Critical Praise

"This first novel by a promising young writer is both vivid historical fiction and a haunting fable."

—Library Journal

"A stunning debut…Lukas has managed to create an instant classic that feels as if it should be retroactively slipped into the great libraries of the old world."

—Reif Larsen, author of The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet

"An enchanting, gorgeous read…Lukas captures the scents and sounds, the vivid beauty, the subtle intrigue and simultaneous naivety, of the Ottoman Empire unaware of its imminent demise."

—Siobhan Fallon, author of You Know When the Men Are Gone

"A lyrical debut…A passionate novel that beautifully conveys the flavor of Turkish culture…focusing on the effect a young prodigy has on the political leaders of the time."

—Kirkus Reviews