The Abyssinian Proof

The Abyssinian Proof

by JennyWhite (Author)

Synopsis

Constantinople, May 1453. In the dying days of the Byzantine empire, as 7000 armed men prepare to defend the city against the might of the Ottoman Turks, Isaak and his family are entrusted with a purple velvet bundle. Inside is a silver reliquary carved with the figure of a weeping angel and an inscription: Behold the Proof of Chora, Container of the Uncontainable. The daughter asks her father 'What's inside?' He replies 'This contains the proof of God'. In Istanbul in 1887, the local magistrate, Kamil Pasha, is plagued by thefts of antiquities from mosques and churches that, within days, appear for sale in Europe. In addition, there has been a series of murders in which the bodies bear the mark of angels wings. Could this be connected to the rumours of an ancient cult, the mythical text link between Christianity and Islam. His search takes him deep into the cisterns and tunnels of old Istanbul, to a deadly rivalry, possible love and a personal revelation about his father's past.

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More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Edition: First Edition
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Published: 14 Feb 2008

ISBN 10: 0297851241
ISBN 13: 9780297851240
Book Overview: Smuggling, secret sects and lost treasures - will appeal to fans of THE HISTORIAN and LABYRINTH Tremendously atmospheric setting - Istanbul in the dying days of the Ottoman empire Jenny White's last novel was shortlisted for the CWA Ellis Peters Historical Dagger 'A wonderful read, written by someone who can write about the exotic and fascinating world of the late Ottoman Empire with knowledge and understanding' Iain Pears 'It's rare to find a writer with such a passion for authenticity who can still serve up a compelling story' Independent on Sunday

Media Reviews
'In writing a thoroughly enjoyable and gripping crime novel Jenny White also makes a serious point about today's politics and invites us to think.' -- Alan Massie THE SCOTSMAN 'a compelling thriller; bold characters seize an adventure occasionally tinged with melancholy, while White's anthropological heritage floods her brisk investigation with colourful detail.' -- James Urquhart FINANCIAL TIMES 'Intrigue, murder and betrayal are rife in this stylish detective thriller.' GLASGOW EVENING TIMES 'An exciting read' MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS 'a fascinating picture of Istanbul... The 19th-century city is vividly drawn... [Kamil Pasha] is an appealing hero.' HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW
Author Bio
Jenny White is an anthropologist and the author of numerous non-fiction works about Turkish society and politics. She lives in Massachusetts.