The Janissary Tree
320
Novel • Fiction
Istanbul • 1830s
2006
Adult
18+ years
1644L
In 1830s Istanbul, Investigator Yashim Togalu, a eunuch, is tasked with solving the disappearance of four Janissaries, the murder of Sultan Mahmud II’s concubine, and the theft of the Sultan's mother's jewelry. As Yashim investigates, he uncovers a conspiracy involving surviving Janissaries aiming to overthrow the Sultan and restore their former power. Sensitive topics include violence and assault.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Gritty
Challenging
7,816 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jason Goodwin's The Janissary Tree has been praised for its rich historical detail and atmospheric setting in 19th-century Istanbul. Readers appreciate the unique protagonist, a eunuch detective, and the intricate plot. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a compelling historical mystery with a distinct cultural backdrop.
A reader captivated by historical intrigue, rich cultural atmospheres, and intricate detective work will enjoy The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin. Fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose and Boris Akunin's Erast Fandorin series will find similar satisfaction in Goodwin's evocative portrayal of 19th-century Istanbul and its complex mysteries.
7,816 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Janissary Tree is the first novel in the Yashim the Eunuch series, which combines historical fiction with the detective genre and is set in the heart of the Ottoman Empire during the 19th century.
Jason Goodwin, the author of The Janissary Tree, won the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2007, recognizing the book's excellence in the mystery fiction genre.
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The book is praised for its richly atmospheric descriptions, offering readers a vivid glimpse into the cosmopolitan life of Istanbul, reflecting Goodwin's expertise as a historian specialized in Ottoman history.
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320
Novel • Fiction
Istanbul • 1830s
2006
Adult
18+ years
1644L
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