Review: Escape From Smyrna

Escape From Smyrna

Charles Gates

In this historical novel three families are linked together in the search for an antique necklace. Oran Crossmoor is in Istanbul when he finds a locket linked to a missing necklace that once belonged to his family. Leyla Asalanoglu is also looking for the same necklace, that once belonged to her family. They join forces to try and locate other missing pieces that take them on a personal journey through the past, uncovering unknown family connections and histories.

The necklace itself has an incredible story behind it as do the numerous characters who have owned it at one time or another. They all come together in a tale that recounts some of the tumultuous history of Turkey and Greece after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. It's filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling Istanbul and iconic scenes of Greece. The characters are well depicted and each one has an interesting story. The plot and structure of the story are good as many of the details about the missing necklace and the various characters emerge throughout, pulling the history of the necklace and the previous owners together. The tension and suspense builds throughout the tale. The ending was an unexpected surprise which was good. This is a great book for those who want to get caught up in another time and place. All in all, I felt like Mr. Gates had taken me on a wonderful trip to a mesmerizing part of the world.

Thanks to Sarah-Beth at John Hunt Publishing for providing me with a review copy.