"The Towers of Trebizond" is a novel written by Rose Macaulay, published in 1956. It is a satirical and witty account of a journey to Turkey by two British women, Laurie and her Aunt Dot. The novel explores the themes of religion, politics, identity, and cultural clashes.The novel is narrated by Laurie, who is struggling with her own identity and faith. She is drawn towards the Eastern Orthodox Church, and her journey to Turkey with her Aunt Dot becomes a spiritual pilgrimage for her. The journey becomes a reflection of her own search for meaning and purpose in life. Throughout the novel, she grapples with questions of faith, belief, and the role of religion in society.Aunt Dot, on the other hand, is a larger-than-life character, who is full of eccentricities and unconventional ideas. She is a feminist and a travel writer, and her presence adds a humorous and light-hearted touch to the novel. She is determined to ride a camel to the Towers of Trebizond, and this quest becomes the driving force of the novel. Her stubbornness and determination are juxtaposed with Laurie's introspective and uncertain nature, creating a contrast that adds depth to the novel.The novel is set against the backdrop of political turmoil in Turkey, where the secular government is at odds with the Islamic tradition. Macaulay explores the tensions between the modern and the traditional, the East and the West, and the clash between different cultures and religions. She uses the characters of Aunt Dot and Laurie to highlight these tensions, and to offer a commentary on the role of religion in shaping society.One of the key themes of the novel is the search for identity. Laurie is struggling to find her place in the world, and her journey to Turkey becomes a quest for self-discovery. She is torn between her British identity and her attraction to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Her spiritual journey becomes a metaphor for her own search for identity, and she grapples with questions of faith and belief throughout the novel.Another theme that runs through the novel is the tension between the modern and the traditional. Aunt Dot is a symbol of modernity, with her unconventional ideas and her feminist beliefs. She is contrasted with the traditional Turkish society, which is steeped in tradition and religion. The clash between these two worlds creates a tension that is at the heart of the novel.Macaulay uses satire and wit to comment on the social and political issues of her time. She takes a light-hearted approach to serious issues, using humor to critique the society and culture of her time. Her style is engaging and entertaining, making the novel a pleasure to read.In conclusion, "The Towers of Trebizond" is a satirical and humorous account of a journey to Turkey. It explores themes of identity, religion, culture, and politics, using the characters of Aunt Dot and Laurie to highlight the tensions between the modern and the traditional. Macaulay's use of humor and satire makes the novel entertaining and engaging, while also offering a commentary on the society and culture of her time.