- Reading suggestion
- 16 July 2021
Readers of Europe 2021 - Cypriot recommendation
Readers of Europe - recommendation by the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU
Book selected: Μια θάλασσα κι’ έναν καιρό by Loucas Fourlas
Limassol is a small seaside town on the southern coast of Cyprus. Idyllic, warm and homely. A town that children can lose themselves in over long lazy summer days. Yet what happens when this tranquility is interrupted by incomprehensible events?
Loucas Fourlas 'Μια θάλασσα κι’ έναν καιρό' (which in English means 'A sea upon a time') offers a captivating childhood story.
It follows the true story of a group of children in Cyprus in the early 70s, in an old neighborhood of Limassol. Against the backdrop of the dramatic events of 1974, the children try to cope with the rapid changes that are taking place in their hometown and their lives. Finding their neighborhood in the midst of crossfire, they experience the pain of conflict, all the while trying to make sense of shocking, devastating events.
Imbued on every page with the innocence and unbridled energy of childhood, Fourlas transports you to an era which feels like another age for some, and just like yesterday for others.
Explore through the eyes of children some remarkable moments from a turbulent period in the contemporary history of Cyprus, during which peaceful landscapes were altered by devastating events, the scars of which are still felt today.
Vivid descriptions of places and characters are meshed with cultural and historical events. It is a moving testimony by an author who, through his story, travels nostalgically back to his hometown, to an era that has passed irrevocably.
An interesting aside to this selection is that the author Loucas Fourlas is a current Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the EPP party. Prior to that he worked as a journalist for 23 years.
For those looking to unearth Cypriot literary gems, discover more via Eureka, the online catalogue of the Council libraries.
About the Readers of Europe campaign - Travel across Europe through literature
Through the long months of winter, in the darkest depths of the pandemic, the thought of travelling again was a guiding light for many sailing towards uncertain shores.
Although people were confined to their homes, many made epic voyages in uncharted lands with the aid of an old friend - books. For many, books were used as an invaluable coping measure to help deal with the psychosocial strain of being confined to their homes. Reading has helped people in Europe and around the world to cope with isolation during enduring lockdowns, and to deal with the uncertainty about the future.
Summer 2021 has a more hopeful feel than last year. Rising vaccination rates and the EU Digital COVID Certificate will hopefully facilitate the safe, free movement of citizens in the EU.
But situations can change quickly during pandemics. Some people may prefer to have staycations in their country of residence. But whether you are travelling at home or overseas, the Council Library has found a ‘budget’ way to enable everyone to visit other European countries.
This summer the Council Library will whisk you away across the continent, moving not only across the Member States, but in and out of time as well.
We have once again invited colleagues from the Permanent Representations to the EU to make recommendations for books to read over the summer, with the second edition of our ‘Readers of Europe’ campaign. The theme for this years campaign is ‘Travel across Europe through literature’.
The literary pit stops on this tour will shine a light on some of Europe’s hidden charms, visiting places that are both eerily familiar and profoundly new. The works selected cover a broad range of genres, from contemporary to classic. Stories that penetrate deeply and consume entirely. Stories with strange beauty, nostalgia, mystery and love. Stories that showcase the vast wealth of European literature.
The itinerary is set. No passport is needed to go on this trip. The only carry-ons permitted are books and bookmarks (and maybe a cup of tea).
Join us as we travel across Europe through literature, as we once again encounter the ‘Readers of Europe’.
For more information about the EU Digital COVID Certificate, please see
This post does not necessarily represent the positions, policies, or opinions of the Council of the European Union or the European Council.
The Council Library reading room is currently closed. The Info Desk remains open online and will reply to queries by email from Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 16.00.