Secrets of the Swamp

Secrets of the Swamp re-creates the early 20th century Macedonian Struggle between Greeks and Bulgarians, enacted "on land and water" at the swamp of Lake Giannitsa. Circulating in flat-bottomed boats through a maze of waterways lined with reeds, rival bands take refuge in fortified lake huts by day and embark upon land raids at night. Two memorable children--Jovan the "little Bulgarian" and Apostolis the adolescent Greek guideare central to a plot resembling that of a spy story. Other key characters include real-life heroes Captains Agras and Nikiphoros, the mysterious giant Gregos, a courageous teacher Miss Electra, and Vasilis, native of a destroyed Greek village. With mounting intrigue and danger, as both sides strive for control of land under Turkish occupation, the once secluded swamp becomes transformed into a battleground of sweeping proportions. Author Penelope Delta is regarded as the most widely-read 20th century Greek writer for youth. This is her popular historical novel, just translated into English by Ruth Bobick.