Digital audiobook performed by Mozhan Marno

This work of historical fiction takes us to 19th-century Stamboul, seat of the Ottoman Empire (now, Istanbul, Turkey). When her mother dies as Eleanora Cohen is born, a flock of hoopoes suddenly appears. Two midwives appear mysteriously to deliver the child and begin caring for her; they claim to have “read the signs.” Raised by her father, a carpet merchant, she is indulged and cosseted. Clearly intelligent (she is reading advanced works at an early age), she manages to stowaway on his voyage to Stamboul. Eventually, Eleanora charms and intrigues the sultan, himself, with her precocious intellect and astute observations.

I was completely enchanted by this tale. In may ways it reads like a fairy tale, with castles and secret passages, court intrigue and wicked stepmothers, and, of course, the mysterious flock of hoopoes which follow Eleanora wherever she goes.

The writing is atmospheric and mystical. There were times when I had to remind myself of the setting in the late 19th century.

There were a couple of threads that disappeared without a satisfying conclusion, and the ending is ambiguous. But, on the whole, I was great entertained by this novel.

Mozhan Marno does a wonderful job of performing the audiobook. He really brought the setting and the characters to life for me. ( )

This is what I wrote in 2011 about this read: "Interesting read; learned more about the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul, some of the history. The 8 year girl is a savant and draws the attention of the Sultan, we suppose fulfilling her destiny recognized by 2 Tartar women at her birth. Unfulfilling ending, again making me wonder . . . there is a sequel in the works? Where did Elenora Cohen go when she fled Stamboul?" ( )

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The Oracle of Stamboul, the story of a polyglot little girl whom the Turkish sultan asks for advice, is heavy on atmosphere, setting, and birds... but light on character development and plot. If you're looking for a light costume drama of a book to make you crave Turkish coffee, look no further. I think the strongest aspect of the book is the portrayal of the girl's love for reading. (And a cameo appearance of Eugene Onegin.)

(There's more on my blog here.) ( )

I would give it 3.5 if I could. ( )