An epic adventure in search of a coveted book in the run up to the apocalyptic 'Year of the Beast' in 1666, stretching from Constantinople to London. It's full of detail, believable characters and touching love scenes, and I learnt a lot about the roots of today's tensions between Islamic and Western cultures. A clear and supple translation, it's not a difficult read but give yourself time to enjoy all its facets.
She raised her head, undid her hair, and spread the black tresses over my bare arm. Then she went to sleep without saying a word.
