In 1955, in a village in Greece that was marred by war and poverty, Giannoula and Fotios Panagiotopoulos dreamed of providing a better life for their children. Australia, it was rumoured, was a land of opportunity where hard work brought reward. Leaving behind family and friends, they set off to make a new home on the other side of the world.

Half a lifetime later, under the shade of a fig tree and in the dappled Melbourne sunlight, Giannoula regales heryoungest daughter, Olympia, with stories of her homeland and journey. An evocative exploration of the ties that bind, BENEATH THE FIG LEAVES weaves an irresistible tapestry of family, food and history to stir the heart and senses.