Lotus Peeling for Kids

In April 2021, a travel writing classic was reissued for the first time in 20 years, to great acclaim. This stunning hardback gift edition, with illustrated end papers and a ribbon, includes original illustrations by Nancy Dignan and is now available. The inspiration behind Polly Samson's bestseller, "A Theatre for Dreamers," this book tells the story of Australian writers Charmian Clift and George Johnston, who, in 1951, left the grey, post-war London for Greece.

Settling first on the tiny island of Kalymnos and then Hydra, their plan was to live simply and focus on their writing. The result is Charmian Clift's best known and most loved books, "Mermaid Singing" and "Peel Me a Lotus." "Peel Me a Lotus," the companion volume to "Mermaid Singing," relates their move to Hydra, where they bought a house and grappled with the chaos of domestic life, while becoming the center of an informal bohemian community of artists and writers.

That group included Leonard Cohen, who became their lodger, and his girlfriend Marianne Ihlen. Clift paints an evocative picture of the characters and sun-drenched rhythms of traditional life, long before backpackers and mass tourism descended. The book offers a glimpse into a bygone era, when the island of Hydra was a haven for artists and writers seeking inspiration and a simpler way of life.

The narrative captures the essence of this idyllic period, transporting readers to a time when the island was untouched by the trappings of modern tourism. Clift's vivid descriptions and intimate insights into the lives of the community members provide a captivating and authentic portrayal of life on Hydra in the 1950s.

Through her writing, Clift invites readers to experience the natural beauty, vibrant culture, and enchanting atmosphere that drew so many creative individuals to the island. The book's enduring popularity and the recent reissue are a testament to the timeless appeal of this travel writing classic, which continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

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