title: Before
author: Stembridge, Suzi
description: In 1827 the decisive Battle of Navarino in the Greek Peloponnese destroys the Ottoman fleet leading to the creation of the modern Greek state and eventually the Ottoman Empire's collapse in Europe.
   Along with courageous Greek patriots, Samuel, a naïve young Philhellene from Cheshire stumbles on an angry Pasha at the battle-scene.
   Chasing Samuel through the Mediterranean to this dangerous new state is the lovely and mysterious Susannah chaperoned by her loyal but ambitious servant. Through romance, tragedy and triumph, the good and evil of human nature is exposed and the lives of Susannah and four Greek orphans will have a lasting effect on Samuel and his descendants.
   The historical account and spirit of place will satisfy history buffs and armchair travellers alike and the unfolding story in this novel is a must-read, as much for the present day Philhellene as for someone who has never travelled to Greece.