Hi Pookie,
the "Portrait" really bought home to me how much the changes in Turkey in the early part of the 1900's affected families and also explained some of the social history and cultural differences which still exists in much of Turkey today. It was also very moving and I cried at times! The fact the family were originally very comfortably off, made it even more difficult for them. The struggle to survive, going from wealth to poverty so quickly and the extreme losses they suffered, the affect long term of the young mother, a very special insight into both courage and despair I think. And a comfortable "read". Kinross, yes, I agree, very good but I did read it in "small doses" too! But well worth the time and for anyone interested in the battles of Gallipolli especially, then very interesting I thought. And of course huge insight into Ataturk and his mindset and vision. I will try to get both of those you refer too to bring out as I have exhausted my store currently!