"It embraces detective fiction, artistic disquisition and psychological thriller. Above all, the reader is treated to an extraordinary plangent lament for principles of craftsmanship which history has buried and which fashion does not value." Independent on Sunday "Far from being a mere "historical novel", it has unforgettable narrative drive that unites past and present, as well as the high art with popular appeal which has made Pamuk into Turkey's greatest living writer." The Guardian
