, and tired of drinking away her thirties. And then there’s her mum and her never-ending ploy to marry Isme off to a ‘Good Greek Boy’ (preferably with a healthy bank balance).
It’s time for a life reboot. But just as Isme sets off on a much-needed summer holiday for some sun, sea and solace, she learns that her mum’s motivations for matchmaking go beyond Greek tradition – and when a family emergency brings responsibility to her door, a marriage proposal materialises that could solve all of their problems …
About Andrea Christodoulou
Andrea Christodoulou is born and bred in Liverpool but is of Greek heritage as her dad was born in Cyprus. She hopes her first novel will give readers some insight into her beloved ancestors and a few laughs along the way. Andrea lives in Liverpool with her husband and their two children, Rosie and Theo. When she isn’t glued to her laptop, you’ll find her sweating her bum off in the gym or on a run or endlessly picking up bits of play doh or loom bands off the floor very kindly left for her by her two beautiful (but painfully messy) children. Andrea particularly enjoys writing humorous fiction, creating a world where readers can switch off from everyday life and get lost in the lively characters and funny family dynamics which she creates.
For further information, follow Andrea on Twitter/X and Instagram.
English (US) · 