A review by she_loves_to_read
The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou by Eleni Kyriacou

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Inspired by the true story of Styllou Christofi, a Greek Cypriot woman who was accused and found guilty of  the murder in cold blood of her daughter-in-law, Hella Dorothea Christofi. Resulting in her being the penultimate woman to be hanged in 1950's Britain. 

Eleni has skillfully weaved a morally complex, evocative, tense, moving, compelling, tragic, and thought-provoking story. Highlighting the rampant misogyny, racism, prejudice, culture differences, stereotyping, language barriers, sexism, conflict, expectation, and misrepresentation and misunderstanding surrounding mental illness within society and the very questionable and inadequate justice system of the time. 

Her characters are well researched, plotted, written, and developed. With a particular depth and dynamic to the characters of Zina and Eva. Drawing out a strong sense of sympathy, empathy, and solidarity from her readers. 

The flow and pace were both perfect. With Eleni easily and brilliantly orchestrating and capturing the essence of such a tragic, emotional, and complex story. 
 
I'm really looking forward to reading more of her work.