Yes I Would Love Another Glass of Tea

August 16, 2010
Inspired by Lady Mary Montagu, husband of the English ambassador to Turkey in the early 18th century, whose correspondences were collected posthumously in The Embassy Letters, Branning has written a series of imagined letters to Lady Montagu that reveal her own take on Turkey. A librarian and art historian who has spent considerable time in the country, Branning shares her experiences, both positive and negative, in a narrative style that is proper, prim, and perhaps overly restrained: "I wrote to you in the last letter about women, but I feel I need to say a few more things specifically…" Her affection for Turkey and her appreciation for its food, customs, and hospitality are evident. "There are no hidden agendas, secret ingredients, tour de mains, or elaborate reduced sauces in this food. It is bold and direct, and you know exactly what has gone into its making… I eat simply… is one of my most favorite meals on earth." Her enthusiasm is infectious, and the photos that close many chapters help to make this volume a treat.