FINDING MY OLYMPIA

A Novel by Nancy Econome

Northern California, 1955. A career and independence feel worlds away for 18-year-old Greek-American Yianna Diamantopoulos. Her sheltered life in her uncle’s bakery is shattered when her older sister Olympia vanishes without a trace. Local authorities are quick to dismiss the concerns of immigrant families, leaving Yianna with a painful realization: She’s on her own.

Driven by fierce love for her sister and burning frustration with a system that ignores immigrant women like them, Yianna turns to her Uncle Stavros and his three bachelor friends who helped raise the sisters. While Stavros’ bakery is a neighborhood staple, the back room hides a risky secret: small-time, illegal gambling and winemaking operations that could crumble his life if exposed.

Bound by blood and a shared desperation, Yianna and Stavros navigate hidden corners and suspicious characters of northern California in the 1950s. They confront the shadows of Olympia’s disappearance and uncover deeper truths about themselves. Yianna’s unwavering tenacity and Stavros’ street-smart instincts race against time, proving that even in the face of hostile indifference, unbreakable family bonds can be the most powerful force of all.

THE CLASSIC GRILL

A TALE OF GREEK GODS AND IMMIGRANT HEROES

A Novel by Nancy Econome

A successful Greek-owned restaurant, The Classic Grill, located in Vallejo, California, is the stage for a tale of family struggle, ethnic discrimination, sexual identity and the impact of World War II. A family in turmoil and a world at war. Can the Pappayannis family survive?

Greek immigrant Achilles Pappayannis dreams big. He owns a successful diner – but that is not enough. Amidst fierce anti-immigrant discrimination, Achilles is determined to create a restaurant chain and believes his secret for success is his oldest son Demo.

Achilles is outraged to learn Demo quit school to pursue ancient Greek drama and suspects Demo is gay. George loves the restaurant business but Achilles rejects him as the unimportant second son. Resilient mother Chrisoula is conflicted as her family crumbles before her eyes.

Will the Pappayannis family survive the immigrant prejudice in their town? Will Achilles open his heart and accept his sons and their American dreams? Is it too late to save the family and The Classic Grill?