BOOK REVIEW: The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin

The Janissary Tree is the first in a series of historical mysteries featuring Inspector Yashim Togalu. The setting is Istanbul 1836, and the Ottoman Empire is fading yet holds on tenuously to its past. Istanbul of 1836 is quite exotic with open air bazaars, sordid back alleys, an opulent palace and the seraglio (Sultan's harem). The Janissaries, an elite and corrupt troop of soldiers, were crushed ten years earlier, but the gruesome murders of four of the New Guard indicate that a remnant exists and is trying to resurge. Inspector Yashim has been called by the seraskier (commander-in-chief) to investigate these barbaric acts at the same time he is called by the Sultan to investigate a seemingly unrelated murder in the harem. Because Yashim is a eunuch, he is permitted special access to areas usually restricted to men. His emasculated status also makes him a man of no consequence and this allows him to learn much in his search for answers. In this, Yashim reminds me a bit of Agatha Christie's character, Miss Marple. Miss Marple is often ignored as she quietly knits and eavesdrops on intimate conversations; no one pays any attention to the "old lady." This invisibility makes both of these characters perfect "spies." I love an underdog that uses his or her lack of status to advantage and this is what draws me to Yashim.

Jason Goodwin studied Byzantine history at Cambridge and has written books on the history of the Ottoman Empire. His extensive scholarship comes through in The Janissary Tree as he provides an experience rather than simply a read; I was able to "see" and "hear" and "smell" the setting. My only complaint is that I wanted more; I wanted to be more overwhelmed by the setting than I was.

Goodwin not only provides an exotic setting, but also some very colorful characters. One of my favorites is Palewski, the decadent Polish ambassador with no country to represent. Poland belongs to (among others) Russia in 1836, but through some quirk of law the Sultanate continues to support a Polish ambassador. The author has decided to use this bit of history to bring some unexpected humor to his novel. In one scene, Yashim is discussing with Palewski the disappearance of the murder victims. Yashim finds it odd that the victims met with one of the Russian officials shortly before disappearing. Palewski tosses out the world weary response

Meet a Russian -- disappear -- it's a common phenomenon. It happens all the time in Poland.

and Yashim replies

But why would they meet a Russian official in the first place? We're practically at war with Russia. If not today, then yesterday and probably tomorrow.

The Janissary Tree is ultimately a story about the clash between tradition and modernity and the dangerous tension that can occur as these two extremes struggle for ascendancy. While the Stambouliots struggle for their future, the politically hungry outsiders (primarily the Russians, French and British) hover like vultures as they wait for the fall of the Ottoman Empire so they can step into the ensuing chaos and gain control.

I would recommend The Janissary Tree to those who like detective stories set in an exotic setting with plenty of intrigue, deceit and corruption. It is a strong beginning to a series and an entertaining read with a bit of history tossed in.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

BOOK REVIEW: Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh

The Ibis is a two masted schooner that was used as a slave transport ship to run the coasts of Africa. The slave trade is no longer legal under British law in 1838, and this particular ship is unable to outrun the law ... so she must be repurposed. Purchasd by an Englishman with a lucrative business in the opium trade, Ibis is renovated. Her hold is cleared of those elements used to restrain human cargo and she is instead made ready to carry opium. It should not be lost on the reader that the Ibis, despite renovation, is still in service to slavery. She no longer carries saleable human cargo, but her new cargo is just as enslaving. The opium trade is very lucrative and those in charge of this business hold mastery over both the producers and consumers of this product.

Before her turn at transporting opium to China, Ibis is to take a trip across the Indian Ocean to the island of Mauritius. She carries indentured migrants who can hardly be discerned from slaves. It is the prelude to and first part of this voyage that is the setting for Sea of Poppies.

Along the journey, the reader is privy to some very interesting conversations on freedom and just war. The arrogance of the British trade barons is such that freedom, to them, applies to their right to freely trade in whatever lucrative business is at hand.

'D'you mean to use [the Ibis] as a slaver, sir? But have not your English laws outlawed that trade?'
'That is true,' Mr Burnham nodded. 'Yes indeed they have, Reid. It's sad but true that there are many who'll stop at nothing to halt the march of human freedom.'
'Freedom, sir?' said Zachary, wondering if he had misheard.
His doubts were quickly put at rest. 'Freedom, yes, exactly,' said Mr. Burnham. 'Isn't that what the mastery of the white man means for the lesser races? As I see it, Reid, the Africa trade was the greatest exercise in freedom since God led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Consider, Reid, the situation of a so-called slave in the Carolinas - is he not more free than his brethren in Africa, groaning under the rule of some dark tyrant?'

A just war is one that will force China to legalize opium ... for the good of free trade, of course.

'...No one dislikes war more than I do - indeed I abhor it. But it cannot be denied that there are times when war is not merely just and necessary, but also humane. In China that time has come....'
'Quite right, sir!' said Mr. Doughty emphatically. 'There is no other recourse. Indeed, humanity demands it. We need only think of the poor Indian peasant - what will become of him if his opium can't be sold in China? Bloody hurremzads can hardly eat now: they'll perish by the crore.'

These British businessmen can not see that they are the source of poverty and starvation among the "Indian peasants." There are no fields with which to grow nourishing grains and vegetables due to the mandate to exclusively plant and harvest poppies, and the money collected by the peasants for their crops is not adequate to feed their families. The peasants get no help from their countrymen because of a caste system that declares them "unclean" and less than human.

Sea of Poppies is not just a sad tale that portrays the ugly history of British traders and a restrictive Indian caste system. The story is character driven and is, at heart, a story of transformation and changeability. Some of those who find themselves on the Ibis learn the veracity of the saying that they "are all on the same ship." They are, as one character claims, "ship siblings." Neither caste, nor skin color, nor gender really matters. These are worldly complexities that can be overcome.

Sea of Poppies is the first in a proposed trilogy. Though the author does not leave the reader with a cliffhanger ending, the journey is incomplete and at a point of transition and transformation. It is gorgeously written and promises to be an epic tale indeed.

Rating: 4 of 5

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Also reviewed by:
Jackie at Farm Lane Books
Eva at A Striped Armchair