THE UNSPEAKABLE ACTS OF ZINA PAVLOU.

 THE UNSPEAKABLE ACTS OF ZINA PAVLOU by ELENI KYRIACOU.

Genre ... Historical Crime

Publisher ... Head of Zeus – Aries Fiction

Publication Date ... 25th April 2024

Standalone Novel

Estimated Page Count ... 384

Purchase Link ... https://geni.us/TUAOZPRRR

THEY HAVE TOLD SO MANY LIES ABOUT ME.

​London, 1954. Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot grandmother, waits quietly in the custody of the Metropolitan police. She can't speak their language, but she understands what their wary looks mean: she has been accused of the brutal murder of her daughter-in-law.

​

Eva Georgiou, Greek interpreter for the Met, knows how it feels to be voiceless as an immigrant woman. While she works as Zina’s translator, her obsession with the case deepens, and so too does her bond with the accused murderer.

​

Zina can’t speak for herself. She can’t clear her own name. All she can do is wait for the world to decide...

IS SHE A VICTIM? OR IS SHE A KILLER?

​

A compelling historical crime novel set in the Greek diaspora of 1950s London – that's inspired by a true story – The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou is perfect for fans of Erin Kelly, Sara Collins, and Jessie Burton.

Based on the true story of mother and daughter in law, Styllou Christofi  and Hella Dorothea Christofis. Their harrowing crime one I wasn't familiar until I read about them in the author's notes.

With so many layers to the story; miscarriage, racism, misogyny, mental health, xenophobia, domestic abuse, to say nothing of a brutal murder and subsequent trial, The Unspeakable Acts Of Zina Pavlou already had all the makings of a good read and yet for me personally all this kind of paled into comparison when  given the gift of a character as memorable as Zina Pavlou.

A character the author could so easily have written in such a way that, even if we didn't dislike her, we had little sympathy for her BUT complex, vulnerable, flawed, beautifully and sympathetically portrayed; a truly memorable character, the likes of which I haven't read in a while, my feelings for her constantly changing, I liked Zina; I didn't like her quite so much; I was frustrated by her; I felt sorry for her; I was intrigued by her; perhaps most of all though, I felt her a victim as much as a perpetrator.

Not that she was the only character I enjoyed. I also liked interpreter Eva, enjoying the relationship between the two women and also that between Eva and her husband Jimmy who rather ironically given how immersed Eva has become in Zina's life are finding communication difficult; their feelings no longer easily expressed if expressed at all. 

Judged and found guilty of being 'coarse, peasant stock', of being unable to read or write her own language let alone speak English, what chance does Eva stand when it comes to being put on trial for her daughter in law's murder?  

Totally engrossed by this thought provoking and ultimately heartbreaking read. As her story unfolds and new revelations, revelations that Eva must choose to disclose or not, come to light, I defy you to read it and not feel the tiniest bit of empathy for Zina. 

Eleni Kyriacou is an award-winning editor and journalist. Her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Grazia, and Red, among others. She’s the daughter of Greek Cypriot immigrant parents, and her debut novel, She Came To Stay, was published in 2020. Her latest novel, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, is inspired by the true-crime story of the penultimate woman to be executed in Britain. Follow her on and www.elenikwriter.com.

Social Media Links ... 

Twitter: @EleniKWriter 

Facebook: Elenikwriter

Website: www.elenikwriter.com

With thanks to Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for organising a paper copy. One of several bloggers participating in the Blog Tour of this book, agree or disagree with me, all opinions are my own; no financial compensation was asked for nor given; threats of violence towards my favourite teddy bear went unheeded as did promises of chocolate.

Share the love by following their blog.

Take a few minutes to check out their newest post and leaving a comment, you’ll instantly put a smile on their face.

Share on FaceBook, X, Pinterest, and other social media sites, it shows that you care about their work and want others to enjoy it too!

The next time you see their post pop up on your feed, hit the like button, leave a comment, or even share it with your followers. It’ll defiantly make their day.