In the summer of 1972, Famagusta in Cyprus is the most desirable resort in the Mediterranean, a city bathed in the glow of good fortune. An ambitious couple are about to open the island’s most spectacular hotel, where Greek and Turkish Cypriots work in harmony. Two neighbouring families, the Georgious and the Özkans, are among many who moved to Famagusta to escape the years of unrest and ethnic violence elsewhere on the island. But beneath the city’s façade of glamour and success, tension is building.
When a Greek coup plunges the island into chaos, Cyprus faces a disastrous conflict. Turkey invades to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority, and Famagusta is shelled. Forty thousand people seize their most precious possessions and flee from the advancing soldiers. In the deserted city, just two families remain. This is their story.
The Sunrise is now available in paperback. Buy it here.
Praise for “The Sunrise”
‘Vibrant… Hislop brings history to life in this compelling tale’ (Tatler)Hislop brings her consummate storytelling skills to this enthralling tale of love, marriage and a community all put to the test (Woman & Home)
Heartbreaking… A fascinating insight into a part of Mediterranean history that isn’t often explored (Essentials)
An imaginative tour de force, and a great read
(Daily Mail)
Fascinating (Sunday Mirror)
Hislop’s writing effectively weaves the personal into the political without ever becoming overbearing. An informative but equally emotional read (Woman)
Fascinating and moving… Hislop writes unforgettably about Cyprus and its people (The Times)
An absorbing tale about family, friendship, loyalty and betrayal, set during a violent period in the history of Cyprus (Good Housekeeping)
Intelligent and immersive… Hislop’s incisive narrative weaves a vast array of fact through a poignant, compelling family saga (The Sunday Times)
‘Some beautiful writing about a difficult period in time makes for a great read’ (Sun)
Adroitly plotted and deftly characterised, Hislop’s gripping novel tells the stories of ordinary Greek and Turkish families trying to preserve their humanity in a maelstrom of deception, betrayal and ethnic hatred (Mail on Sunday)
One of the best things about this novel is the way Hislop depicts the growing teamwork, love, respect, and trust which two families of opposite persuasions manage to establish
(Independent on Sunday)
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