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Yashim the Eunuch #4
Kuri silm
Detektiiv Yaşim lahendab järjekordset saladust ja loomulikult on tema kõrval ustavad sõbrad. Stanislaw Palewski tegutseb endiselt Poola saadikuna, hoolimata sellest, et riiki nimega Poola ei eksisteeri; transvestiit Preen leiab varjupaika vajavatele oma teatris ikka ulualuse ja turul köögiviljadega kauplev George jagab Yaşimile tasuta head-paremat. Istanbulis oleks kõik nagu korras: troonile on asunud uus sultan, haaremisse saabuvad uued tüdrukud, rahva rõõmuks avatakse uus sild üle Kuldsarve väina. Ent Halki saare kloostris leiavad mungad kaevust tundmatu mehe laiba, kaugelt mägedest võtab lambakarjus ette pika teekonna ammuse ülekohtu eest tasumiseks, haaremis tuleb ette salapäraseid surmajuhtumeid ning mis kõige hullem, järsku on kadunud kogu Ottomani impeeriumi laevastik Yaşimi kunagise õpetaja Fevzi Ahmeti juhtimisel, jättes Istanbuli ähvardava Venemaa ees kaitsetuks. Yaşimil on, mille üle mõelda, ja lugeja saab seda teha koos temaga.
270 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
33 people are currently reading
793 people want to read
About the author
Jason Goodwin
45 books413 followersJason Goodwin's latest book is YASHIM COOKS ISTANBUL: Culinary Adventures in the Ottoman Kitchen.
He studied Byzantine history at Cambridge University - and returned to an old obsession to write The Gunpowder Gardens or, A Time For Tea: Travels in China and India in Search of Tea, which was shortlisted for the Thomas Cook Award. When the Berlin Wall fell, he walked from Poland to Istanbul to encounter the new European neighbours. His account of the journey, On Foot to the Golden Horn, won the John Llewellyn Rhys/Mail on Sunday Prize in 1993.
Fascinated by what he had learned of Istanbul's perpetual influence in the region, he wrote Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire, a New York Times Notable Book. 'If you want to learn,' he says, 'write a book.' Lords of the Horizons was described by Time Out as 'perhaps the most readable history ever written on anything.'
Having always wanted to write fiction, he became popular as the author of the mystery series beginning with The Janissary Tree, which won the coveted Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2007. Translated into more than 40 languages, the series continues with The Snake Stone, The Bellini Card, An Evil Eye and The Baklava Club. They feature a Turkish detective, Yashim, who lives in 19th century Istanbul.
YASHIM COOKS ISTANBUL is an illustrated collection of recipes, inspired by the cookery in his five published adventures.
He studied Byzantine history at Cambridge University - and returned to an old obsession to write The Gunpowder Gardens or, A Time For Tea: Travels in China and India in Search of Tea, which was shortlisted for the Thomas Cook Award. When the Berlin Wall fell, he walked from Poland to Istanbul to encounter the new European neighbours. His account of the journey, On Foot to the Golden Horn, won the John Llewellyn Rhys/Mail on Sunday Prize in 1993.
Fascinated by what he had learned of Istanbul's perpetual influence in the region, he wrote Lords of the Horizons: A History of the Ottoman Empire, a New York Times Notable Book. 'If you want to learn,' he says, 'write a book.' Lords of the Horizons was described by Time Out as 'perhaps the most readable history ever written on anything.'
Having always wanted to write fiction, he became popular as the author of the mystery series beginning with The Janissary Tree, which won the coveted Edgar Award for Best Novel in 2007. Translated into more than 40 languages, the series continues with The Snake Stone, The Bellini Card, An Evil Eye and The Baklava Club. They feature a Turkish detective, Yashim, who lives in 19th century Istanbul.
YASHIM COOKS ISTANBUL is an illustrated collection of recipes, inspired by the cookery in his five published adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
November 9, 2016
Fans of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle may find much to appreciate in this short series of mysteries by Jason Goodwin. They are set in Istanbul, at the tail-end of Ottoman rule. Our detective is a eunuch named Yashim who's on-call to the sultan for those stickier investigations that require discretion and dispatch. His physical deficiency provides him unique access to the hidden world of the harem where, through the odd twist or turn, information can frequently be unearthed. He has a great friend in the Polish ambassador, Stanislaw Palewski, a diplomat abandoned by his country to this backwater post. Both men can be found, on any given evening, pairing Yashim's delectable cuisine with a forgotten wine from the embassy's cellar.
