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The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou
The dark and addictive 2023 BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick that's inspired by true-crime events
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 2,906 ratings, 320 reviews)
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Inspired by a true story, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou is a historical crime novel set in the Greek diaspora of 1950s London about a woman accused of murder and the translator working on her trial.
Inspired by a true story, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou is a historical crime novel set in the Greek diaspora of 1950s London about a woman accused of murder and the translator working on her trial.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
'Tense. Moving. Morally complex. Zina Pavlou is wholly unforgettable.' Rachel Rhys
They say she's a murderer. She says nothing.
London, 1954.
Eva Georgiou has just returned from her shift at the glamorous Café de Paris, when she’s summoned to her second job: Greek interpreter for the Metropolitan Police. There, she is tasked with representing Zina Pavlou, a Cypriot woman who has been accused of the brutal murder of her daughter-in-law who has been bludgeoned, strangled, and then set alight.
Eva gets to work as Zina’s translator, but her concern grows that the case may be more complicated than it seems. Then Zina changes everything when she reveals she’s been accused of murder once before, years ago in Cyprus.
While Eva’s obsession with the case deepens, so does her bond with Zina. And soon she will discover that when you lend your voice to an accused murderer, it comes at a devastating cost.
A compelling historical crime novel set in the Greek diaspora of 1950s London – that's inspired by a true story – The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou is perfect for fans of Sara Collins, Eve Chase, and Jessie Burton.
Praise for The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou:
'A brilliantly crafted story of two women... and an absolute page-turner.' Louise Hare
'Prepare to become obsessed with Zina Pavlou!' Louise Mumford
'You know those books where you read a bit and then you have to stop to do life stuff but the characters are still in your head and you can’t wait to get back to it? This is one of those.' Frances Quinn
'A gripping true-crime drama... Kyriacou’s complex, perceptive and moving narrative brings these devastating events vividly to life.' Philippa East
'Storytelling of the highest order... Really powerful.' Leonora Nattrass
‘Eleni Kyriacou is a writer of immense talent... A captivating and important story written by an author at the top of her game.’ Victoria Dowd
'Glamour and grime in perfect proportion to produce a gripping thriller.' Trevor Wood
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews highlight that The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou is a compelling and atmospheric crime thriller set in 1950s London. The novel intricately portrays the immigrant experience while weaving a gripping narrative around a true crime case, featuring complex and memorable characters. Readers praise the book for its immersive storytelling, evocative depiction of postwar London, and its examination of societal norms and prejudices of the era.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781837930340
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 09 November 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 148.0mm
Height: 229.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 384
About the Author
Eleni Kyriacou is an award-winning editor and journalist. Her writing has appeared in the Guardian, the Observer, Grazia, and Red, among others. She’s the daughter of Greek Cypriot immigrant parents, and her debut novel, She Came To Stay, was published in 2020. Her latest novel, The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou, is inspired by the true-crime story of the penultimate woman to be executed in Britain.
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A Beautiful Way to Die
From the author of BBC Between the Covers pick The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou. 'Gripping and compelling.' LAURA MARSHALL 'A magnificent melodrama, full of glamour and grit.' THE TIMES THREE WOMEN. ONE SHOT AT REVENGE. Hollywood, 1954. At night, before we’re strapped to our beds, the nurses let us watch a movie. A moment of make-believe in this place...Paperback$3699Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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From the author of BBC Between the Covers pick The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou. 'Gripping and compelling.' LAURA MARSHALL 'A magnificent melodrama, full of glamour and grit.' THE TIMES THREE WOMEN. ONE SHOT AT REVENGE. Hollywood, 1954. At night, before we’re strapped to our beds, the nurses let us watch a film. We’re allowed a moment of make believe,...Hardback$4899Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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