Cyprus: An Island Apart

Great little book - a bit rambling, although that adds to its charm. I found it better as a re-read after I'd been to Cyprus, as opposed to before going. Worth the money:)

I traveled recently to Cyprus for a three week sojourn in that wonderful island and took with me this wonderful book. I had not much time prior to leaving , but was admirably assisted by reading the first chapter during the flight from London. I dis-embarked feeling that I really could feel the long history of the place. More fool I ! Over the next few weeks I learned so much more about the island, both in my travels, and from Mr MacHugh. His book was read before and after expeditions to the cultural and historical highlights of Aphrodite's isle, and filled in for me so many of the gaps which were missing. I enjoyed a thoroughly relaxing and interesting trip, aided by the warmth of the island, it's people, and the charm of this book. Even now, as the English winter really sets in, I have re-read chapters, and feel again the mutual warmth that both Cyprus and the author extend. A must-read for all interested travelers.

I happened upon An Island Apart last year as I searched in desperation for up-to-date books, which would prepare me for three years in Cyprus. Seamus McHugh's book met the challenge admirably. I arrived on island aware that there would be much more to this than wildlife, brandy sours, sailing and lying on the beach. Since moving here in February, I have returned repeatedly to the book, sometimes before and sometime after visiting somewhere new.
Chapter 1 in particular sticks in my mind: it's one of the wittiest (and most succinct!) treatments of 800 years of history I have ever had the good fortune to come across. Visitors to Cyprus shouldn't miss this one!

A highly entertaining and insightful account of his personal experiences in Cyprus, this Irish New Zealander has convincingly put his finger on the pulse of modern Cyprus. ...I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to follow a sure and lucid path in gaining a in depth understanding in what is happening in that complex and perplexing Mediterranean island. It would make their visit to Cyprus, however short, more satisfying.

MacHugh's book was the contemporary update to Thubron's 'Journey Into Cyprus' which I was looking for. It is a travel book which tells you much more about the country than 'what there is' and 'what to see'. MacHugh's account of Cyprus contextualises 'what there is to see' within Cyprus's very long, varied and interesting history. His travels throughout Cyprus and interactions with people in both northern and southern Cyprus provide a flavour of how more recent history (primarily the Turkish invasion) has affected Cyprus and its peoples. In addition, his account provides some insight into what the Greek Cypriots currently are like and how they live. It is so interesting to visit a country with the kind of cultural and historical background and experiences which a book like MacHugh's documents. I therefore thoroughly recommend MacHugh's book to anyone planning a visit to Cyprus. It is far more interesting, enjoyable and informative (both in a historical and contemporary sense) than a standard guide book.