Childhood memories of a son (born 1908) of a wealthy Istanbul family as the Ottoman Empire tottered towards its end when Germany, its ally, lost WW I. And incidentally reduced the family to poverty. Vivid descriptions of luxury followed by years scraping for food to keep the family. The author eventually lands up in England and his story is completed years later in an afterword by his son. A harrowing book but definitely worthwhile reading. Publisher: Eland *. (Jeremy Swann).
* Eland was launched some years ago to revive and republish outstanding travel books from the past. They have broadened out subsequently to some extent. You can get a free copy of their latest catalogue by going to their website www.travelbooks.co.uk/. The catalogue is a small paperback with over a hundred pages, each one devoted to a separate book. Makes interesting reading.
(Jeremy Swann - bwl 56 Spring 2010 ) |
