Katharine Branning Livres

This biographical novel presents the story of the French scholar Eva de Vitray-Meyerovitch, French translator of Mevlana, more familiarly known as Rumi. The book takes the form of a dialog between this female 20th century scholar and Mevlana, who lived in 13th century Turkey. The book is structured in 12 chapters. There are 12 parts to the sema dance of the Whirling Dervishes, the dervish group founded by Mevlana. The progression of the 12 parts of this ceremony mirrors the stages of both the life of Eva de Vitray and Rumi himself. The three are interviewed in a captivating manner. Each sema section is described at the beginning of a chapter to enhance the feeling of ritual in the book and how it feeds into her itinerary.

Set against the 13th century Seljuk Empire, this saga centers on Mahperi, a formidable woman navigating the complexities of court life. Known as the Moon Queen, she faces fierce rivals, Mongol invasions, and personal betrayals, all while striving to leave a lasting legacy. Her journey highlights themes of love, ambition, and resilience, as she collaborates with Sufis and artisans to shape her world. Inspired by true events, this narrative offers a rich perspective on a pivotal era in Turkish history, blending inspiration with the struggles of a woman's quest for influence.

Imaginary letters to Lady Mary Montagu explore themes of culture, art, religion, women, and daily life, mirroring her experiences in Turkey during her time as the English ambassador's wife. The author draws on 30 years of travel in Turkey to reflect on these topics, creating a dialogue between past and present. Through this unique lens, the book offers insights into the evolving dynamics of life in Turkey while honoring Lady Mary's original observations.