From one of the most important and acclaimed writers at work today, a thrilling new novel-part murder mystery, part love story-set amid the perils of religious repression in sixteenth-century Istanbul. When the Sultan commissions a great book to celebrate his royal self and his extensive dominion, he directs Enishte Effendi to assemble a cadre of the most acclaimed artists in the land. Their task: to illuminate the work in the European style. But because figurative art can be deemed an affront to Islam, this commission is ...
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From one of the most important and acclaimed writers at work today, a thrilling new novel-part murder mystery, part love story-set amid the perils of religious repression in sixteenth-century Istanbul. When the Sultan commissions a great book to celebrate his royal self and his extensive dominion, he directs Enishte Effendi to assemble a cadre of the most acclaimed artists in the land. Their task: to illuminate the work in the European style. But because figurative art can be deemed an affront to Islam, this commission is a dangerous proposition indeed, and no one in the elite circle can know the full scope or nature of the project. Panic erupts when one of the chosen miniaturists disappears, and the Sultan demands answers within three days. The only clue to the mystery-or crime?-lies in the half-finished illuminations themselves. Has an avenging angel discovered the blasphemous work? Or is a jealous contender for the hand of Enishte's ravishing daughter, the incomparable Shekure, somehow to blame?
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Seller's Description:
Good. 16 AUDIO CDs individually polished for your satisfaction withdrawn from the library collection. Some library sticker and stamp. You will receive a reliable set. Enjoy this presentable AUDIO CD performance.
Pamuk tells two stories: that of the people in Istanbul at the end of the 15th century; and of their attitudes toward art and religion; so different from that we westerners are familiar with. He writes beautifully, and deeply. The use of many voices gives both altered perceptions and styles and allows the author to remain in the background, while telling the story more fully.
Kenneth Edwin V
Nov 27, 2010
Difficult read
I was curious as to what I could learn from this book by the Turkish author Orhan Pamuk--an cultural insight and there is some of that but the book seems for me to stand still, we learn about calligraphers and miniature artists and their work--but I must confess that I have stopped about 1/5 of the way through and hopefully I can get another start but not at this moment.
jchibi
Apr 3, 2007
New and Creative
Each chapter of the book is a different person persepctive. This is something i 've never seen in a book. It push's the story and gives it a creative edge. If you are wondering about Turkey this book has a lot of information that's given in the stroy. The first couple of chapters are hard to get into, but after that it's hard to put down.