Book Review: Little One by Peter Papathanasiou 

It's been a while since I've read a memoir, so when I was given the opportunity to read Little One, I was happy to get involved.

Peter Papathanasiou grew up in Australia as an only child to two loving parents, Elizabeth and Bill.

His parents migrated from Greece in the mid 1950's, and they tried for a number of years without success to have a baby. 

The couple had always envisioned having a big family, but sadly, after three miscarriages, it didn't look as though they would even be blessed with one child, let alone many.

It bought shame and sadness for them among their family and the Australian Greek community. 

They were desperate to become parents; they even tried to adopt a child but sadly, it wasn't a success.

Finally in 1973, Elizabeth's brother Savvas and his wife Anna, who lived in Greece, offered to have a baby and then give it to Elizabeth and Bill to raise as their own in Australia. 

The couple was so grateful to them; they had waited so long to become parents. 

Anna and Savvas already had two boys of their own, Georgios and Billy, and they reassured Elizabeth and Bill that they had finished their family and wanted to do this for them.

Fortunately, Anna and Savvas were true to their word, and when baby Peter was born, they handed him over so that finally Elizabeth and Bill could be the parents they had always dreamed of.

Peter was in his  mid 20's when his mum told him the truth about his parentage. 

It was 1999, and Peter was about to embark on PhD in genetics, after completing 6 years of university. 

Sadly, his biological mother Anna had passed away by then, but Peter was happy to discover that he had two brothers alive and well in Greece.

The story spans over the years, tracing back to his parents struggles as migrants, the dedication for a better life, and an act of kindness and love.

It also looks at Peter's career as a geneticist, and his wish of meeting his brothers.

I thought that this was a very well told story. There were moments of sadness, but also happiness and hope.

I really enjoyed reading about Peter and his family. The family photos included helped form a visual connection to the story.

I am married to a man of Greek heritage, and so the traditions and culture surrounding the Greek nationality discussed in the story felt familiar to me. 

I felt that the book may have benefited from a glossary included for the Greek phrases and/or words that are mentioned throughout the story (I personally had no issue at all with it as I can understand Greek, but those that are unfamiliar with the language may have found it handy).

I would recommend Little One to those who enjoy memoirs, and stories about families, heredity and love.

Little One is available now through Allen & Unwin Australia

RRP $29.99

For further information on this title, head here