Thick with atmosphere, politics, philosophy and subtle forays into deduction, they are for me a form of literary oasis. The suspense is kept to a minimum, and drawn out to such a degree that I'm forced to slow down, contemplate, relax...and just enjoy the ride. An Evil Eye is the fourth of the series and revolves around the abrupt disappearance of Fevzi Ahmet, an old nemesis of Yashim's and admiral of the Ottoman fleet. The pages do not snap as they turn. In fact, I might suggest a cup of tea.
Thick with atmosphere, politics, philosophy and subtle forays into deduction, they are for me a form of literary oasis. The suspense is kept to a minimum, and drawn out to such a degree that I'm forced to slow down, contemplate, relax...and just enjoy the ride. An Evil Eye is the fourth of the series and revolves around the abrupt disappearance of Fevzi Ahmet, an old nemesis of Yashim's and admiral of the Ottoman fleet. The pages do not snap as they turn. In fact, I might suggest a cup of tea.
April 14, 2023
It's 1839, and The Ottoman Empire is already the sick man of Europe. The admiral of the Ottoman Naval fleet defects to Egypt. Yashim is assigned to investigate. Meanwhile, at the royal harem, women are dying. One seems to have something to do with the other.
A very good mystery with a different setting.
A very good mystery with a different setting.
July 10, 2013
How bad is the mystery fiction when the lead character must explain the plot to you in the last 8 pages? There are old Murder, She Wrote plots that hold your interest more.
I'm not getting my jollies by bashing Goodwin. I enjoyed the first three books in this series. But The Evil Eye is a poor addition. It reads like he phoned it in. (Example: "Hey, remember where I wrote about finding a body in a well in The Snake Stone? Well, put a body in a well here too, but don't bother with any of the interesting details.")
I am very fond of Yashim and Palewski, the Polish ambassador, and will usually follow along with whatever they are doing. But there is no character development in this book. Yashim hardly even cooks anything. Palewski is working on a translation, but we never hear any more about that. There are some good descriptions of new landscapes, but this isn't a travelogue.
Goodwin's murders aren't even interesting. To the point where the Russian diplomat who receives the vital clue throws it in his waste basket after Yashim leaves the room. That's what Goodwin should have done with this book. Thrown it away and waited until his creativity summoned up interesting new tales about Yashim.
If this is your first introduction to the Yashim mysteries ... choose another book.
If you have already read the first three Yashim mysteries ... choose another book.
I'm not getting my jollies by bashing Goodwin. I enjoyed the first three books in this series. But The Evil Eye is a poor addition. It reads like he phoned it in. (Example: "Hey, remember where I wrote about finding a body in a well in The Snake Stone? Well, put a body in a well here too, but don't bother with any of the interesting details.")
I am very fond of Yashim and Palewski, the Polish ambassador, and will usually follow along with whatever they are doing. But there is no character development in this book. Yashim hardly even cooks anything. Palewski is working on a translation, but we never hear any more about that. There are some good descriptions of new landscapes, but this isn't a travelogue.
Goodwin's murders aren't even interesting. To the point where the Russian diplomat who receives the vital clue throws it in his waste basket after Yashim leaves the room. That's what Goodwin should have done with this book. Thrown it away and waited until his creativity summoned up interesting new tales about Yashim.
If this is your first introduction to the Yashim mysteries ... choose another book.
If you have already read the first three Yashim mysteries ... choose another book.
May 7, 2020
I enjoyed this book both for the wonderful depth of history that Jason Goodwin gives and the sense of change reflected in this pivotal moment in the Ottoman empire. Some may have been disappointed by the change of tone, but this reflects grief and the hush of an aging empire on the brink.
March 19, 2012
Profumi e sapori d'oriente.
Anche questo Goodwin non delude. L'investigatore eunuco Yashim si troverà a indagare in mezzo a intrighi di palazzo, maghe, equilibri politici che cambiano, in una Istambul meravigliosa e decadente.
Yashim é anche un ottimo cuoco e alcune delle sue ricette vien voglia di provarle:)
Anche questo Goodwin non delude. L'investigatore eunuco Yashim si troverà a indagare in mezzo a intrighi di palazzo, maghe, equilibri politici che cambiano, in una Istambul meravigliosa e decadente.
