A Rebel's Redemption

The Author's memoir of her rebellious childhood and young adulthood years.

When baby Panayiota was 6 months old, her father Pandelis left Cyprus to go to Melbourne, Australia, searching for a better life for his wife and 6 children that he was leaving behind. The family is reunited in Melbourne when they are sent for after 2 and a half years, and 3 year old Panayiota does not recognise the stranger who is her father. While her older siblings respect his position as head of the family and are intimidated with threats of punishment, Panayiota is already showing signs of rebelliousness.

Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Betty, as she is now known, is forced to adhere to their strict Greek-Cypriot conventions. At the beginning of her 3rd year university, she leaves home with the help of her College Headmistress.

The stain of leaving home follows her all the way back to Cyprus, where her aunt, who is married to the priest of their village, makes shocking revelations to her. The revelations would drive her to seek redemption.