Smorgasbord Book Promotions – New Book on the Shelves – #Memoir #Greece Unpacking for Greece: Travel in a Land of Fortresses, Fables, Ferries and Feta by Sally Jane Smith

Delighted to share the news of the recent release of the memoir Unpacking for Greece: Travel in a Land of Fortresses, Fables, Ferries and Feta by Sally Jane Smith.

About the book

When Sally sets out for Europe with her mother’s 1978 travel diary in her pocket, she is searching for the wanderlust she lost in a devastating overseas road accident.

As she ventures into the heart of the Mediterranean – wandering volatile landscapes, exploring historical sites, pairing books with places and savouring the tastes of Greece – she finds it is possible for a clumsy, out-of-shape woman on a budget to experience a life-changing journey.

In a story told with warmth, humour and a fascination with Greece’s natural and cultural heritage, Sally connects with her past, overcomes her fears and falls in love with life again, one olive at a time.

One of the early reviews for the book

Kate McGowan 5.0 out of 5 stars An evocative and reflective journey through Greece, filled with history and wit.  Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 27 May 2023

Unpacking For Greece took me on a journey of body, mind and spirit. Much more than a memoir of physical travel, Sally also navigates through themes of trauma and loss, on a voyage to rediscover her wanderlust. Though there are some deeper and poignant moments, this memoir is ultimately uplifting and inspiring. Filled with healing, hope, wit and self-effacing humor. You feel such a connection to Sally which grows stronger with every page.

Each site you visit together, her evocative and delicate descriptions make you feel as through you are experiencing them through your own senses. Even places I had previously visited, I found myself learning something new about their rich history or exploring them from an alternative angle.

There is a beautiful sensitivity in Sally’s writing, which makes this memoir truly special. Not only in her moving self-reflections, but also the concious ways she respects the culture, history and people she encounters. This memoir made me question my own humility at times. And also, as I enter mid-life myself, it provided the affirmation that life can always be considered extrordinary if it is defined by your passions. 

Read the reviews and buy the book: Universal Link – Amazon AU – Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Sally Jane Smith has also contributed to the following anthology.

Buy the books: Amazon AU – Amazon US – Amazon UK – Follow Sally Jane: Goodreads –  Website – Facebook: Journeys In Pages – Twitter: @JourneysInPages

About Sally Jane Smith

Sally Jane Smith has lived on five continents and visited thirty-three countries, but she gives credit to Greece for turning her into a writer. She has worked in museums, universities, a language institute, a residence for people with disabilities, an art gallery, a primary school and a wildlife park. She also co-hosts two book clubs and assists the organisers of a biennial book-themed convention. She is currently based in Australia.

Sally completed a Varuna residency in 2018 and has published travel articles in Gulf News and TripFiction, and craft pieces in Women’s Ink! and Brevity Blog. Sally’s story of her great-great-grandmother’s extraordinary life appears in the anthology Itchy Feet: Tales of Travel and Adventure. Her exploration of travel and grief is included in the Newcastle Short Story Award Anthology 2022.

Excerpts from the Packing for Greece series have been awarded First Place Non-Fiction in the Port Writers Open Literary Competition and shortlisted in the National Writing Competition organised by the Society of Women Writers NSW.

 

Thanks very much for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share the news of Sally Jane’s new release… thanks Sally