The Book - Eat, Drink and be Married by Eve Makis
» Read an extract from the book here
Synopsis by: Daily Express - Terrie Thackeray
Sweet memories, bitter reality... Constantina Papamichael has only three demands of her teenage daughter: to eat, drink and be married.
Although Anna has no problem enjoying the Greek-Cypriot delicacies her mother prepares for her, she is opposed to settling down with a nice boy in a four-bedroom house with a BMW on the driveway. Her plans go beyond working in her family's fish-and-chip shop on a rundown Nottingham council estate, and towards the realms of university life.
Although she isn't allowed the same freedoms as her older brother Andy or her beautiful cousin Athena, Anna has a close ally in her grandmother. As well as encouraging her follow her heart, Yiayia teaches Anna about her family's heritage and shows her how to tell the future from coffee cups and practise magic in the kitchen.
This bittersweet debut novel tells of Anna's struggle to please her parents yet break free from tradition while growing up as a first generation British Cypriot.
Author Eve Makis write with authority as, like her heroine, she too grew up in an English takeaway run by her Cypriot parents. The novel benefits from her first-hand knowledge of their native country and its traditions. Her evocative descriptions of the landscape and its jasmine-infused air, which make you understand why her family hold their memories so dear, contrast sharply with the images of the ugly, concrete council estate where they now work.
But the clever balance between heart-warming comic moments and events with dark undertones is what I found most intriguing. The comic rough and tumble of family life is countered by the racism and violence they face. Makis writes with great sensitivity on the issues of arranged marriages, family secrets and even rape. Her observations are consistently sharp and keep you engaged to the uplifting conclusion.
An easy-to-digest and highly enjoyable read.
» Read an extract from the book here
Translations
"Eat, Drink and be Married" is now available in different languages.
Buying the book
"Eat, Drink and be Married by Eve Makis" is available now in books shops.
Daily Express - Terrie Thackeray ****
"Author Eve Makis writes with authority as, like her heroine, she too grew up in an English takeaway run by her Cypriot parents. The novel benefits from her first-hand knowledge of their native country and its traditions. Her evocative descriptions of the landscape and its jasmine-infused air, which make you understand why her family hold their memories so dear, contrast sharply with the images of the ugly, concrete council estate where they now work.
But the clever balance between heart-warming comic moments and events with dark undertones is what I found most intriguing. The comic rough and tumble of family life is countered by the racism and violence they face. Makis writes with great sensitivity on the issues of arranged marriages, family secrets and even rape. Her observations are consistently sharp and keep you engaged to the uplifting conclusion.
An easy-to-digest and highly enjoyable read."
Narinder Dhami (author of Bend It Like Beckham)
"Heartwarming, funny, tragic and uplifting...the story has a feel good factor to equal My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
Waterstones Magazine
"...Torn between family bonds and stubborn idea about right and wrong three generations of women unfold a family saga through tales of love, war, courage and the help of a little kitchen table magic. Eve Makis's poetic and humane vision of life turns tragedy into comedy."
The Bookseller
"This book looks as charming as its content. This is an exploration of a Greek Cypriot community in the 1980's. It tackles the cultural differences and the generation gap, but it is also a humorous mother/daughter tale, delightfully told."
Nottingham Evening Post
"Anna makes for an instantly engaging narrator, with Makis' personable, present tense prose irresistibly drawing readers straight to the heart of her story, with its cast of beautifully observed characters.
Makis' publishers. - Black Swan - are well-known for having discovered high-profile authors like Monica Ali and Kate Atkinson and, as Makis takes us behind the scenes at the chip shop, her voice proves every bit as original and delightful as theirs.
This is a novel of irresistible good humour and like the Greek Cypriot recipes, that are peppered throughout, is a real treat to savour. "
Western Daily Press ****
"This is a laugh-out-loud tale of a Greek Cypriot family on a council estate in 1980's Nottingham. Anna's domineering mother thinks all Anna need do is cook well, wear frilly blouses and keep out of trouble for a nice, suitable Greek Cypriot husband. Only Anna's wise old grandmother Yiayia, who reads coffee grounds and practises magic, seems to understand her. Through Yiayia, Anna discovers secrets that have shaped her family. Makis overcomes problems inherent in stereotypical characters to produce a delightful, heart-warming read."
MetroLife
"Makis's life experience has contributed to the texture of the novel. This is definitely no cheap piece of chick lit..."
Waitrose Food Illustrated
"...Interspersed throughout the story are the traditional Cypriot recipes of Anna's grandmother, as well as her recollections of a turbulent past in Cyprus where food played a central role in family life. The result is a funny and warm-hearted account of cross cultural experience."
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Comments by visitors:
" I judged this book by the cover and was not disappointed! My favourite character is Tina, I love that she speaks her mind. This book is so silly and makes me laugh all the time. I can't wait to get my hands on 'the mother in law.' You're a great writer!!! !:-) "
Posted by: Kaki
9:40 am, 8th June 2007
" Somebody gave me this book by accident on Friday night, Its now 1am Sunday morning and I can't put it down.
Its so very real!!!! "
Posted by: Chris Michae
5:28 am, 25th March 2007
" You will have heard from Elsa Basden of Maroni who runs our Book Club how very much we all enjoyed 'East Drink and be Married'.
Having had a home in Cyprus for over 20 years - the first 9 years of which were spent in the Troodos Mountains - I found I could identify immediately with all the characters - your descriptions and character drawing were so accurate. Thankyou for such an enjoyable book.
However, I then went on to read 'The Mother-in-Law' and enjoyed that even more - thankyou. I do hope you will be able to visit our Book Group one day when you are next in Cyprus. "
Posted by: Rosemary Corner, Maroni, Cyprus
6:11 am, 17th February 2007
" This book is a must for any Brit living in Cyprus,the family is wonderfully whacky, Tina's English is a delight and instantly recognisable.The snippets of island history make one want to discover more and the recipes are great, my neighbour has tried them all! The book made me laugh and cry so its a winner for me. "
Posted by: Liz Scott
4:47 am, 14th February 2007
" The members of our book club reviewed this book at our last meeting and the general consensus was that it was an utter delight. Since many of us have lived here in Cyprus for some years we felt as tho' we knew YiaYia and Tina as neighbours and friends, we could 'hear' their voices, taste their food, be a part of the family intrigues, squabbles and machinations. Eve Makis writes with such poignancy and affection she drew us in completely and we all 'cared' about the characters she draws with such perception. Looking forward to reading her next book. "
Posted by: Elsa Basden Maroni Cyprus
2:02 am, 30th January 2007
" loved your book, and cant wait for the film!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Liz Parkin
Maroni book club
Cyprus. "
Posted by: Liz Parkin
2:01 am, 30th January 2007
" A charming and very funny insight into life behind the fish and chip counter, painting a poignant picture of a young woman's struggle for identity amidst cultural clashes, parental pressure and adolescent longing and confusion. The Mother - Daughter relationship at the novel's heart is acutely observed and at times hilarious. Beware, however, 'Eat Drink and Be Married' will not allow you to finish reading with dry eyes. A very satisfying read which also provides a compelling snapshot into the recent history of Cyprus. "
Posted by: Louise Frost
14:28 pm, 30th October 2006
" A genuine insight into the typical life of a 1st generation British born Cypriot girl. It can even double up as a Greek recipe book with each chapter beginning with the ingredients and instructions for a popular Greek dish! The book is charming and witty and in places totally hilarious. "
Posted by: Anonymous
4:36 am, 8th March 2008