A Sunshine Coast author has turned her winter escape to the Greek island of Hydra into a literary triumph. Shelley Dark’s debut memoir, ‘Hydra in Winter: An Island Escape in Search of a Greek Pirate’, recently claimed the #1 spot on Amazon’s bestseller list, delighting readers with its humor, history, and heartwarming charm.
The book chronicles Dark’s journey to uncover the story of her husband’s ancestor, Ghikas Voulgaris, Australia’s first Greek convict—a pirate who narrowly escaped execution to become a pioneer.
What began as a historical quest soon transformed into a soulful exploration of Hydra’s enchanting culture and scenery.
“My goal was to solve a historical mystery,” Dark told Neos Kosmos.
“But Hydra had other plans. The warmth of the locals, the island’s beauty, and the slower pace of life turned the trip into something unforgettable.”
Readers are treated to vivid depictions of Hydra’s iconic architecture, fresh seafood, and hardworking donkeys, along with Dark’s witty observations and tender reflections.
The memoir has struck a chord with history enthusiasts, travel lovers, and Philhellenes alike.
Kyra Geddes, author of The Story Thief, praised the memoir as “like drinking a bottomless glass of champagne—bubbly, refreshing, and bound to make you laugh.”
Dark and her husband, former cattle farmers from Queensland’s Granite Belt, now reside on the Sunshine Coast.
While Hydra in Winter marks her debut as a travel memoirist, she is already working on her next projects, including Son of Hydra, a historical novel delving into Ghikas Voulgaris’s remarkable life.
Hydra in Winter is available on Amazon and will soon grace local bookstores, offering readers a breezy escape to the Greek islands just in time for the holidays.
