The Janissary tree, by Jason Goodwin
For relaxation, and to learn about times and places about which I know very little I sometimes read historical fiction, and I am quite fond of mysteries. This one is the first in a series by Jason Goodwin, a Cambridge-educated historian of Byzantine history who has written fiction, travel books and cookbooks. The Janissary Tree is set in Constantinople in the 1830s, and the main character Yashim introduces the reader to the world of the Ottoman Empire and its remarkable leading city. The novel is a lot of fun but will also lead you into a really interesting society and its history.