Yashim é anche un ottimo cuoco e alcune delle sue ricette vien voglia di provarle:)
August 18, 2021
Intriguing and rather complicated mystery set in the Ottoman Empire. Yashim investigates a mysterious death - a corpse has been discovered in the well of a Greek monastery. When the dead man turns out to be a Russian, Yashim realises that the mystery involves his old mentor, Fevzi Ahmet Pasha, commander of the Ottoman navy. Ahmet is a ruthless and dangerous man, and Yashim must tread carefully as he uncovers secrets from the past.
The Yashim series of books has a fascinating historical setting, Istanbul in 1839. Spies and assassins are everywhere, and the dangerous bustling polyglot city is described in detail. Yashim is an original and sensitive protagonist, perceptive and kind, moving easily between city and harem. His relationship with Polish Ambassador Palewski is warm and charming.
The plot here was very involved and I’m not sure I fully grasped it even at the end, but I enjoyed the setting and the characters.
The Yashim series of books has a fascinating historical setting, Istanbul in 1839. Spies and assassins are everywhere, and the dangerous bustling polyglot city is described in detail. Yashim is an original and sensitive protagonist, perceptive and kind, moving easily between city and harem. His relationship with Polish Ambassador Palewski is warm and charming.
The plot here was very involved and I’m not sure I fully grasped it even at the end, but I enjoyed the setting and the characters.
May 25, 2013
I purchased this book and recommended it to my book group based on the recommendation of a highly respected, interesting, cultured, intelligent friend. I'm not sure if I needed to have read the first three in this "set" to really appreciate the book, or if it just wasn't my style, or what, but I thought it was good! But just that: good!
This "set" is not so much a series of books that must be read in order -- I understand it is more like a set of mystery novels, that can certainly be read out of order. Inspector Yashim is a Eunuch in Istanbul with connections to the Sultan and other high ranking politicos, who is permitted to live outside of the castle, and who ends up being the man called in to solve the most bizarre or intricate of crimes. He also happens to stumble upon others, in light of his life and connections. In this book, Yashim is called in to see about a body in a monastery that has mysteriously appeared.
The unfamiliarity with the subject matter and even the most basic of things such as a persons title make the beginning of the book difficult to wade through. Efendi appears to be a sort of casual title -- perhaps akin to "sir" or "friend" and is often used in connection with the proper name for an individual, and occasionally on its own. Such as: Efendi Yashim or just Efendi. Pasha is another title... and Valide I believe is a title and not a proper name. Goodwin uses these words as if they are every day words to his readers. And perhaps they are to some; and perhaps readers of the first three found these words familiar. But as for my friends, co book group readers, and myself: a glossary would have been helpful to refer to for reminders and a brief explanation or background. I can understand not weighing down the story w/ these definitions, but as I say, a glossary of some sort would have been helpful.
The other frustrating/annoying bit about the book is the author's gratuitous food scenes. I understand that some of these mystery-type authors want their theme, but this one already has one -- exotic locations, foreign involvement, and history! No need to bring in how that onion was cut, how the parsley was sprinkled, etc.
On the plus side, however, it was an entertaining story and somewhat rewarding in the end. For me, once I passed the halfway point, it became a quick read, and I wanted to know what happened next. I began to read much more quickly, and even found myself wanting to turn the page rather than obey my bed time. I also liked some of the side characters quite a bit (particularly Palewski), and I imagine that having read the first 3 books would have assisted more in caring about Yashim's own backstory.
There appears to be a story of revenge lurking in the background, and once the "big reveal" was made at the end of An Evil Eye, I imagined that I might have cared more if I knew why it was such a big reveal.
Overall, I enjoyed the scenery, I enjoyed the familiarity with the unusual (to us here in America, anyway), and I enjoyed the mystery. As I said, it was good! But not great. I would recommend to someone who is a big mystery fan, a fan of Istanbul and/or harems and/or sultans and/or historical politics. I would recommend to someone looking for a meatier book, a denser book.
(Three and a half stars)
This "set" is not so much a series of books that must be read in order -- I understand it is more like a set of mystery novels, that can certainly be read out of order. Inspector Yashim is a Eunuch in Istanbul with connections to the Sultan and other high ranking politicos, who is permitted to live outside of the castle, and who ends up being the man called in to solve the most bizarre or intricate of crimes. He also happens to stumble upon others, in light of his life and connections. In this book, Yashim is called in to see about a body in a monastery that has mysteriously appeared.
