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Greek Village/Greek Island #11
The English Lesson
The novella The English Lesson is the eleventh book in the series The Greek Village Collection by the INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING AUTHOR Sara Alexi.
The English Lesson is an inspirational novella set in the sun drenched climes of a sleepy Greek Village, and as we find ourselves amongst the interwoven lives of those who live there, we follow the bravery of one lady who, in her older years, is yearning to make a final dream come true.
Toula receives an invitation to her granddaughter’s third birthday and to attend means venturing out on a trip from her beloved Greece to England where her daughter’s family have settled.
Her husband refuses to go, and after years of being in a controlling marriage, Toula understands that means she also cannot go. But now, after a lifetime of having the decisions made for her, of being voiceless and no more than a wallflower, Toula decides to take matters in to her own hands.
As plans for her future start to transpire, long lost feelings of rejuvenation and determination come flooding back to her. Life in the rut is no longer enough.
But will Toula find a way to finally stand up and do what she wants to do? What extremes will she go to? And will she be prepared to accept the consequences?
In a story of transformation against the odds and deciding that it is never too late, find out if Toula will at last be reunited with her family.
If you enjoyed The English Lesson you'll love book twelve in the series, The Priest’s Well. Find it on Amazon now!
The English Lesson is an inspirational novella set in the sun drenched climes of a sleepy Greek Village, and as we find ourselves amongst the interwoven lives of those who live there, we follow the bravery of one lady who, in her older years, is yearning to make a final dream come true.
Toula receives an invitation to her granddaughter’s third birthday and to attend means venturing out on a trip from her beloved Greece to England where her daughter’s family have settled.
Her husband refuses to go, and after years of being in a controlling marriage, Toula understands that means she also cannot go. But now, after a lifetime of having the decisions made for her, of being voiceless and no more than a wallflower, Toula decides to take matters in to her own hands.
As plans for her future start to transpire, long lost feelings of rejuvenation and determination come flooding back to her. Life in the rut is no longer enough.
But will Toula find a way to finally stand up and do what she wants to do? What extremes will she go to? And will she be prepared to accept the consequences?
In a story of transformation against the odds and deciding that it is never too late, find out if Toula will at last be reunited with her family.
If you enjoyed The English Lesson you'll love book twelve in the series, The Priest’s Well. Find it on Amazon now!
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2015
136 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Sara Alexi
37 books317 followersBest selling author Sara Alexi was born in Oxford, England. After travelling widely she now splits her time between England and a tiny rural village in the Peloponnese, in Greece, where she has renovated a stone farmhouse, whilst observing the Greek way of life and absorbing the culture.
As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.
Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.
If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.
www.Saraalexi.com
She would also love you to friend her on;
https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi
You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...
As a qualified psychotherapist, Sara ran her own practice for years. Her artistic nature was, during that time, confined to painting and she exhibited widely. Her move to Greece was the catalyst that began her writing.
Her 'Greek Village Series' has been very well received and provides a keenly observed, compassionate insight into the Greek people and culture, and the human condition in general.
If you would like a complementary copy of the first in "The Greek Village" Series please follow the links on her web site.
www.Saraalexi.com
She would also love you to friend her on;
https://www.facebook.com/authorsaraalexi
You can also read a recent interview with Sara here: https://saraalexi.com/2016/03/19/unde...
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 5, 2015
Another great, cosy read.
Here's a shorter, novella length read with that winning formula from Sara Alexi. I loved it, it was so quick and easy to get into and I just read and read until I finished it. The story concerns one of the villagers wanting to take some English lessons with Juliet. It's a story of a 'Worm turning', a woman becoming stronger in response to an uncaring husband. Toula's plans are making her feel rejuvenated, lively, getting out of the rut. This was lovely cosy reading and a heart warming story. I usually like to read a book series in order but with Sara Alexi's Greek Village Series you really don't have to, indeed, I didn't with this book-each book cameos a particular character or two from the village and everything is self contained, standalone, some characters from previous books are mentioned but it really doesn't matter if you haven't met them before by reading the other books. I love the great descriptions of the area, the buildings etc. Even at the start it gives you that easy, cosy feeling, perfect escapism. It soon became irresistible-it was my day off and I did nothing but read this! I felt kind of guilty like I should be doing something else (like the dusting) but was enjoying the luxury of just sitting reading this, it flows so easily, very enjoyable and then an unexpected twist. Every time I thought 'right I'll put it down for a bit and do something' there was something else interesting popping up-so I needed to read on! Don't be put off that it's shorter than her other books, it's still great and it still has good detailing. Another winner from Sara Alexi.
