Can a book change an island?

Cyprus (SANEPR.com) August 27, 2008 -- I live in Cyprus, a divided island since the Turkish invasion of 1974. The ramifications of which have been headline news every day since. As the political machinations grow ever closer to resolving the island’s status (hopefully). The people of the south; the Greek Cypriots go about their daily business as they have done since 1974.

Much of that daily business has been built on tourism, because Cyprus is blessed with a year round sunshine climate, and golden beaches in the south such as Ayia Napa and Prodaras. That said, the best beaches of all on the island, remain under Turkish occupation in the ghost town of Famagusta; once the equivalent of the ‘Riviera’ and location of the 70’s jet- set.

Other tourist resorts in the south include Limassol, as well as the airport towns of Larnaca and Paphos.

Paphos, is really what this article is all about, because on the coast leading into the town of Paphos lies a tourist site that is etched in legend and mystery, it’s name ‘Petra Tou Romiou’ the celebrated birthplace of the Goddess Aphrodite. It is said that she emerged from the sea foam on this very spot some 5,000 years ago to take her place in Greek mythology as the Goddess of Love and Beauty.

When visiting the site, there is a somewhat unique atmosphere; almost as if a mystery shrouds the very place; because the site is simply three rocks in the sea; one large, and two smaller ones. Not what you would think as particular enigmatic of such a majestic occurrence.

But my new fictional book, “The Mistress of the Rock”, throws new light on the whole place, by uncovering what could be the real mystery behind the rock. Set in the present, the story evolves around a chance discovery that literally changes the island’s perspective and brings a whole new meaning to the legend. It also provides a transformation for the tourist market, which up until now, has been undergoing a lull in visitors to the island.

The premise of the story actually rejuvenates the whole island and prosperity begins to enrich the people’s lives. Moreover, because the location is totally within Greek territory all the attention is centred on the Greek and ex Patriot communities as well as the tourists who visit. The story actually injects capital throughout the island and puts Cyprus back on the map. This is the fiction!

But what if that fiction could become a reality? Certainly the story provides enough opportunity for it to become so; aside from the main narrative, the essence of the story does have its roots in fact.

The odd thing is that every time I pass by the place; I can’t help thinking that what I have written is real, I hope that is the feeling that people get when they read the story and then maybe take the time to visit; to see if it really is true. There is also for me an odd feeling about this whole situation because as I have said, even though the story is fictional. The possibility that art could mirror real life fills me with a sense of real excitement as well as trepidation.

Prompting the question is: Is it possible that a book could change an island?

And if so what I have started!

That is yet to be seen with the book not available until September 2008, although advance copies can be ordered direct from the publisher Power Publishing Limited
http://www.power-ebooks.net price €14.00 (USD 22.50) plus packaging.

http://www..themistressoftherock.com. By Power Publishing Limited Nicosia Cyprus