LAURENCE MACKINreviews Land of Marvelsby Barry Unsworth and Lonely Planet's Turkeyguide
Land of Marvels
Barry Unsworth
Hutchinson, £18.99
John Somerville is an idealistic historian in search of the discovery that will add his name to the archaeological annals. He has sunk his fortune into an unpromising stretch of the Mesopotamian desert in the hope of uncovering a substantial shard of history, but this is not his only challenge: the first World War is about to break out; Germany is building a rail link that threatens to bisect his site; and a British entrepreneur is trying to use Somerville’s operation to prospect for oil. Then there are the machinations of his immediate social circle, simmering beneath the drum-tight lid of English politeness. Booker winner Barry Unsworth has brought his supple writing style to bear on what could seem an unglamorous setting; his terrific attention to detail gives this book its flavour. The glittering details of the archaeologists’ craft, the subtle, telling gestures of the characters and the richly illustrated landscapes evoke a forgotten country, ripe for exploration, and the narrative rides along the rails of a vintage thirst for adventure, discovery and mysterious places.
Turkey
Lonely Planet, £16.99
Somerville’s novel is set in what is now Iraq, but Turkey’s influence looms large on many pages. Indeed, one of the frequent highlights of this guidebook is the many towns along the coast that are studded with ancient ruins, many of which go largely unnoticed. Istanbul deserves a guidebook to itself, but the 85 pages here should give you plenty to consider. Here, though, the outdoor recommendations for this outstanding country could make a city the last place you want to visit.