Event

Is it a murder mystery? A romance novel? Historical fiction? A love letter to the setting in Istanbul? A philosophical exploration?

A book as intriguing as My Name is Red by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk deserves more than one discussion. Join us as we consider the book’s place in world literature, the author, the historical setting, the artwork at its centre and, most importantly, the compelling story.

At once a fiendishly devious mystery, a beguiling love story, and a brilliant symposium on the power of art, My Name Is Red is a transporting tale set amid the splendor and religious intrigue of sixteenth-century Istanbul, from one of the most prominent contemporary Turkish writers.

The Sultan has commissioned a cadre of the most acclaimed artists in the land to create a great book celebrating the glories of his realm. Their task: to illuminate the work in the European style. But because figurative art can be deemed an affront to Islam, this commission is a dangerous proposition indeed. The ruling elite therefore mustn’t know the full scope or nature of the project, and panic erupts when one of the chosen miniaturists disappears. The only clue to the mystery–or crime? –lies in the half-finished illuminations themselves. Part fantasy and part philosophical puzzle, My Name is Red is a kaleidoscopic journey to the intersection of art, religion, love, sex and power.

A limited number of books are available for pick up at the Parkgate Branch. The ebook version can be downloaded using the Libby app. More electronic copies can be made available according to demand. 

For more information, please call 604.929.3727 ext 8166 or email Vicki at leev@nvdpl.ca.

This meeting will be held on Zoom.

What you’ll need to attend: a computer with microphone (or headphones) and webcam, or your smartphone/tablet.