Scan barcode
lunaeclipse's review against another edition
4.0
So I've had a long time to think about this book. What I have to say is short. It's beautiful. That is to say that the images I could see in my imagination were astounding. However, it lacked a story. I wasn't sure what the story was about until half way through. Also, the main character was a brilliant, gifted child, but then... not. There was all this mystery surrounding her and then... not.
All that said, if the author ever comes out with another book, I would read it.
All that said, if the author ever comes out with another book, I would read it.
judaroo's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful prose and gorgeous setting, but I found the ending unsatisfying.
mwgerard's review against another edition
2.0
Had potential and its moments, but overall not very strong. My review here: http://cineastesbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/02/review-oracle-of-stamboul-by-michael.html
balletbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
Quite interesting. A bit of realism, a bit of magical realism, a bit of historical fiction. I'm still digesting this one but it is safe to say that it is an enjoyable book to read. I plowed through the first 160 pages or so to come up for air and find that the bathwater had gone cold and the cats were howling to be fed.
branch_c's review against another edition
3.0
An elegant story, with writing that’s both clear and poetic, and certainly enjoyable to read. The setting and tone are atmospheric and evocative of 19th century Istanbul.
The pace, though, is languid, and the plot is restrained - hinting cautiously at deeper depths and greater adventure before pulling back from the edge.
It’s a slow burn that leads up to an open-ended conclusion, which in hindsight is really the only reasonable way to end things, ambiguous though it may seem.
For me, the book falls short of being truly compelling, but nevertheless worthwhile and thought-provoking.
The pace, though, is languid, and the plot is restrained - hinting cautiously at deeper depths and greater adventure before pulling back from the edge.
It’s a slow burn that leads up to an open-ended conclusion, which in hindsight is really the only reasonable way to end things, ambiguous though it may seem.
For me, the book falls short of being truly compelling, but nevertheless worthwhile and thought-provoking.
8crewmom's review against another edition
3.0
I recieved this book as a Goodreads first read, and was so excited to start it. The cover looked beautiful and the story line was intriguing. However, the plot took awhile to develop and when it was finally taking on some speed the story was over. It felt, though, to be just beginning. The ending felt hasty as though the author was simply trying to wrap the story up and instead left some loose ends and a rather abrupt finish.
moonblink39's review against another edition
3.0
I was enjoying listening to this and then it ended and I was left scratching my head. It was very abrupt and just kind of cut everything off.
wisbeth's review against another edition
4.0
In the summer of 1877, a child is born and many mysterious things happen during her birth. First, a flock of purple-and-white hoopoes which are a type of bird arrive. Then just as mysteriously, a pair of special midwives appears to deliver her. After the child, Eleonora is born her mother dies. Eleonora is raised by her doting father, Yakob and her not so loving step-mother, Ruxandra. As Eleonora grows she is found to be a genius. Yakob must leave on business for Stamboul. This is more than Eleonora can bear so she becomes a stowaway on the ship which is carrying her father. Once she arrives in Stamboul, Eleonora's life takes a big change. She lives in the home of her father's business partner, Moncef Bey. I had many questions and concerns about this man's intentions. Then we add in Eleonora's tutor, Reverend Muehler, who may or may not be a spy. But what or who is he spying on? It seems like everyone wants to keep Eleonora close to them as they know she is special. I adored this little girl and at times felt so sorry for her. At every turn there is more mystery and intrigue. The story is an intricate puzzle that at times moves rather slowly. I did however love the author's prose. It was as magical as the story itself. I was glad that I stuck with the story even when it slowed down. The symbolism in the story beautifully written. Usually I miss connections like that in a book but in this one I was able to savor it. Stamboul made for a very interesting setting, one that I am not all that familiar with. I love going to new places and times when reading a book. This book is beautifully published and I would recommend reading the actual book and not the e-book. The pages have a beautiful feel to them which added to the pleasure of reading this book. It almost had an antique feel to it. This is a wonderful debut book that will leave you thinking about this book and this little girl for quite some time.
fuzzyduckky's review against another edition
2.0
The cover for this book is just beautiful, one of the reasons why I brought this book (I'm just a lover of beautiful covers).
I did enjoy this book, but I didn't love it. The reason for this is because I did not feel connected to the story at all and the way in which the story was told was just distant to me.
The characters were interesting, but again I didn't connect to any of them. I did find Eleonora unbelievable at times, possibly because she is a little girl who is very intelligent and ends up advising the ambassador of Turkey. Don't get me wrong, I did love how smart she was, it was just a bit over the top for me.
I really enjoyed the magical element of things, for example the flock of birds which are present at Eleonora's birth and follow her around throughout the story. The descriptions of Turkey were beautiful and you could almost feel yourself there looking at the buildings and smelling the spices. These descriptions did go on for awhile, which at times made me skim read certain parts. Maybe this was the reason why the story felt a bit distant to me.
I was very disappointed with the ending of the story which was a bit flat. I didn't get the conclusion I was hoping for and loose ends were not tied up. Overall, it was a beautiful story and worth the read.
I did enjoy this book, but I didn't love it. The reason for this is because I did not feel connected to the story at all and the way in which the story was told was just distant to me.
The characters were interesting, but again I didn't connect to any of them. I did find Eleonora unbelievable at times, possibly because she is a little girl who is very intelligent and ends up advising the ambassador of Turkey. Don't get me wrong, I did love how smart she was, it was just a bit over the top for me.
I really enjoyed the magical element of things, for example the flock of birds which are present at Eleonora's birth and follow her around throughout the story. The descriptions of Turkey were beautiful and you could almost feel yourself there looking at the buildings and smelling the spices. These descriptions did go on for awhile, which at times made me skim read certain parts. Maybe this was the reason why the story felt a bit distant to me.
I was very disappointed with the ending of the story which was a bit flat. I didn't get the conclusion I was hoping for and loose ends were not tied up. Overall, it was a beautiful story and worth the read.
janu0303's review against another edition
3.0
The book is good. Entertaining, but nothing noteworthy. But it's placed in Istanbul and that makes me nostalgic for a city I fell in love with.