Picture a British storyteller who swapped Manchester’s drizzle for Greek sunshine, spinning his expat adventures into comedy gold—meet V.D. Bucket! This pseudonymous author, a retired public health inspector turned novelist, has charmed readers with his 'Bucket to Greece' series, a hilarious chronicle of life in a small Greek village. With a knack for finding humor in cultural quirks, Bucket’s tales are a love letter to Greece and the expat dream.
Behind the pseudonym lies a man whose wit and warmth have made him a Kindle favorite. His self-published series, blending sitcom-style antics with authentic Greek flavor, has hooked thousands of readers. Let’s dive into the life, laughs, and legacy of V.D. Bucket!
The Making of V.D. Bucket
Born in Manchester, V.D. Bucket—whose real name remains a mystery—spent decades as a public health inspector, sniffing out kitchen horrors before retiring. In 2002, he and his wife, Marigold, traded the UK for the Mani region of Greece, settling in a remote mountain village. The move, inspired by years of Greek holidays, sparked a new chapter. Marigold, tired of her husband’s idle retirement, urged him to write about their expat life. To spare her potential embarrassment, he adopted the pseudonym V.D. Bucket, a nod to a childhood tale of being abandoned in a bucket.
V.D. Bucket’s Unforgettable Stories
The 'Bucket to Greece' series, launched in 2019, is Bucket’s claim to fame. This sprawling collection—16 volumes and counting—follows Victor and Marigold as they navigate life in the fictional village of Meli. The debut, 'Bucket to Greece Volume 1,' sets the stage with their move from Manchester, introducing quirky locals and their imported cats. Each book brims with farcical humor, from Victor’s hygiene crusades at the local taverna to Marigold’s matchmaking schemes.
Bucket’s style is a delightful mix of British wit and vivid storytelling. His prose paints Greek village life with authenticity, weaving in Greek phrases and cultural nuances. Later volumes, like 'Bucket to Greece Volume 12,' explore deeper themes—family ties, loss, and community—while keeping the laughs coming. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and escapist charm, with some calling it 'armchair travel' for Greece lovers. Self-published on Amazon Kindle, Bucket’s books have earned All Star status, a testament to their binge-worthy appeal.
Though 'Bucket to Greece' dominates, Bucket has also penned shorts and collections, like five three-volume compilations. His output is prolific, with a new book roughly every three months, fueled by reader demand. Despite a health setback—a quadruple bypass surgery that delayed Volume 16—Bucket’s commitment to his craft shines through.
Why V.D. Bucket Matters
V.D. Bucket’s impact lies in his ability to make expat life universally relatable. His stories resonate with dreamers who’ve ever fantasized about starting anew abroad, capturing the joys and pitfalls with humor and heart. The series has carved a niche in humorous travel memoirs, topping Amazon’s Greek travel and essay categories. For expats, Bucket’s tales are a mirror; for others, they’re a window into Greek culture, free of stereotypes.
His self-publishing savvy has inspired aspiring authors, proving you don’t need a traditional publisher to build a loyal fanbase. Readers devour his books multiple times, drawn to the vivid characters who feel like neighbors. Bucket’s work, a finalist for the Kindle Storyteller Award in 2023, continues to spread cheer, especially during tough times like lockdowns.
- Pen Name Origin: V.D. Bucket, a pseudonym inspired by a childhood story of being abandoned in a bucket.
- Key Work: 'Bucket to Greece' series, 16 volumes, started in 2019.
- Award: Kindle Storyteller Award Finalist, 2023.
Ready for a laugh-filled escape? Snag 'Bucket to Greece Volume 1' and dive into V.D. Bucket’s sun-soaked, side-splitting world!