The Cypriot by Andreas Koumi

The Cypriot

Andreas Koumi

Set in the 1950s, Cyprus is under British rule. Andonis, the village tailor and a Christian, falls in love with Funda, a Muslim. More than a love story, this is a highly topical tale of religious fundamentalism and, despite the conflict, an affectionate portrait of Cyprus - its people, food, wine and weather.

Extract
It was a warm Sunday morning. The liturgy was over. Marios had a cloth in his hand and was wiping the icons in the church. He had reached the icon of St Varnavas the Apostle, and looked deeply into the apostle's light brown eyes in search of guidance. He whispered a prayer for his brother. And then one for his homeland.
Parallels
  • Eat Drink and be Married by Eve Makis
  • Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres