In Flight

by Dawn Leger

Marta Demir, a successful attorney with an international trade company based in New York City, travels to Istanbul to sort out a dispute over pasta exportation between Turkey, Italy, and the United States. On the airplane from New York, Marta's seatmate, an elderly Greek man named Vasilli Vassilios, shares his story of exile from Constantinople as a child. He is returning to the land of his birth in response to a letter informing him of the death of his brother, whom he has not seen or heard from in over seventy-five years. Although she is at first unwilling to involve herself in Vasilli's problems, it eventually becomes a relief from the pasta case and Marta is drawn to help her new friend. Their search for his family leads the pair to visit Buyuk Ada, an island in the Marmara that is home to many wealthy Turkish and minority families. There, rather than find information about Vasilli's past, Marta is shaken to learn that her mother perished shortly after she left the country. As Vasilli and Marta search throughout Turkey to find clues to their family secrets, they discover the warmth and beauty of the Turkish countryside and her people.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 18, 2009

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book a few years ago and was so delighted that I handed it to my husband to read as well. It's a mystery with two interesting characters both arriving in Turkey from the United States with very different reasons for being there.

Their lives become entangled as the story unfolds. I was so taken with the descriptions of Turkey, its people, its geography, its food and more that I have put a visit to Turkey into my "bucket list".

The author's love of Turkey and its people is evident in the telling of this story. I am so pleased that the book is taking off and I recommend it to book clubs and individuals.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Dawn, for the journey. I definitely enjoyed this story of two travelers searching for answers to fill the gaps in their family histories. Fast paced, with several twists and turns, the novel kept me going until the end. I will look forward to more!

[Dawn Leger · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

[Judy Giguere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great international story. I never knew this much about Turkey. The mystery story is unique and fascinating.