Sweet Waters

by Harold Nicolson

2000: by Harold Nicolson- Sweet Waters is a gripping novel set on the banks of the Bosphorus in Old Istanbul.

Genres: Fiction

278 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2000

About the author

Sir Harold George Nicolson KCVO CMG was an English diplomat, author, diarist and politician. He was the husband of writer Vita Sackville-West, their unusual relationship being described in their son's book, Portrait of a Marriage.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

After quite a slow start I really enjoyed this. What at first seems like a plodding, slightly dated story about love among expats in Constantinople turns into something much more. At its heart it’s showing the atmosphere and intrigue of the city’s history at this point in time rather than focusing too much of the individual characters but there’s also lots of beautifully descriptive and nostalgic writing. It’s also interesting for the background of the author as Vita Sackville-West’s husband and, given the stuffy way Eirene’s ‘love story’ starts there are even a few unexpected turns in that department as well which, given the author’s background, maybe shouldn’t be a surprise…

[Jen Holman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written by a former diplomat to Turkey, this story takes place in early 20th century Istanbul, and it really does harken to the time, with stunning descriptions of the Bosphorous and various neighbourhoods around town. It is said to mirror Nicolson's own experience living in Constantinople in a time of war - in fact, he apparently lived in Cihangir, where we were living as well. It was not a page-turner, despite being lauded as a "thriller" in some reviews, but it was pleasant enough.

[Zabetta Camilleri]

Doesn't Really do justice to the beauty of Istanbul