Lascarina Bouboulis and the Greek War for Independence
This historical novel about Lascarina Bouboulis and her role in the Greek War for Independence is inspired by the life of a woman who earned the title of ‘Admiral’ in the Greek navy. It transports the reader to the seemingly quiet island of Spetses, then a remote corner of the Ottoman Empire, where dreams of freedom still lived in the hearts of the Sultan’s Greek subjects.
The book opens in 1786, at a fateful moment in the life of the fifteen-year-old Lascarina Lazarou. Lascarina is the subject of much gossip; no one in her small village knows who her father is, and Lascarina’s mother takes care to guard this secret even from her own daughter. Worse yet, Lascarina possesses skills considered highly improper for a girl; she is a brilliant sailor and can read and write. The lessons Lascarina learns when she competes in a hard-fought sailing race will stand her in good stead all her life. In addition, she discovers that, for one young man with an independent mind, a troublesome reputation is no obstacle to friendship.
Lascarina passes into history with the name Bouboulina. She brings the battle for freedom to the door of the Sultan’s palace, winning help from a highly unlikely ally to whom she makes a momentous promise. Using her own fortune, she builds a fleet of warships. The resourceful Bouboulina navigates the intrigues of the Russian and Ottoman courts and, with a cast of other colorful Revolutionary characters, rallies her countrymen to wage their War for Independence in 1821.
A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of paperback and hardcover copies of the book will go to The Bouboulina Museum on the Greek island of Spetses and the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The Bouboulina Museum on the island of Spetses was founded in 1991 and is housed in the 17th century mansion of Greek naval commander and heroine Laskarina Bouboulina. It is a private, non-profit institution, and its main objectives, apart from the restoration and maintenance of the building and grounds, are its function as a cultural center, and ensuring that this legendary woman’s story is known to the world.
The American Farm School offers superior general and technical education based on the environmental, food, agricultural and life sciences for youth and adults. The School’s holistic and experiential education prepares and inspires the whole person to lead, innovate and contribute to the sustainable future of Greece and its neighbors.
Books are available at these locations:
Silver Street Media: Hardcover, Paperback and e-book – https://silverstreetmedia.com/products/sailing-with-the-wind-of-freedom-lascarina-bouboulis-and-the-war-for-greek-independence?variant=44565942534434
Amazon: Paperback – https://www.amazon.com/dp/1941573398
E-book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW1896M1
Barnes & Noble: e-book - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sailing-with-the-wind-of-freedom-katherine-kaye/1144981242?ean=2940185634486
Bookstores or organizations interested in ordering 10 copies or more of the hardcover or paperback should contact Damianos Publishing at info@DamianosPublishing.com or by calling 508-872-4880.
Praise for Sailing with the Wind of Freedom
“"...The characters are well developed, both emotionally authentic and historically grounded, and they bring the world of 19th-century Greece to life. Andreyev’s grayscale illustrations elegantly complement the text’s imagery. An engaging novel about the life of a fascinating historical legend."
“…The road to freedom was long, complicated and dangerous, as Kaye makes clear in a richly told story that engages with themes of love, families, war, and oppression. Bouboulina’s life in crucial ways mirrors that of Greece itself…”
BookLife Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“This passionately told and beautifully illustrated story of an exceptional woman transports the reader into the heart of the Greek struggle against the Ottoman Empire. Lascarina overcomes seemingly impossible odds and oppressive traditions to become a true folk hero.”
“We are indebted to Katherine Kaye for giving us the story of Lascarina Bouboulis, the Themistocles of her generation. The prose flows beautifully, a great read for all ages!”
John Lee, Ph.D., Head of Upper School at the Geneva School of Manhattan
“An inspiration to young and old alike, especially to girls…though men and boys will like it just as much. The battle scenes are authentic. It is a story of swashbuckling adventure, fast-paced and riveting…”
James H. Lagos. attorney and advocate for the rule of law for Greece and Cyprus
E.V. Svetova, author of Print in the Snow and Over the Hills of Green
“Masterfully illustrated in a uniquely Byzantine style, this book is a precious discovery for a collector of luxurious editions.”
Cate Hendrickson, editor at Ananke Press
“…Brings the gift of learning to people of any age as it introduces them to the woman who helped move Greece toward a life of independence.”
“…Should be in every school library to introduce students to this important part of Greek history.”
Veda Bell, former elementary school teacher
Effie C. Doscas, Director of Sunday School at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of The Holy Trinity in New York City
“Sailing with the Wind of Freedom helps fill an important gap in children’s literature, stories of strong women who have fought for their country’s freedom. Lascarina Lazarou Bouboulis is Greece’s Joan of Arc.”
Claire Rudolf Murphy, author of Gold Rush Women, Daughters of the Desert, To the Summit and many other award-winning books for children