The unfamiliarity with the subject matter and even the most basic of things such as a persons title make the beginning of the book difficult to wade through. Efendi appears to be a sort of casual title -- perhaps akin to "sir" or "friend" and is often used in connection with the proper name for an individual, and occasionally on its own. Such as: Efendi Yashim or just Efendi. Pasha is another title... and Valide I believe is a title and not a proper name. Goodwin uses these words as if they are every day words to his readers. And perhaps they are to some; and perhaps readers of the first three found these words familiar. But as for my friends, co book group readers, and myself: a glossary would have been helpful to refer to for reminders and a brief explanation or background. I can understand not weighing down the story w/ these definitions, but as I say, a glossary of some sort would have been helpful.
The other frustrating/annoying bit about the book is the author's gratuitous food scenes. I understand that some of these mystery-type authors want their theme, but this one already has one -- exotic locations, foreign involvement, and history! No need to bring in how that onion was cut, how the parsley was sprinkled, etc.
On the plus side, however, it was an entertaining story and somewhat rewarding in the end. For me, once I passed the halfway point, it became a quick read, and I wanted to know what happened next. I began to read much more quickly, and even found myself wanting to turn the page rather than obey my bed time. I also liked some of the side characters quite a bit (particularly Palewski), and I imagine that having read the first 3 books would have assisted more in caring about Yashim's own backstory.
There appears to be a story of revenge lurking in the background, and once the "big reveal" was made at the end of An Evil Eye, I imagined that I might have cared more if I knew why it was such a big reveal.
Overall, I enjoyed the scenery, I enjoyed the familiarity with the unusual (to us here in America, anyway), and I enjoyed the mystery. As I said, it was good! But not great. I would recommend to someone who is a big mystery fan, a fan of Istanbul and/or harems and/or sultans and/or historical politics. I would recommend to someone looking for a meatier book, a denser book.
(Three and a half stars)
September 6, 2015
I have enjoyed the three Investigator Yashim novels that precede An Evil Eye, so when I finally got my hands on this one, I plunged right into it, expecting to enjoy it.
And I did - to a point. At some point the complexity of characters, locations and plot lost me sufficiently for me to put it aside in favour of another book. When I later returned to Goodwin's novel, I read through to the end, and felt somewhat satisfied at the outcome.
For me Goodwin's descriptions of Istanbul are what most compel me to read his novels. Plus what's not to like about Yashim - and his friend the Polish ambassador?
But with the scene constantly shifting from one valide to another, one palace to another, etc, it takes some concentration (at least for this reader) to keep track of everything and thus derive maximum satisfaction from the experience of reading the novel.
Perhaps next time around...?
And I did - to a point. At some point the complexity of characters, locations and plot lost me sufficiently for me to put it aside in favour of another book. When I later returned to Goodwin's novel, I read through to the end, and felt somewhat satisfied at the outcome.
For me Goodwin's descriptions of Istanbul are what most compel me to read his novels. Plus what's not to like about Yashim - and his friend the Polish ambassador?
But with the scene constantly shifting from one valide to another, one palace to another, etc, it takes some concentration (at least for this reader) to keep track of everything and thus derive maximum satisfaction from the experience of reading the novel.
Perhaps next time around...?
October 8, 2014
I don't know why others are complainig about the plot it was so intersting and twisting so surprisingly that I have even suspected a child to be a serial killer. / Ciekawa akcja, intryga w haremie genialnie poprowadzona - podejrzewalam nawet dziecko o bycie morderca. A i Palewski nie jest już tym ciamajdowatym polskim ambasadorem tylko dajacym celne wskazowki z zewnatrz- mila odmiana po "The Bellini card".
October 30, 2019
With the death of Mahmut II, political activity in Istanbul is in some disarray. Yashim, who had been an investigator for the deceased sultan and his predecessor is uncertain about his prospects. He is called to investigate the death of a man who was found in the well of an island monastery. Again an excellent read telling about a period and place that most of us are unfamiliar with. Lots of harem intrigue.
July 15, 2017
The best of the series so far
An Evil Eye is the best of the Investigator Yashim series so far. Istanbul and Ottoman Palace intrigue seemed so much more vivid. Most importantly, Yashim's character development takes a major leap as the reader begins to understand the hidden history and motivations of Yashim.
An Evil Eye is the best of the Investigator Yashim series so far. Istanbul and Ottoman Palace intrigue seemed so much more vivid. Most importantly, Yashim's character development takes a major leap as the reader begins to understand the hidden history and motivations of Yashim.
