Picture a Scottish storyteller who traded chilly Highland winters for sun-soaked Greek adventures—meet Marjory McGinn! A journalist turned author, McGinn captured the heart of Greece’s Peloponnese in her beloved memoirs, blending humor, cultural insight, and a touch of chaos courtesy of her Jack Russell, Wallace. Her works offer a vibrant window into Greek life during the economic crisis, making her a standout in travel literature.
From her roots in Scotland to her years in Australia and back again, McGinn’s journey is as nomadic as her tales. Her knack for storytelling and love for Greece’s rugged charm have earned her a loyal following among readers craving authentic, witty narratives.
The Making of Marjory McGinn
Born in Perth, Scotland, Marjory McGinn moved to Australia as a child, a shift that sparked her lifelong passion for travel and writing. Her early exposure to Greek culture came through a childhood friend, Anna, whose lively Greek family introduced her to the concept of parea—community and connection. After studying English Literature, McGinn honed her craft as a journalist, working for prestigious outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Mail, and The Scotsman. Her interviews with figures like Donald Sutherland and Shane Warne (who once demonstrated spin bowling with bread rolls!) showcased her knack for capturing vivid personalities.
In 2000, McGinn returned to Scotland, freelancing while nurturing a dream of deeper exploration. A youthful work-travel stint in Athens had already planted the seeds of her love for Greece, but it was 2010 that changed everything. With her husband, Jim, and their spirited terrier, Wallace, she embarked on a midlife adventure to the Peloponnese, a decision that would inspire her most celebrated works.
Marjory McGinn’s Unforgettable Stories
McGinn’s Peloponnese Series is the heart of her literary legacy, starting with Things Can Only Get Feta (2013), a hilarious and heartfelt memoir about her first year in the remote village of Megali Mantineia. The book captures the quirks of rural Greek life, from eccentric locals likekeyboard_arrow_right locals like Foteini, a colorful goat farmer, to the economic crisis gripping Greece. Its sequel, Homer’s Where the Heart Is (2015), continues the adventure, delving deeper into her connection to Greece, while A Scorpion in the Lemon Tree (2016) follows the trio’s move to Koroni, blending humor with reflections on a changing Greece. The series’ fourth book, A Donkey on the Catwalk (2021), offers fresh stories from her Greek odyssey.
McGinn also ventured into fiction with A Saint for the Summer (2018), a romantic suspense novel set in the Mani, weaving a World War II mystery with modern-day drama. Its sequel, How Greek Is Your Love? (2020), follows journalist Bronte McKnight navigating love and intrigue in Greece. Her latest work, Wake Me Up for the Elephants (2024), expands her scope, offering humorous travel tales from Africa, Fiji, and beyond. McGinn’s style—vivid, witty, and rich with cultural detail—brings Greece to life, earning praise for its authenticity and warmth.
Why Marjory McGinn Matters
Marjory McGinn’s memoirs stand out for their ability to capture Greece’s soul during a tumultuous era. Her keen journalist’s eye and genuine affection for the people she meets—like the unforgettable Foteini—offer readers a rare glimpse into a vanishing way of life. Her books resonate with philhellenes and travel enthusiasts, blending humor with poignant commentary on resilience amid crisis. By immortalizing the Peloponnese’s rugged beauty and its spirited inhabitants, McGinn has carved a niche as a voice of cultural preservation and human connection.
Her work also inspires readers to embrace adventure and find joy in the unexpected, whether it’s a scorpion-infested house or a donkey on a catwalk. McGinn’s storytelling bridges cultures, reminding us that even in tough times, laughter and community endure.
- Born: Perth, Scotland
- Key Works: Things Can Only Get Feta, A Saint for the Summer, Wake Me Up for the Elephants
- Fun Fact: Her dog Wallace often steals the show in her memoirs!
Snag Things Can Only Get Feta and dive into Marjory McGinn’s sun-drenched, laugh-out-loud Greek odyssey—you won’t want to leave the Peloponnese!