The Wine-Dark Sea explores the turbulence of the post-war era in Greece in this unforgettable and riveting new novel that will delight those fans who cherish The Island and The Figurine.

During three years of brutal civil war in Greece, thousands of children were caught in the chaos that swept across the country. Huge numbers were orphaned, many found themselves imprisoned alongside their mothers and others were left to fend for themselves. The Wine-Dark Sea follows the travails of a mother, searching for both a daughter who has been kidnapped and taken behind the Iron Curtain and a boy who, unbeknown to her, has been sold into adoption. 

Praise for The Wine-Dark Sea

A stunning new story from the bestselling author of The Island. Set in post-civil war Greece, it follows Fontini – a mother who loses both her children and is imprisoned. Once released, she is determined to find them. A powerful, historical story inspired by real events.
– Prima Magazine

In this deeply moving story, set against the turmoil of post-war Greece, a mother desperately searches for her two missing children: a daughter abducted and a son sold into adoption.
– My Weekly

Thought provoking,’ says Carol Glenn. Greece in 1946, as civil war engulfs the nation, Fotini is torn from her children when soldiers raid her village. Imprisoned on Chios, she befriends fellow captive Markella. Determined war won’t destroy her family, Fotini vows to find her child and Markella’s son too.
– Yours Magazine

A dramatic saga set in the 1940s Greek Civil War. Along with her baby son, Fotini is captured and imprisoned by the Hellenic Army. Her daughter has hidden, only to be taken by communists. Will Fotini find her daughter and a friend’s son, sold into forced adoption? A superb page-turner that brings history to life.
– Woman & Home

Life is simple for Fotini and her family in the mountain hamlet of Kalopetra – until the Greek War tears things apart. Government soldiers haul Fotini and her newborn son to a detention centre, then to a jail on Chios island. Her daughter, Iliana, hides with other children but is captured weeks later and sent elsewhere. Fotini refuses to give up hope of seeing her again. But with war raging, will they ever be reunited? A powerful story of war, separation and motherhood.
– The Sun

In 1946 Greece, as Fotini nurses her newborn son, her country is spinning into civil war. Soon she is separated from her daughter and imprisoned. Hislop brings to life a horrifying, little-known chapter of Greek history.
–  i Paper

The author of the 6-million-selling The Island is back with her 10th novel – and it’s as meticulously researched and richly atmospheric as you would expect. WW2 is over, but a brutal civil war is just beginning in Greece. When she is separated from her daughter, Fotini promises to find her again.
– Fabulous Magazine