The Figurine
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.
The Figurine is available to pre-order now
If anything can restore your joie de vivre, it’s Strictly!

'There's not been a day I haven't cried.'
Along with mutual friends, I had the pleasure of spending some happy New Year's Eves with lovely Annabel and Mel. He was wonderful.
So I can absolutely see why Annabel has signed up to compete in this year's Strictly Come Dancing. Because, while there's no magic bullet to cure heartache, no secret medicine that erases life's troubles and restores a lost sense of joie de vivre, Strictly is one thing on the planet that may help distract Annabel from her immeasurable loss.
I discovered this myself when, in 2021, while in painful rehabilitation from breast cancer surgery, I was offered the chance to appear on the Greek version of Strictly, known there as Dancing With The Stars.
When I was asked, at first I hesitated. I was so low, I could barely get out of bed. I had scars from my operation. I ached all over. I felt nearer 90 than 60. But after giving myself a good talking to, I agreed — and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Undoubtedly, there were hard moments — like when I was criticised by the judges and told to be sexier, more 'out there'. Somehow, I always refrained from yelling back: 'Hey guys! I'm doing my best. I'm 62 and arthritic! My left arm is restricted because of surgery! Give me a break!'
But I overcame it all. I didn't just survive on Strictly — I thrived. So I will be watching dear Annabel and rooting for her. And also for Strictly professional dancer Amy Dowden, who ... Read the full article
No dancing around ownership: The British Museum should hand back the Elgin Marbles

The Cretian Narrator

More News Stories
Maria’s Island
A dramatic and moving story set in the same world as the international bestseller The Island from the celebrated novelist Victoria Hislop.
The absorbing story of the Cretan village of Plaka and the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga – Greece’s former leprosy colony – is told to us by Maria Petrakis, one of the children in the original version of The Island. She tells us of the ancient and misunderstood disease of leprosy, exploring the themes of stigma, shame and the treatment of those who are different, which are as relevant for children as adults. Gill Smith’s rich, full-colour illustrations will transport the reader to the timeless and beautiful Greek landscape and Mediterranean seascape.
“The idea came out of a conversation with some school teachers in Crete.” said Victoria “They commented that there were so many themes in the story that were as relevant to children as to adults but felt that the original novel was a little too grown-up for many of them. I realised that much of the book is actually about children and their experiences of stigma and loss, so this has been a wonderful experience for me, to look at things through their eyes. Writing for children requires a whole different set of skills and I hope they will enjoy reading it.”
Buy Maria’s Island : Bookshop.org | Waterstones | Foyles | WH Smith | Amazon
Praise for Maria’s Island
The tale is narrated by Maria, one of the children in Hislop’s novel The Island, from which this engrossing yarn is skillfully adapted for younger readers.
― The Daily Telegraph
Sometimes poignant but never upsetting, this book highlights the strength of love, friendship and resilience over adversity. Complemented wonderfully by Gill Smith’s beautiful illustrations, this is an ideal book for older early readers who are ready explore more complex themes associated such as coping with adversity and having respect for others who may be different from themselves.
– Gazette Herald Books of the Month
I picked this book up as soon as it arrived and couldn’t put it down. My favourite things were the Greek setting and the history in the story, and I loved that the character was called Anna – best name ever! I didn’t know much about this story before I read it and enjoyed finding out about the adventures. I would recommend it to my friends. I liked the illustrations too.
— Anna, Age 11 ― Toppsta
“…a powerful story about love, stigma and hope.”
– Mini Travellers
Victoria on Facebook
It's been a joy to see copie#thefigurineurinVictoria Hislopislop landing in readers hands!
Comment with a picture of where you've been reading your copy, whether it's a beach or an armchair!
If you don't have your copy yet, get it here: geni.us/TheFigurine ... See MoreSee Less
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Just arrived today will be reading it in bed later tonight, can’t wait to start it. Any idea as to when will be published in Greek? Have to buy it for my mum as well 📖
Waiting for it to come in to the shop
Awaiting my signed copy…. Hopefully tomorrow!!!!
The Hague The Netherlands
Just started the book in my favourite chair at home. Just 3 days returned from my beloved Greece and much loved friends! So let's start this journey!
Waiting to be published in Greek!!!
Mine is by my bedside……
Finished it now, brilliant book
Vivement la sortie en France
Claire Johnson Your new copy arrived safely.
Can u tell me please , where I can watch postales carted
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Ever wondered how Victoria Hislop finds her inspiration? We asked her - here's what she had to say a#thefigurineurine... ... See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations
Congratulations!
I have ordered the book 📖..xx
Great review. Look forward to receiving my copy
Sue Cole
'a sensitivity that reveals her deep knowledge of ... the human condition'. i am struggling to reconcile this claim with the idea of a daily mail writer who is married to ian hislop
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Join Victoria at The Riverside Cinema in Woodbridge, Suffolk, on Wednesday 18th October (12pm) where she will be in conversation with Catherine Larner at this special lunchtime event to introduce her latest novel, THE FIGURINE – which shines a light on the questionable acquisition of cultural treasures and the price people, and countries, will pay to cling on to them.
🌿 Tickets: tinyurl.com/duc82ps ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Any of my friends VH fans?
There's still time to secure tickets to see Victoria atBooka Bookshopkshop hosted evenThe Holroyd Community Theatreeatre in Oswestry on Wednesday 4th October (7.30pm).
Tickets: tinyurl.com/bpbxtx72 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looking forward to seeing you again on Wednesday 😊
Victoria, you could make a shopping list interesting. I really look forward to reading all the books, especially enjoying the Greek themed ones, but can't wait to read this latest one. The style and quality of writing has to be applauded. Thank you