Note: In the interest of full disclosure, I am friends with the author.

“Notes from a Villa in Santorini” is a unique book that will appeal to lovers of poetry, cross-cultural stories, family stories, and books that unfold over decades. It is clear from reading this novel that Colette Durphey really cares about her characters, excavating their backgrounds and traumas in a thoughtful, rich way, and that this story is something she dreamed up over time with care and love.

I particularly liked young Putrus and his train travel across Europe! It’s difficult to portray children well in literature, but he comes fully alive and is funny, cute, and easy to love. There is a scene with him wreaking innocent havoc during a Mass, which I could envision so clearly.

I also appreciated the tone shifts: the delightful whimsy of childhood, the fever-dream of being in love, the blue stagnancy of mental illness, and the slow rising out of grief and depression. The Iraqi history notes were absolutely fascinating, although some readers may find them distracting from the story. For me, it added a lot to the story; this is a perspective we rarely see in fiction, and I think that Chaldean culture (which I am familiar with) was explored thoughtfully and accurately.

There is a series of support group meetings that I found particularly interesting. Colette explores grief with sensitivity, and these scenes were all too easy to identify with. (Grief is a topic I really cleave to in literature, and I’m always interested in how various writers portray it.)

There is a slight twist toward the end that I was not expecting, and I liked it a great deal.

Overall, I feel like the author’s passion for her characters and story came through strongly, and the plot was expansive, and the prose was unique. In many places, it felt more like a poem than what various writers portray in a novel, and I’d be interested to see how Colette might approach a whole story in verse; her talents in poetry could lend a very interesting take on a too seldom explored structure. An idea for the future!

The two mothers are strong, lovely characters, and the friendship between the two families is portrayed beautifully and realistically.

There is a lot of sadness in this book, which I like and find real.

Congratulations on your debut, Colette! Very proud of you!

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

I received Colette’s novel as a gift from my daughter. I had been so excited to read this book from the moment I knew it was being written! I started reading it and couldn’t put it down, to the point that I didn’t realize my refrigerator had stopped working and was leaking all over😂. So, after a long pause and kitchen remodel, I finished the book. But I felt like I lost something along the way. However, I reread it, and it was like reading it for the first time all over again! Notes from a Villa in Santorini is an amazing, must-read novel! The descriptions of all the places they visited put the reader right there with the characters. Colette, the research for your novel must have been daunting. I am so proud of you. Your book is a winner and is written so well. ⭐️💖

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

I’ve read this love novel by Colette Durphey and will give quotes to offer the flavor of this book. It’s a detailed story about Vienna (Lola) and a man who adores her (from his very first childhood glimpse). But they were soon to be parted. When they meet again, years and years later, the grown child is now a man still madly in love with little Lola (Vienna), who is now a beautiful young woman with mysterious blue eyes and long, spiraling brown hair. He considers her “a poem.”

(Page 138) “She was different and accepted she was like no one else he had ever met. In the past, he observed her intensity listening to music. Oblivious to his presence, she inhaled the sounds, silently mouthing words, extending her fingers, and grasping the air. Her tiny waist danced in a sitting position while her hips swayed. When affected by a tune, she’d toss her hair in front of her face becoming innocently provocative.”

He writes a letter describing the horrendous torture he endured (at a place for political prisoners) since he last saw her and buries it in a hidden place in a cemetery. Will she find it?

The book is descriptive and at times a challenge to read. I appreciate that the author reviews the immense tragedy of the Persian Gulf War, describing “The Highway of Death” where many souls perished. Notable is the author’s seamless immersion of two cultures and how two families love each other. It highlights the sudden loss of happiness into its opposite, although—after years of trauma—Vienna wins and claims her spirit back in her own way:

(Page 295)
“Babe,
November
While dining this evening, the rippling brook besides my table said you’re crazy for me. Later, the water whispered in my ear of your love for me. Longing for you, I fantasized we merged in the fall winds and became spirits in the ocean […]
We are One,
Love,
Your dream girl”

There is a sense of resolution for Vienna at the book’s end:

(Page 296) “Touching you again would mean the clock arms on the dial stalled and reversed to our Santorini villa time, where life exalted us […] But the clock did chime the second that changed our destiny. However, I ascended into a past mind attic.”

Vienna comes to terms with her fate.

My favorite quote in this book is “Intense love is the worst and expects the most.”

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

We just received Colette’s book “Notes from a Villa in Santorini” and are looking forward to being engrossed in the story. I should have ordered two books. My wife snatched the book before me, so I’ll need to wait a little longer. The anticipation is creating so much excitement. We’ll delve into the spirit of Santorini. Thank you, Pegasus Publishing, for noticing Colette’s talent.

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

Colette,
I am anticipating getting lost in your book and experiencing this island adventure through your eyes. The cover of the book already has me curious and intrigued!
I’m looking forward to the next novel. Congratulations and what a beautiful pic!

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

 I am looking forward to reading Colette’s debut book, Notes from a Villa in Santorini, published by Pegasus Eliot Mackenzie, Ltd. I have preordered my copy. What an incredible accomplishment! I’m positive her hard work will pay off.

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

I’m really looking forward to the release of Colette’s new book, Notes From a Villa in Santorini. I know how hard she has worked and the time she has devoted to her dream. I can’t wait to read the book and experience her storytelling.

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

I can’t wait to dive into this book and experience the tender moments, vivid storytelling, and the unique charm that only this writer can bring. If you’re looking for a read that will make you smile, dream, and feel deeply, *Notes from  a Villa in Santorini* is one to watch out for!

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

The pictures were written. That appeared in the mind. Feel your heart listen. Experience the divine in Colette’s debut book.

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini

I’m looking forward to seeing Notes from a Villa in Santorini in print! It will be wonderful to see all of the hard work and sacrifices Colette endured while fulfilling her life’s passion of writing. I’m sure that all who get to read this story will witness Colette’s creativity and know that she poured her heart and soul into each experience conveyed.

 Notes from a Villa in Santorini