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¶ … Boris Akunin's the Turkish Gambit (New York: Widenfield & Nicholson, 2005)
Boris Akunin's novel the Turkish Gambit is a historical mystery set during the 19th century. A war is raging between Imperial Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The heroine of the novel, Varya Suvorova, is an ordinary -- or not so ordinary woman -- caught in the crossfire of politics. Varya's fiancee is unjustly accused of spying for the Turkish side. Although she mistrusts the novel's detective she grudgingly agrees to cooperate with Erast Fandorin, to find the real spy and prove her fiance Petya is innocent to the world.
The most interesting aspect of the first part of the novel is not so much the mystery, however, but the character of Varya herself. Varya began her career as a midwife, but after the war broke out she became a telegraph operator. She believes, irreverently, that because God created "Adam first and Eve afterwards, far from demonstrating that men were more important, this demonstrated that women were more perfect." (p.7) She believes that "chastity and hypocritical piety were shackles imposed on women" by men, and even debates with her fiancee whether it would be wrong or right to have an open relationship with another man. (p.9) Despite their unconventional attitudes towards marriage, Varya clearly loves Pyotr, who seems like the more conventional member of the pair. "Of course, he would settle for carnal love without a wedding ceremony," (which would be more in keeping with Varya's political beliefs) but acknowledges "it would be better to get married properly, since it would spare them many complications." (p.10)
The best-laid plans can go awry, and when Pyotr is accused of espionage, the common soldier seems to have little hope of surviving, given the heightened state of tensions within the Russian army, unless Varya can find the real culprit. This is why she is willing to seek the help of anyone who will offer her aid, even a detective she personally dislikes.
182) This episode describes Zurov's murder during a battle when he had to deliver a very important message to Russian general. As a result of his murder the battle was lost and Turks were able to win time in Plevna. 7. "So it was simply lying in his inside pocket? Well, well"(p.137) This episode describe that colonel Kazanzaki was blackmailed by Anvar-effendi, who knew about Kazanzaki's homosexuality, otherwise commander would not permit Kazanzaki's
It shows the underside of war, which is all about power, politics, and negotiation, when many people think it is just about fighting and winning. However, war is more than fighting and winning. It is hardship, it is power, and it is about gaining opportunities by defeating others. Oh it's ages since I had a ride in a train,' she sighed dreamily. 'Lie back on your soft seat, open a
The "angel of death" is fate or death that awaits many of the soldiers waiting for attack. In a few hours, many of these men will be dead or wounded, and there is nothing Varya can do to change it, it is inevitable. But then, at the observation point, everyone was excited and full of gleeful anticipation" (Akunin 122). This shows the "carnival" aspect of war, which as gruesome as
This is ironic, given that men of science are hardly thought to be the most socially adept individuals, and Nathan's ability to understand human nature is frequently revealed to be faulty. Nathan does not understand the emotional truths of human nature, and is not in touch with his gut, natural instincts even though he sees himself as an expert. Understanding something on an intellectual level does not necessarily mean
(p.60) Varya finds her beliefs most obviously challenged by the presence of the Ottoman Empire's harems. She says that modern women should never agree to live as wives in harem, as the custom is humiliating and barbaric. Even when seeking the truth, she cannot restrain herself, as during the begging of the section, she is disgusted to hear of the ladies of one harem, who loved their husband so passionately