STORY OF IAIN & KALYMNOS

I fell in love with Kalymnos when I first visited over 20 years ago. There is something about the nature of it’s landscape, the wonderful scenery, the history, the food and wine and most importantly the people. The warmth and honesty of their welcome and friendship is more than special. Wherever you roam across the island it’s the same.

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My tie with the village of Emporios comes from my very first visit, flying out to surprise my very good friend Miles as he celebrated his 50th birthday. We stayed at the Asteri Hotel and frequented the taverna next door, owned and run by Pavlos Michas and his family. Little did I know from that first visit over the next twenty years we would become like family and share so many experiences of life in and around Kalymnos.

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Over time I have learnt so much about the history of the island and in particular the place sponge diving holds in shaping the lives of the Kalymnians. It is a story that touched me deeply and one that I wanted to share, to give people a deeper insight beyond the sights and sounds that being a tourist offers.

I didn’t want my debut novel to be a straight non-fiction record of the facts, but rather a tale that uses my experiences and take of the sights, sounds, fun, frivolity, love, friendship and madness that has been my relationship with the island and its people. At its heart this book also explores the dynamic of a contemporary relationship tinged with personal troubles and regrets and whether an understanding of others who have suffered loss provides a route for reconciliation.