Mermaid Singing

In 1951, the Australian writers Charmian Clift and George Johnston, seeking a simpler life and focused pursuit of their craft, left the grey, post-war landscape of London for Greece. Settling first on the tiny island of Kalymnos, then moving to Hydra, they purchased a house and immersed themselves in the chaos of domestic life, while simultaneously becoming the center of an informal bohemian community of artists and writers.

Peel Me a Lotus, the companion volume to Clift's best known and most loved book, Mermaid Singing, relates their journey to Hydra and the vibrant tapestry of characters that surrounded them. This eclectic group included the renowned poet Leonard Cohen, who became their lodger, and his girlfriend Marianne Ihlen.

Clift's evocative writing paints a vivid picture of the sun-drenched rhythms and traditions of the island, long before the arrival of backpackers and mass tourism. She captures the essence of this unique community, where the boundaries between art, life, and interpersonal relationships were blurred, creating a captivating narrative that transports the reader to a bygone era.

Through her descriptive prose, Clift weaves a tapestry of the island's natural beauty, the quirks and idiosyncrasies of its inhabitants, and the challenges of adapting to a simpler, more self-sufficient way of living. The readers are immersed in the chaos and joys of the household, the camaraderie and creative exchanges among the artists, and the timeless allure of the Aegean landscape.

Peel Me a Lotus stands as a testament to the power of place and the transformative impact it can have on one's artistic and personal journey. Clift's vivid portrayal of this vibrant, bohemian community on the island of Hydra serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring appeal of a life lived in pursuit of creativity, simplicity, and the pursuit of one's passions.

product information: