Customer Reviews

Istanbul Express (Rendezvous With Destiny #5) (Book 5)

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Having lived in Istanbul, Turkey for a number of years, I immediately picked up this book when I saw it.

ISTANBUL EXPRESS is the fifth book in Bunn's "Rendezvous with Destiny" series. The book details the post-World War II adventures of Americans Jake and Sally Burnes and Frenchmen Pierre and Jasmyn Servais, their best friends. Both couples have been dispatched to "exotic" Istanbul, Turkey to work in their respective consulates. The opening scenes are set on the then-luxurious "Orient Express" on their way from Paris to their postings. While on the train they are warned of danger ahead and meet a suspicious Russian diplomat. Arriving in Istanbul, the four soon discover that their mission is to prove that Josef Stalin has designs on taking over Turkey--due to its strategic position on the Bosphorus Strait. Jake also finds that American aid is being misappropriated. In their pursuit of the truth, the four friends visit many of the important historic sites in Istanbul (formerly Byzantium and then Constantinople) such as the Pera Palas Hotel, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Covered Bazaar, the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, and the underground cistern.

ISTANBUL EXPRESS is a "quick read" and holds one's attention fairly well. Bunn's descriptions of Istanbul traffic and street life are colorful and believable: The author has no doubt spent some time in Istanbul--or perhaps read an accurate city-guide! Interestingly enough, Bunn includes characters from the Jewish minority (who emigrated to Turkey 500 years ago), which adds veracity to the story. The author also does a nice job of mixing fictional adventure, Christian truth, and historic fact. Unfortunately there are a few mistakes in his geography. In addition, the cover design does not correctly portray Turkish mosques and minarets or Turkish women's head scarves. Nevertheless, these small mistakes do not detract from the story. It is still a fun read--especially because it highlights my beloved Istanbul!