A novel by Terence Cantarella – Synopsis
The summer of 1978 is brutally hot. The turmoil of Greek politics is a thing of the past and tourists are arriving in droves to enjoy the lazy, idyllic lifestyle on the island of Crete. Things are not as positive for twelve-year-old Alexi and his best friend Christo. Abused and neglected, the boys convince themselves they can sail a small fishing boat to America to escape their lives of poverty and find Alexi’s father, an American sailor.
Scavenging ancient pottery from the sea floor and selling it to tourists only proves moderately profitable. But their discovery of an ancient statuette, a Snake Goddess, suddenly brings their dream within reach when they realize they can sell it and buy a sturdy boat from an old drunken boat-builder in town. The boys’ plans are complicated, however, when the police and Christo’s violent older brother begin to suspect their black market dealings.
The Goddess in the Lemon Grove is a gritty tale of youthful ambition and a story about the bond of friendship between two young boys that have nothing in the world but each other. The story explores the timeless themes of escape, desire, and dreams of faraway places. As the boys struggle to make their dream a reality, they soon learn that life never gives you anything without conditions—and sometimes, the consequences can be tragic.
