My Name is Red

"My Name is Red" by Orhan Pamuk has been an on again and off again affair for me over the last three years. The book came to me by way of a friend and finally, with a sigh of relief and triumph, I can say that I have read this gem of a book.

The book is a novel take on the classic "Whodunit" with an extremely rich narrative and, at the risk of sounding cliche, multitude of rich multi-dimensional characters.

As an aspiring writer myself it is especially noteworthy how the author brings the entire ambiance to life with subtle sentences and descriptions that immediately make the scenes and locations come to life.

Also remarkable is the attention to detail that is given to the lost art of Persian miniature or more accurately Ottoman miniature. The author would have you believe that he was actually a miniaturist in a past life with the amount of detail he gives to both the description and love the characters show for the lost art form.

It was also exciting to see the contrast of art with religion. especially the nature of art in an Islamic society and the sharp of edges of Islam that many ascribe to.

I'm probably late to the party in saying this, but if you like excellent and you need to go pick up this book.