A Court at Constantinople by Anthony Earth

It is dangerous for lawyers and lovers when civilisations clash.

Under coercion, James Bingham, a struggling English barrister, joins Her Britannic Majesty’s Supreme Consular Court at Constantinople. Osman Mehmed, a brilliant Turkish law student, loathes the British court, but the Ottoman government orders him to work with it on legal reform. Angry about injustices that women suffer, Rosamund Colborne initiates a relationship with James to escape a grim future dictated by her ruthless father.

The court's cases and the courtship's twists intertwine the fates of Mehmed, James, and Rosamund and force each to question what love and justice mean. With the Ottoman and British empires increasingly at odds, power, prejudice, and passions endanger the court, the heart's desires, and the relationship between the European and Islamic civilisations.

At this precarious moment, a brutal crime threatens to destroy what law and affection have created. The trial reveals shocking secrets, and its violent end rouses courage by Rosamund, James, and Mehmed to see justice done and love prevail.

About the author

Anthony Earth is an international lawyer and foreign policy expert who has advised governments, international organisations, and companies all over the world. He has written extensively on legal and political issues and has recently delved into outer space law and policy.

Review

‘A Court at Constantinople’ is an intriguing look at how society is a melting pot and how cultures can clash, especially when they are trying to consolidate power. This is the author’s first fiction book and it was well constructed and its clear that law is his sphere and he knows his stuff.

When James Bingham is forced to relocate to Constantinople in 1859 he is unsure what he is letting himself in for. He is to be a junior clerk for Her Britannic Majesty’s Supreme Consular Court. Osman Mehmed is a brilliant Turkish law student who loathes the British court but has been asked to work with it on legal reform. Angry about the injustices that women suffer, Rosamund Colbourne begins a relationship with James to escape her ruthless father. The Court’s cases affect all our players and force them to question what love and justice means.

This book is based on historical facts about the legal system at the time in Constantinople and it's clear that the author is fascinated by this area of legal history. There is a lot of information to read through at times which helps to set the scene. This does give it an authentic feel but some readers may think it slows the pace of the narrative.

I loved Rosamund who was a firecracker of a woman, especially considering she is living in a Muslim country during the 1850s. In my opinion she is the best part of the book and brings it warmth and occasional humour! Much like the Ambassador.

A good historical mystery that educates the reader but keeps them guessing about the plot!

Let me know if you pick it up.