Writers' News - Island discoveries

	Island discoveries When Peter Breakwell lived in Cyprus for three years he made friends with the locals and embarked on a 450-mile charity walk throughout the region of Paphos, to raise funds for their General Hospital. Inspired by the walk he wrote a book based on his travel experiences A Walk With Aphrodite which was published on the island. But it was a remarkable discovery he made whilst on that arduous trek that led to a new passion and a debut novel.
	‘I made a discovery in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, a piece of agate of Egyptian origin which related back to the ancient Romans,’ explains Peter, now living in Stafford. ‘Intrigued, I began to study the island’s many archeological sites, in particular the history of its Roman occupation.’

The result of this research was a novel Octavian’s Chalice, ‘a compelling and authentic portrayal of the ancient Romans in friendship, love and war’ which he self-published this year.

By coincidence, a BBC epic television series, Rome, set in the same historical period as his book, is scheduled for this autumn and Peter hopes it will strengthen interest in his book.

Octavian’s Chalice can be be purchased through Waterstone’s and Ottakar’s bookshops but signed copies are available for £6.99, post free, from Peter Breakwell, Keskili, Church Lane, Gayton, Stafford ST18 0HL.

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