I BOUGHT THIS BOOK AT A WATERSTONE'S AT THE BLUEWATER SHOPPING COMPLEX IN KENT. It is a murder mystery set in 16th century Turkey. It has had lots of good reviews so hopefully it will be good!

This was such an interesting book. The murder mystery is only part of the story, much of the novel is about life in 16th century Istanbul and the tensions brought about in an Islamic city situated so close to the West and so commercially reliant upon it. A very strong theme in the book is the influence of Western culture on the Islamic - the author's views are balanced in this respect, presenting both viewpoints. I found the novel was challenging to read and I will not pretend I read every line of it. But I do appreciate the author's skill and there were sections of the book that I felt truly came alive. Orhan Pamuk is being referred to as a possible winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature - it will be interesting to see whether he goes on to achieve this honour.

I am going to contribute this to the UK book-box. I hope whoever finds it enjoys it and that it continues its travels, wherever that may be!

Released on Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at Sent to a bookcrosser in Royal Mail, City of London, England United Kingdom.

Sent to xwastrelx in the UK book-box.