Synopsis

There are few books dealing with Asia Minor 1919-23. This collection provides fictional characters the opportunity to tell their stories of what they witnessed, experienced and survived during their ordeal. The stories themselves show the futility of war and the lessons of the past are still relevant in the 21st century. It seems we haven't heeded those past lessons and are repeating the same in the Middle East.

Terry Stavridis has extensive knowledge of late Ottoman history centered around Greek-Turkish relations plus the involvement of major European powers and the United States in the Near and Middle East. The book revolves around major themes such as conflict, hope, xenophobia, immigration survival, redemption, hatred, nationalism, diplomacy, refugees, and the futility of war. There is a strong American connection mentioned throughout the book. This publication is intended for specialists and readers interested in the history of the late Ottoman history. However, it is hoped that it attracts first-time readers to a troubled region which resulted in death and expulsion of innocent people.

Sales arguments

• 1. The relations between Greece and the Ottoman Empire including the Turkish Republic have ebbed and flowed from good to not so good. The potential for conflict between the two neighbors is always present.
• 2. History is always written from the great figures such as diplomats, presidents, kings and popes. This book gives individuals to tell their story of what they saw and personally experienced.
• 3. These stories highlight that the Near and Middle East continue to attract the interest of major powers highlighting that nothing has really changed over the past 100 years.
• 4. The book highlights the futiity of war
• 5. I am the authors of two books and contributing book chapters

Similar titles

• Farewell Anatolia, Dido Soteriou, Kedros, 1991 - This book focuses on one individual whereas my collection will present multi voices.
• Birds without Wings, Louis de Bernieres, Vintage Books, 2004- the same as above
• Disaster and Fiction, Thomas Doulis, University of California Press, 1977 This book describes the development of fictional writing after the 1922 disaster. My book is a compilation of short stories which will add to the books analyzed in Mr Doulis's seminal work.

Audience

This publication is intended for specialists and readers interested in the history of the late Ottoman history. However, it is hoped that it attracts first-time readers to a troubled region which resulted in death and expulsion of innocent people.

Advance praise

I have discussed the idea of this book with some friends who told me to go for it. This is my first effort in producing a fictional book as a means of testing the market before launching myself into writing a full-scale historical novel.