For the first time, I had been struck by the excitement of the traveler who looks history in her subtle face.

The thing that most haunted me that day, however...was the fact that these things had - apparently - actually occurred...For all his attention to my historical education, my father had neglected to tell me this: history's terrible moments were real. I understand now, decades later, that he could never have told me. Only history itself can convince you of such a truth. And once you've seen that truth - really seen it - you can't look away.

You are a total stranger and you want to take my library book.

In the end, I always act from the heart, even if I also value reason and tradition. I wish I could explain why, but I don't know.

Then you must say to her, 'Madame, I observe that your heart is broken. Allow me to repair it for you.

Natalie Bakopoulos has that rare gift, the ability to imagine a traumatic historical event in the form of individual lives and ordinary details. The Green Shore is compelling, personal, and full of quietly real moments.

In those days, I still thoroughly enjoyed the romance I called "by myself"; I didn't know yet how it gets lonely, picks up a sharp edge later on that ruins a day now and then-- ruins more than that, if you're not careful.