Welcome to Litsy!

This is fiction, but is based on/inspired by a true crime which culminated in the penultimate execution of a woman in Britain in the 1950s. It‘s told from the viewpoint of Zina and also her young Greek translator, Eva, and encompasses immigration, cultural translation and the treatment of women, particularly in the legal system, as well as the “whodunnit” element itself. The courtroom scenes are particularly sobering.

This is a historical crime novel based on an actual event…and it‘s so well written and intriguing!
Life isn‘t easy for Greek grandma Zina. Especially now that she‘s been accused of a crime in London where she does not speak the language. Enter Eva into Zina‘s life. It‘s the 1950s and translating for the accused was an afterthought. That age-old mother in law vs daughter in law relationship
Another #blameitonlitsy book, @TheKidUpstairs

Thank you so much, @TheKidUpstairs , for these wonderful #LittleChristmasSwap gifts! I‘m so glad you picked this book for me as I‘ve been dying to read it after seeing all the rave Litsy reviews. And Dairy Milk is THE BEST. ❤️❤️

And a big ‘thank you‘ to our host, @bookish_wookish ! ❤️❤️

#LCS

Photo 2-Can you see why I‘m speechless? Ohh! Those beautiful books. This is too much @Avanders Love them. They are right here with me. Should I sleep with them so I can embrace them the whole night?☺️The candles smell so good and they are so cute! The journal! It has that vintage look. I‘m considering to use it for 2025 using journaling topics @TheBookHippie has recommended. Stunning 😍 @Avanders Thank you for this beautiful thoughtful box⬇️

@MommyOfTwo Thank you so much for the lovely package of goodies! I am looking forward to all these reads! I've already made the first pot of coffee, and it's wonderful ☕️ @Avanders Thank you so much for organizing the #stuffedstockingswap #sss

I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!). Feel free to join in!

#ABookADay2024

I‘m posting one book a day from my massive collection. No description, no reason for why I want to read it (some I‘ve had so long I don‘t even remember why!). Feel free to join in!

#ABookADay2024

This was really good!
In 1950s London, Cypriot grandmother Zina Pavlou is accused of brutally murdering her daughter-in-law. As she speaks no English, interpreter Eva Georgiou is brought in to translate.
The result is a gripping courtroom drama combined with a thoughtful character driven portrait of these two women. It also confronts zenophobic and class issues within the justice system in a nuanced way that never feels too heavy-handed.

The format of this novel was very different from the other Gaskell works I've read and am used to. It isn't very stimulating to read. The book isn't plot or character-driven but is formatted as vaguely connected vignettes.