The Island

The story starts off in 2010 London, with young Alexis starting her journey from London to Crete. She seeks to learn about her roots, which her mother Sofia has been reluctant to share.

Eleni and young Dimitris reach the island, the place in which they are condemned to live for the rest of their lives. Their exile to the island as well as being away from their families becomes unbearable. To make matters worse, the island suffers from lack of water, something that makes the everyday lives of the lepers even more difficult. Just an association with their illness isolates Giorgos from his fellow villagers, and forces Dimitri's family to abandon their house and move away. Even though Giorgos is one of the few allowed to visit the island to transport goods, he does not find the strength/courage to meet with Eleni for days after.

Giorgos tries to fall into the routine of primarily caring for his daughters, but meets difficulties with Anna's wayward/rebellious character. On Spinalonga, Dimitris makes new friends; The malice schoolteacher of the island, Ms. Kroustalaki, abuses the children, pushing Eleni to decide to teach Dimitri at her own house, with other students also joining later. This causes a clash with the school teacher of the island, who thinks she is after her job and vows to destroy her. Meanwhile, three dangerous long-term convicts are sent by the government to the island in order to patrol the lepers, and Giorgos tells Eleni to be careful so that the convicts will not harm her. At the same time, the water reservoirs on Spinalonga dry up, so Giorgos transports drinking water from Plaka for the lepers to meet basic medical needs. The citizens are also concerned of further new arrivals to the island.