Alexandros - the island
1968. An Aegean island known for its pagan Sanctuary of the Great Goddess, where pilgrims came in ancient times to endure a sacred ritual, enhanced by a psychotropic beverage, that promised eternal life. An English writer, a USPeace Corps Volunteer, a student of religion, a descendant of the emperors of Byzantium.... Their island, happily frozen in time, is threatened by the colonels' junta in Athens, and the evil plans of a wealthy Greek playboy to develop Alexandros for tourism. Everything on the island will change—and not for the better. In the end, a sacred ceremony, a tragedy and a transfiguration....
"Look what we found yesterday!"
Vasílis pointed to a tall, slender pot with a long handle on the side, in surprisingly good condition save for a few small chips. The decoration: black figures on a light background serving drinks to men in chairs.
“A lekythos,” she said. “The vessel for drinking kykeon during the ritual of the Mysteries. So?”
“So, it contained a dozen grams of residue, Dr Winkler.”
“A dozen grams? That may be enough to give us a recipe!"
“Yes. A recipe for the mind-altering drink of the gods.”
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Here's the first review. Full disclosure: it's provided by a friend who is an enthusiastic reader of my books, but also a critical thinker.—Tom Brosnahan
"I just finished Alexandros. I really loved reading it! Your storytelling is so engaging, and the mix of historical context and traveler details blends so organically with the story line. I found it very moving. Bravo!"