Love and Death in Cyprus
is the story of Alexander Forbes and Leyla Ozkara.
After a tragic and dramatic
opening, the story begins with the growing up of Alexander in Scotland
and Leyla in a small Turkish Cypriot town in northwest Cyprus.
The story of Alexander, a
pharmacist, in basic training and the problems he faces before going to
Cyprus in 1957 as part of his National Service will appeal to everyone
who has served in the armed forces. Alexander joins a Medical Field unit
that is as weird and wonderful as M.A.S.H.
He volunteers to become involved
in a chemical spraying operation that requires the cooperation of muktar
or mayor Mehmet Ali Ozkara. He meets Mehmet Alis only child Leyla and
over time they fall deeply in love.
The novel relates all the
EOKA terrorist activities, the political intrigue, promises made and broken,
and military operations from 1950 to 1975.
A shooting takes place in
the infamous Ledra Street that changes the lives of Alexander and Leyla.
The novel moves between Cyprus,
Turkey and Australia as the Republic of Cyprus disintegrates in 1963.
A large, thought-provoking
book, Love and Death in Cyprus will strike a cord with readers familiar
with terrorist campaigns and the suffering inflicted on innocent civilians.
The exciting and bloody climax
reminds us of a forgotten period and a forgotten people, the Turks of Cyprus.
A must read for those who
love an action-filled book of love, humour and exotic places.
The book can be ordered on
www.lovedeathcyprus.com at
a cost of a little over 15 pounds including postage. Alternatively, a cheque
to Blackley, 2/20 Hewat Dr, Highton, Victoria, Australia 3216.
Reviews
Nemika Cellatoglu
> rated this book
Excellent
I'm a Turkish Cypriot.Up to now I listen the stories from my family and wonder how they succeed not to have any physicological
problem.I want to learn if the conversations between Denktas and Küçük are based on real documents.I read the translated version of the book (Turkish), I couldn't find the Greek name of the village that is named as Gaziantep.Thanks for informing world about the story of Turkish Cypriots.
Lesley rated this book
Excellent
I live in Cyprus and listen to the propaganda on a daily basis, on how the Greek Cypriots were the victims and never the protagonists. Harry gave a signed copy to my aunt who is a friend of his and i was sent it from Melbourne Australia, and i enjoyed every bit of it and how refreshing to hear about the war from someone who lived it and was impartial rather than the rhetoric from those that were never involved, or were so naive to believe all the BS their government spued. Will treasure the book and also hope to get it back as its doing the rounds of friends and their friends. It will soon be all round Cyprus.
Pete O'Brien rated this book
Excellent
Having served in Cyprus during 1957 and 1958 this book brought back many memories. Some great, some not so good and whilst reading this novel I became quite emotive, as I'm sure that any serviceman serving in Cyprus, not only at this time, but until the 1970's would agree.
It's supposed to be fiction, but this guy relates too many things for it to be so. It's compelling reading for any ex-Cyprus 'vet' who served from 1950-1970 and beyond. This guy has been there, seen it and I suspect has 'the T shirt.
It really is a great read! Go buy it if you want to reminice.
My daughter brought me mine for Fathers Day knowing of my interest.
Pete O'Brien rated this book
Excellent
My daughter bought me this book for 'Fathers Day' and I couldn't put it down. It is a superb novel about the troubles in Cyprus during the EOKA terrorist campaign and beyond. I served in Cyprus between 1957 & 1959 and although this book is listed as fiction, there are too many topics which are fact, that it could be a biography of the writer. It is compelling reading and a must for anyone who served in Cyprus. For me it brought back many memories,and at some stages I became quite emotive,some were happy, others not so good.
It's a bloody good read.
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