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A review by branch_c
The Oracle of Stamboul by Michael David Lukas
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.