A Fez of the Heart by Jeremy Seal

Title: A Fez of the Heart: Travels Around Turkey in Search of a Hat

Author: Jeremy Seal

First Published: 1995

No. of Pages: 334

Synopsis (from B&N): "Inspired by a dusty fez in his parents’ attic, Jeremy Seal set off in 1993 to trace the astonishing history of this cone-shaped hat. Soon the quintessentially Turkish headgear became the key to understanding a country beset by contradictions."

Fiction or Nonfiction: Nonfiction

Comments and Critique: This is one of the more unusual travel books that I've read. First, the majority of the book focuses on the history of Turkey, rather than on the author's traveling. I previously had no knowledge of Turkey's history, so this was an interesting introduction to the subject. Second, the author's use of the fez as the central theme around which all the history and travel revolves is unique, but appropriate once the reader understands the importance it played in the country. Third, this is the first travel book I've read that has made me NOT want to visit the place. I've wanted for many years, and continue to want, to see Istanbul, but this book has not encouraged me to be in a rush to see the rest of the country. It's not that the author is disrespectful or puts down the country; it's simply that he strives to show it in a realistic light which, unfortunately, is not a flattering one. However, given that this book is now 14 years old, it's entirely possible that the author's view would differ if he were to visit today.

Challenges: 999 ("Travel"); Summer Vacation Reading