Book clubs are extremely popular at the moment,’ she says. ‘In my home town of Frome, Somerset, there are at least 25 book clubs. A lot of interest has been generated by television programmes like Richard and Judy and Radio 4's Bookclub run by James Naughtie.’

The holidays take place in May and September 2006 and last for seven or fourteen days. The North of Zakynthos is an area of outstanding natural beauty: the landscape is mountainous, with exquisite wild flowers, orchards of almond, apricot and olive, small fields and vineyards.  In May, the island is fresh, green and warm in anticipation of summer. By September the summer crowds have subsided, though the days stay warm and sunny. ‘The perfect setting to relax with a pile of books and some fellow book lovers.’

Details on Ionian Light Holidays; e-mail: jane@ellis4751.freeserve.co.uk; website: www.ionianlight.co.uk