A review by liseyp
The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thank you to the author, publisher Head of Zeus, and online book club The Pigeonhole for the chance to read this in the run up to publication day. Particular thanks to the author for writing such a compelling story that I also bought a copy of the ebook as soon as it published since the final part wasn’t released on Pigeonhole until the nect day and I couldn’t wait. This is an honest and voluntary review.

 

Eva works occasionally as an interpreter for the police. Called upon to help in the interview of a Cypriot grandmother accused of murdering her daughter-in-law, Eva is quickly pulled in to the role of Zina’s supporter and champion even after she uncovers hints about Zina’s past.

 

Based on the true story of the second last woman to be hanged in England this is a powerful book. Even without knowing that it is based on a real case it would be impossible not to be struck by the themes of the story.

 

The author has done an incredible job of writing well-rounded characters which are both flawed and well-intentioned (in Eva’s case) and walking a fine line between sympathetic, arrogant and traumatised (in Zina’s).

 

The inherent bias in the system and the people within it against a woman who cannot speak English and is unable to read and write in her own language is heartbreaking. The author again does a brilliant job in showing this, in both the subtle ways and the direct ways it appears, without appearing preachy. Sadly, but not unsurprisingly, the author’s note shows how these elements are amongst the most closely based on the reality of records of the time.

 

And, even while telling a dramatised version of a true story, and dealing with complex themes of what makes a good or a bad marriage or a healthy family tie, and the impacts poverty, racism and misogyny have on justice (or injustice) this book fundamentally remains a really well-written story, and that’s not at all easy to do.