(BWF) The Oracle of Stamboul / Michael David Lukas - 4****

[Book Concierge]

The Oracle of Stamboul – Michael David Lukas
Digital audiobook performed by Mozhan Marno
4****

This work of historical fiction takes us to 19th-century Stamboul, seat of the Ottoman Empire (now, Istanbul, Turkey). When her mother dies as Eleanora Cohen is born, a flock of hoopoes suddenly appears. Two midwives appear mysteriously to deliver the child and begin caring for her; they claim to have “read the signs.” Raised by her father, a carpet merchant, she is indulged and cosseted. Clearly intelligent (she is reading advanced works at an early age), she manages to stowaway on his voyage to Stamboul. Eventually, Eleanora charms and intrigues the sultan, himself, with her precocious intellect and astute observations.

I was completely enchanted by this tale. In may ways it reads like a fairy tale, with castles and secret passages, court intrigue and wicked stepmothers, and, of course, the mysterious flock of hoopoes which follow Eleanora wherever she goes.

The writing is atmospheric and mystical. There were times when I had to remind myself of the setting in the late 19th century.

There were a couple of threads that disappeared without a satisfying conclusion, and the ending is ambiguous. But, on the whole, I was greatly entertained by this novel.

Mozhan Marno does a wonderful job of performing the audiobook. He really brought the setting and the characters to life for me.


LINK to my review

[Theresa]

I'm not sure how I have missed this one. But it's in my TBR Towers now.

I am always looking for books set in Istanbul and Turkey, ever since I visited there - twice.

[Holly R W]

I liked this one too, and found it charming. So glad you enjoyed it Tessa!

@Theresa, the author also wrote The Last Watchman of Old Cairo, which we both enjoyed.

[Book Concierge]

Theresa ... I think you would really like it.

[Theresa]

I thought the author's name was familiar. The Last Watchman of Old Cairo is one of my favorite books ever!

This has become a must read soon ... and it gives me another O for a spelling challenge in another group. I need a ridiculous number.