Here's a shorter, novella length read with that winning formula from Sara Alexi. I loved it, it was so quick and easy to get into and I just read and read until I finished it. The story concerns one of the villagers wanting to take some English lessons with Juliet. It's a story of a 'Worm turning', a woman becoming stronger in response to an uncaring husband. Toula's plans are making her feel rejuvenated, lively, getting out of the rut. This was lovely cosy reading and a heart warming story. I usually like to read a book series in order but with Sara Alexi's Greek Village Series you really don't have to, indeed, I didn't with this book-each book cameos a particular character or two from the village and everything is self contained, standalone, some characters from previous books are mentioned but it really doesn't matter if you haven't met them before by reading the other books. I love the great descriptions of the area, the buildings etc. Even at the start it gives you that easy, cosy feeling, perfect escapism. It soon became irresistible-it was my day off and I did nothing but read this! I felt kind of guilty like I should be doing something else (like the dusting) but was enjoying the luxury of just sitting reading this, it flows so easily, very enjoyable and then an unexpected twist. Every time I thought 'right I'll put it down for a bit and do something' there was something else interesting popping up-so I needed to read on! Don't be put off that it's shorter than her other books, it's still great and it still has good detailing. Another winner from Sara Alexi.
July 5, 2015
I had hoped to like it enough to read the series, but I didn't.
November 22, 2015
This novella was a bit creepy. It is my least favorite of the series.
November 10, 2016
Another great read. A slow start but got better. Loved the ending...almost an emergency stop.
Want to read
December 19, 2016I only got through a couple of chapters. Found it a struggle to read this author's writing style. Might be just this book. I think I've read her before and enjoyed her work.
February 8, 2022
Set in a Greek village, we follow an elderly Greek lady, Toula, who wants English lessons in order to be able to communicate with her grandchildren who live in England. Juliet is a native English speaker, now living in Greece, who agrees to help her. As the story unfolds we discover more about Toula’s life & relationship and see her grow into her independence. The author does a great job of setting the scene with great descriptions of the buildings, the people and the food.
A story about freedom, growth and living your dream, this is a novella so a nice quick read. I am not sure what I think about the ending. It was not the unexpected twist that it could have been, but equally it seemed quite abrupt and sudden and I wanted just another paragraph or two about what happened next!
This is the first book by Sara Alexi that I have read & I will seek out others
A story about freedom, growth and living your dream, this is a novella so a nice quick read. I am not sure what I think about the ending. It was not the unexpected twist that it could have been, but equally it seemed quite abrupt and sudden and I wanted just another paragraph or two about what happened next!
This is the first book by Sara Alexi that I have read & I will seek out others
June 10, 2017
Never read anything by Sara Alexi before - I was a sucker for the cover, I mean a cat with a blue door? How could you not want to read it.
A novella, in the Greek Village series - however, our library system doesn't seem to own the entire series - but this could be read as a stand alone easily.
Sara had a very good command of describing the architecture of the small village, felt the heat of the day, smelled the sea water, and tasted the drinks.
The ending came as something of a surprise, yet not as much as one would think.
A novella, in the Greek Village series - however, our library system doesn't seem to own the entire series - but this could be read as a stand alone easily.
Sara had a very good command of describing the architecture of the small village, felt the heat of the day, smelled the sea water, and tasted the drinks.
The ending came as something of a surprise, yet not as much as one would think.
July 27, 2017
Another great story with a wonderful twist at the end that made me laugh out loud!
August 19, 2017
Probably one of the best books in the series!
July 3, 2019
Loved the book...new it would be good and it was...Just like all the others in this series...wish there were more.
December 22, 2021
lovely whimsical tale
Read
February 26, 2017good book cant wait for the next one in the series
February 21, 2017
A novella rather than a novel, but very enjoyable. Once again, as with the majority of Sara Alexi's works, it's set in Greece. I was very amused and also surprised by the great twist at the end. A very good brief read.
