Upon arrival, they are immediately befriended by , a helpful local taxi driver who becomes their unofficial guide. He helps them find a beautiful but dilapidated villa with no electricity and a hypochondriac housekeeper named Lugaretzia.
Frequently in trouble at school due to his obsession with animals.
Life in England is a "domestic pressure-cooker". The children are all struggling in their own ways: A failed estate agent and aspiring novelist. Leslie (18): Obsessed with guns and hunting.
finds a local girl to pursue, though he is later shocked to find her in the arms of another. Disastrous Matchmaking
Believing their mother is lonely, the children attempt to find her a suitor. Larry invites , an "old sea dog" he met at a pub, for dinner. The evening is a total disaster as Creech proves to be a lazy, leering houseguest whom Louisa eventually kicks out, famously remarking, "I am astonished that nobody has murdered you yet".
tries sunbathing near a local Orthodox monk, causing a minor scandal.
finds a kindred spirit in Dr. Theo Stephanides , a local nature enthusiast who encourages his scientific interests.