The Return

Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada s cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city s shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet cafe, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain s devastating civil war.

Seventy years earlier, the cafe is home to the close-knit Ramirez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country s fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witnesses the worst atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.

“'THE RETURN may be a beach book, but it goes inland and rummages around in the cellars'”

A well-researched and meaty follow-up to The Island - The Times

THE RETURN may be a beach book, but it goes inland and rummages around in the cellars - The Times

Aims to open the eyes, and tug the heartstrings, of readers... Hislop deserves a medal for opening a breach into the holiday beach bag - Independent

Like a literary Nigella, she whips up a cracking historical romance with a dash of family secrets and a splash of female self-discovery - Time Out

Meticulously researched historical narrative and imaginative storytelling - Telegraph

Powerful stuff - Daily Mail

Excellent - Sunday Telegraph

A well-researched and meaty follow-up to The Island - The Times

Victoria Hislop is a writer and journalist. She writes travel features for the Sunday Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday and Woman & Home. Victoria lives in Kent with her husband, Ian Hislop, and their two children.

Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada s cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city s shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet cafe, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain s devastating civil war.Seventy years earlier, the cafe is home to the close-knit Ramirez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country s fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witnesses the worst atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.

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