April 4, 2016
This book was short but a great story, with a twist at the end, that surprised me! Having now finished all of the Greek Village series, I'm left feeling like I've returned home, from a wonderful holiday. I can't wait for another! I have loved these, extremely well written books and highly recommend them. I have recommended them to family.
Every time I think I've read the last of her books, Sara writes another, of which I am very glad.
Every time I think I've read the last of her books, Sara writes another, of which I am very glad.
April 4, 2016
Oh! Wow. I have read all of Sara Alexi's books and this one did not disappoint. I loved it. It came out today and I have already read it. I could not put it down. I don't want to give any of it away but I love the element of mystery in this one. I think that is why I could not put it down. I had to find out what happened. Thank you Sara. I can't wait for your next one. I have never loved to read so much till I found you. Hugs! Judy in Georgia.
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May 22, 2015
Once again Sara Alexi Delivers a Winner
Sara,s writing has you feeling the temperature, smelling the scents and hearing the town's noise. I love every single book and this one doesn't t disappoint. Slight macabre ending which endeared me further. Thank you Sara for another adventure.
Sara,s writing has you feeling the temperature, smelling the scents and hearing the town's noise. I love every single book and this one doesn't t disappoint. Slight macabre ending which endeared me further. Thank you Sara for another adventure.
August 5, 2015
Pleased again ...
As usual I enjoyed I yes this one & feel I have a clear visual of Saros. It was nice to revisit Juliette & Michelle's characters & storylines. I wish there were a bit more about Toula & any post feelings the character might've experienced. Hopefully Juliette will have more of a story in a subsequent novella or novel.
As usual I enjoyed I yes this one & feel I have a clear visual of Saros. It was nice to revisit Juliette & Michelle's characters & storylines. I wish there were a bit more about Toula & any post feelings the character might've experienced. Hopefully Juliette will have more of a story in a subsequent novella or novel.
April 6, 2016
Sara Alexi's Greek Village books are a window into a beautiful part of the world. Her characters are very real and you will feel you know them as your friends as they intertwine into each other's lives throughout the series. The books are a holiday to a place and people that not every one can travel to on an airplane...but anyone can travel there through the pages of her books. Enjoy the trip!
January 13, 2017
Wonderful story
I had read and loved the Illegal Gardener by Sara Alexi some time ago and came across her list of novels recently choosing The English Lesson. It is a lovely story about freedom and breaking away to fulfill a dream.
I'm now choosing another of her novels from her vast collection of works knowing I will be happy with with whatever I choose.
I had read and loved the Illegal Gardener by Sara Alexi some time ago and came across her list of novels recently choosing The English Lesson. It is a lovely story about freedom and breaking away to fulfill a dream.
I'm now choosing another of her novels from her vast collection of works knowing I will be happy with with whatever I choose.
April 6, 2016
This may be a novella but the characters leapt off the page and entered into the village family. Hated to see it end and can't wait for the next book. Loved that Michele and Juliette were continued with the promise of much more to come.
May 24, 2016
Greek to English translation can be tough
Sara Alexi delivers another slice of the life and times in a small village in the Greek islands. It feels like it's a visit with friends and always filled with love, laughter and true life moments. Do not pass up this series.
Sara Alexi delivers another slice of the life and times in a small village in the Greek islands. It feels like it's a visit with friends and always filled with love, laughter and true life moments. Do not pass up this series.
May 27, 2015
Enjoyed the series.
I enjoyed reading this series and getting to know the characters throughout. They now seem like my friends and relatives.
I enjoyed reading this series and getting to know the characters throughout. They now seem like my friends and relatives.
February 17, 2016
Toula's story! Yeow!!! The shiver at the end ... like Michele? Or like Toula? And the cat ... two faces, the smile, and ... the ankle! Omgawsh!!!
May 20, 2016
Bit short but good story
June 14, 2016
More reading excitement!
January 3, 2017
Not far to have this be book 11 as it really is a novella.
Great story with cliff hangers. I adore the way the characters interweave between the books.
Great story with cliff hangers. I adore the way the characters interweave between the books.
April 5, 2016
Loved the character of Toula!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews