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The Figurine
- Narrated by: Rose Akroyd
- Length: 17 hrs and 2 mins
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Summary
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 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.
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What listeners say about The Figurine
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- Jon Littler
- 20-10-23
Give in to a dream of Greece!
You can tell when an author is writing with love. I’m on Naxos in our newly acquired house watching the sunset with a glass of wine and listening to another VH love letter to Greece. Romantic, sentimental and life affirming. Don’t bother if you’re a hard hearted cynic but if you want to feel effortlessly warmth, love and respect for Greece then enjoy the bliss of someone else’s love for the culture, people and heritage. P.s. I have had a glass of wine
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- Clare P.
- 26-10-23
A wonderful listen
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.
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- Mrs EA Rabasse
- 18-11-23
An amazing story
Victoria Hislop is fabulous. All her books are. It was beautifully read as well and so enjoyable. Thank you.
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- mr john a doyle
- 21-02-24
Clear and appropriate voiced reader
I enjoyed it thoroughly once I had slowed down the pace of reading which suited me.
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- April Cottage
- 28-10-23
An interesting and thought provoking story
Victoria Hislops books always make a good read. The story focuses on the stealing of Greek treasures by greedy people who wish only to make money or keep them for themselves. However her writing style lets down what should be an excellent read.
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- Aliki C
- 20-11-23
Another amazing book
I love all of VH books. This was not disappointing. The only comment I’d make is that as someone who is half Greek and speaks the language fluently I found some of the pronunciations a bit painful!
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- Dodd
- 28-11-23
The beauty of Greece
The narrator excellent. The story so pertinent as the return of treasures to their original country very much a discussion point at the moment
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- alc
- 12-01-24
history
pity the reader did not get the Greek right but overall the story with some historical points is very good
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- essex girl
- 27-02-24
I was intrigued by this book to discover that I knew little of the Greek history and surprised that I enjoyed it so much!!
A slow start and getting my tongue around names but it picked up and then I couldn’t put it down a great listen
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- Mrs
- 05-10-23
As always a wonderful read
A really interesting story with a very important message - can’t wait to get back to Greece - efcharistó poli Victoria
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