The Vintage: A Romance of the Greek War of Independence

"The Vintage: A Romance of the Greek War of Independence" by E. F. Benson unfolds during the Greek War of Independence, centering on Mitsos, a young Greek yearning to avenge his people's suffering, where he is a spirited teen working the family vineyard. The story emphasizes themes of rebellion, personal development, and the pursuit of freedom, highlighting the unfair conditions endured by Greeks under Turkish rule. The setting is tense from the start, portraying the hard realities of daily life in occupied Nauplia and the personal risks for its residents, along with challenges of Turkish taxes and the arrival of Uncle Nicholas, involved in the underground resistance hinting at a larger conflict. The story is set up as a tale of personal and national struggle.