Books about Place: Eve Makis

To me, books about place are books that give us a real sense of somewhere. The kind of books where the place itself almost becomes a character, bringing together landscape, culture, people, smells, history and architecture to create a world we can step into. A little armchair travel, a little escapism, and plenty to fuel the imagination.

With all the renewed interest in Homer’s The Odyssey, it feels like a particularly good time to think about the places stories take us - from cinematic caves to islands dotted with goats, and all the wine-dark sea.

Earlier this month, we were delighted to welcome author Eve Makis to Inspire Libraries for a special event discussing her new novel, Where the Earth Holds Secrets. It was the first in a series of events with Eve, and we were particularly lucky to host her for her first UK event discussing the book.

It was a fascinating session, bringing together Eve’s experience as an author and university lecturer, her approach to storytelling, and the importance of our own family histories. There was so much to take away that it felt as though every corner of my brain had been given something to think about! I left reflecting on my own family stories, the memories we carry, and the connections between our personal histories and the wider world around us.

Where the Earth Holds Secrets is rooted in the real people and events of Cyprus, an island whose divided history continues to shape the lives and stories of its communities. Eve’s own family history is closely connected to the island’s past, including the disappearance of her uncle during the conflict in 1974 and the eventual discovery of his remains more than four decades later. The search was aided by the Committee on Missing Persons and investigative journalist Sevgul Uludag. One of the novel’s central characters, Nuray, is based on Sevgul, who sadly passed away just three months before the book was published.

The novel reminds us of the power of fiction to uncover hidden stories, explore difficult histories and give voice to experiences that might otherwise remain untold. Clare Harvey, author of The Gunner Girl, writes:

“Makis's poignant novel unearths the hidden secrets of Cyprus's war-torn past. An evocative, heart-wrenching read.”

Missed the first event? There are more opportunities to meet Eve.

Following the first event, Eve will be visiting further Inspire Libraries to talk about Where the Earth Holds Secrets, her writing and the real histories behind the novel. There is still chance for you to join us at one of the following events listed below.

Stapleford Library - Saturday 31 October 2026, 11am

Newark Library – Saturday 14 November 2026, 2pm

Worksop Library – Saturday 20 February 2027, 11am (details coming soon) 

Ravenshead Library - Tuesday 2 March 2027, 11.30am (details coming soon, a different session exploring our Books About Place theme in more detail).

You can borrow Where the Earth Holds Secrets on our online catalogue here.

Book stock correct as of October 2026.

Ellie works for Inspire as a Librarian working on reading development and stock purchasing.