Time Pencils

A Novel of WW2 and the Cretan Resistance

In the quiet Cretan village of Thrapsano, where clay becomes art and traditions are handed down like heirlooms, life is shaken when German paratroopers fall from the sky in 1941. As occupation tightens its grip, ordinary villagers—potters, farmers, mothers, and elders—summon extraordinary courage. Their hidden acts of defiance ignite one of the most remarkable resistance movements of World War II.

Across the sea in Scotland, young Callum MacKenzie dreams of flight. His path into the Royal Air Force takes him from the cold winds of Ullapool to the blistering Mediterranean, where fate will bind him to the island’s struggle for freedom.

Inspired by true stories passed down through generations, Time Pencils weaves together two lives—one rooted in the soil of Crete, the other lifted into the air at war’s edge. Their worlds collide in a narrative of sacrifice, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in humanity’s darkest hours.

A powerful tribute to the spirit of the Cretan people, this novel celebrates memory, identity, and the quiet bravery that changes history.

Top reviews from the United States

— N64

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun to read, carries you along. Great story.
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2025
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase

This little book reads like the old WW II black and white movies where you feel that you know the characters, understand their trials, and feel their feelings. It is charming, easy to read, and very enjoyable. You will love it!