The Abyssinian Proof: A Kamil Pasha Novel

This second Kamil Pasha novel by Jeny White is a clear improvement over the first . White uses the exotic and yet familiar conflicts of the Ottoman Empire happening in Istanbul but affected by national and international events to comment on the socio/religious conflicts of today. The characters, some of whom are carryovers from the Sultan"s Seal are clearly distinguishable and their familial relationships and conflicts are nicely woven into the plot. Kamil's sister and brother in law reappear and the subtle tension is an important achievement in the novel. Kamil's attraction to two women is a motivating device linked to these family events. There is also some carryover from the previous novel in his official relationships with the British embassy; although, the personal life involvement has disappeared. Again, there is concern with the role of women in this male dominated social order, and these two women are each important as individuals. This is a somewhat long novel, loaded with evocative detail - who can help it in Constantinople - Istanbul? THe plot, centered on the theft and smuggling of ancient artifacts, mostly religious, and a secret Christial cult surviving in the city ( it was only four hundred years or so since the fall of Constantinople to the Turks) makes for a wealth of information. Some of the individual quirks- Kamil's Orchids for example - point to future plans. I hope so. I want to read more.

After finishing Jenny White's second novel, Abyssinian Proof, I'm hooked. Abyssinian Proof was an easier read than her first novel, Sultan's Seal. The story flowed more; I didn't have difficulty tracking with the characters. (I do recommend Sultan's Seal too, perhaps as a second read.) I want to know when Ms. White's next Kamil Pasha detective novel will be released. I see possibility in the development of a number of the characters. I enjoy following characters from book to book. I agree with the reviewer Rod Holland. These books are not for everyone but for those of us who like whodunits in exotic settings, they're satisfying. They add to my view of the world in an easy to grasp, entertaining way. I'm learning history.

Its a different time and a different place, but I get that "Inspector Morse" (BBC) feeling from the main character (Kamil Pasha). White displays the ability to put the reader suitably in the time period and place. Pros: Read this if you like period mysteries in exotic settings without tons of gadgetry. A straight forward whodunnit when you're looking for one. I believe the "life" details from that time period are accurate, which I appreciate. Cons: Kamil Pasha is still a little flat as a character and I look forward to seeing him develop through continuing novels. Sometimes the writing doesn't flow as well as I would like from scene to scene, but its not debilitating.

In 1303 Rumi (Oct 1887 Gregorian) in Istanbul, concern is high over the stealing of religious antiquities from the mosques, synagogues and churches of the Ottoman Empire; especially when the purloined artifacts are smuggled out of the country to London for sale to the highest bidder. With leaders of the three religions in feverous rage blaming one another and the Sultan, fear by the secular rulers is that a new Crusade is coming that could destroy the already ailing Empire if they do not calm the waters by catching the thieves. On top of all this is an assassination in broad daylight of the Ottoman governor of Macedonia. The minister of justice assigns secular court magistrate Kamil Pasha to handle the assassination expeditiously and then the antiquities thefts. However, the latest item has caused an even greater furor than usual as the stolen reliquary contains the Proof of God message hidden to keep it safe from the Muslims by Isaak Metochites and his family in 1453 Constantinople. Tied up with the murder on Istanbul's streets, Kamil turns to his friend Malik, the caretaker of a mosque, to regain the stolen reliquary. In many ways the second Kamil Pasha late nineteenth century Ottoman Empire mystery (see THE SULTAN'S SEAL) is more a deep historical tale than a whodunit as the investigations enhance the insightful look at the era than visa versa. Thus THE ABYSSINIAN PROOF targets those who prefer an insider glimpse of life in Istanbul with religions ready to fight one another in the name of God while devastating the enfeebled empire using the mysteries to augment the period piece. Harriet Klausner

In 1453, Christians and Muslims clash in an age old struggle for a land that has been inhabited over the years by both. The Melisites, a secret sect, are forced to protect sacred artifacts, hiding a reliquary, a "container that holds the uncontainable", the Proof of God. Just before an assault by warring forces that will retake the Byzantine prize, the Proof is secreted in the antiquities-rich Sunken Village in the Ottoman Empire. The reliquary is to be passed from one set of guardians and priestesses to another, through the generations, linking all in common purpose. Years later, in 1887, a returning character, Kamil Pasha (The Sultan's Seal), magistrate in the new secular courts who investigates and prosecutes crimes in Istanbul, is troubled by the theft of precious artifacts from the area. More comfortable when dealing with science and rational fact, Kamil walks a delicate balance, adjudicating fairly in a place where emotions run high. Kamil Pasha is a reasonable man who understands "the British want a strong Ottoman Empire to stand between themselves and the Russians". But the increasing demand for precious artifacts by European collectors has stimulated a black market trade that is leaving a trail of dead men in its wake. Thirty-one and unmarried, Kamil's personal life is devoted to work and his hothouse orchids, a dedicated civil servant determined to stop the thefts and find the killers of innocents. At the heart of the problem are a ruthless businessman and the current priestess of the sect, Balkis, whose brother, Malik, is one of Kamil's valued friends. Her son and daughter, Amida and Saba are in line to become the next guardian and priestess; but when Malik is brutally murdered, the crimes take on a more ominous cast in a case that reaches from the Sunken Village to England and the resources of Scotland Yard. The author depicts a fascinating Istanbul, the Sunken Village with its Byzantine tunnels and enormous treasure, jewel-encrusted chalices and priceless antiquities, the unprepossessing reliquary most fought over for the secret it holds. Science and police procedure clash with barbaric rituals and ancient customs, Kamil torn between a profound respect for men's differences and the necessity of stopping the killings. In the midst of chaos, Kamil is tempted by the charms of the exotic Saba and a recent refugee who resides in his sister's house, Elia. An artist trained in Paris, Elia has suffered a terrible loss, unprepared to face Kamil's interest, yet not unaware of the man's charm. Perhaps at another time. Forced to deal with the violence around him, Kamil faces love, danger and a painful betrayal, a man of science in a place of fervent beliefs, where the Proof of God promises an end to mankind's quest. The author meticulously recreates time and place in the 19th century Ottoman Empire, the sights and sounds of the Sunken Village, repository of history, the twisted tunnels of sacred relics and treasures eerily echoing centuries