November 10, 2014
Decent and enjoyable light reading if you're into Ottoman intrigue.
July 6, 2018
An Evil Eye
Well-written novel set in Ottoman Empire already begun historic decline to become the sick man of Europe.
Byzantine studies The Lords of the Horizon seminal nonfiction gave the writer name recognition for me. Describing how two pivotal women originated from French Guadeloupe and Martinique to influence kingmakers is intriguing point Jason Goodwin brings up.
Short chapters the better to keep the readership rolling along the plot.
Excellent descriptors à la, “Prince Alexander Petrovich Galytsin was called Alexander, after the tsar; Petrovich, after his father, and Galytsin, after the family estate outside Moscow. In Istanbul, where he served as military attaché to the Russian embassy, he was better known as the Fox.” p. 46
Historic instances such as, “In 1836 Mehmet Ali Pasha’s well-trained Egyptian army swept up the Mediterranean coast. Sidon, Acre, Beirut, had all fallen to the overmighty vassal of the sultan, who had appealed in desperation to the only power capable of protecting Istanbul [,]” sets scene for Russians to enter.
“Palewski was Polish, from his tongue to his heart, and represented a country that no longer existed—at least, it was not recognized by any of the Christian courts of Europe. The Ottomans sustained the notion that their old proud foe existed still; they accepted the credentials of an ambassador whose country had been swallowed by its neighbors. They even sustained the ancient custom of paying the ambassador a stipend for his maintenance, for magnanimity was the mark of a great empire, and old habits died hard; but the stipend was small and did not stretch to summer residencies.” p. 16-17
“In Saint Petersburg—white river, white streets, the buildings white and interminable against a pale sky—his judgement was devoured. He blundered like a man who had lost his horizons. Yashim stood by aghast, unalble to understand the change in his mentor. He remembered Fevzi sweating as he matched the Russians glass for glass in the colorless alcohol their hosts pretended to be drinking.”
“When the Russians showed him on a map what he was about to sign away, he merely shrugged, as if to say that Batoumi, with its strategic position on the Black Sea, was a bagatelle for a sultan as powerful as his own. Fevzi Ahmet gave Batoumi away because he did not want to seem niggardly in such company; because he had compromised himself. Had it not been for Yashim he might have given away more—and the sultan’s affection would not have saved him from the silken bowstring.” p. 131
Caïque caiquejee and feluccas play prominence in Istanbul ferrying people. Mention on ferenghis in book on page 45. Paid dollar for this book brand-new at Dollar Tree in Southbay within Los Angeles, California, a unit desolate whatnot the people mover across the way.
Well-written novel set in Ottoman Empire already begun historic decline to become the sick man of Europe.
Byzantine studies The Lords of the Horizon seminal nonfiction gave the writer name recognition for me. Describing how two pivotal women originated from French Guadeloupe and Martinique to influence kingmakers is intriguing point Jason Goodwin brings up.
Short chapters the better to keep the readership rolling along the plot.
Excellent descriptors à la, “Prince Alexander Petrovich Galytsin was called Alexander, after the tsar; Petrovich, after his father, and Galytsin, after the family estate outside Moscow. In Istanbul, where he served as military attaché to the Russian embassy, he was better known as the Fox.” p. 46
Historic instances such as, “In 1836 Mehmet Ali Pasha’s well-trained Egyptian army swept up the Mediterranean coast. Sidon, Acre, Beirut, had all fallen to the overmighty vassal of the sultan, who had appealed in desperation to the only power capable of protecting Istanbul [,]” sets scene for Russians to enter.
“Palewski was Polish, from his tongue to his heart, and represented a country that no longer existed—at least, it was not recognized by any of the Christian courts of Europe. The Ottomans sustained the notion that their old proud foe existed still; they accepted the credentials of an ambassador whose country had been swallowed by its neighbors. They even sustained the ancient custom of paying the ambassador a stipend for his maintenance, for magnanimity was the mark of a great empire, and old habits died hard; but the stipend was small and did not stretch to summer residencies.” p. 16-17
“In Saint Petersburg—white river, white streets, the buildings white and interminable against a pale sky—his judgement was devoured. He blundered like a man who had lost his horizons. Yashim stood by aghast, unalble to understand the change in his mentor. He remembered Fevzi sweating as he matched the Russians glass for glass in the colorless alcohol their hosts pretended to be drinking.”
“When the Russians showed him on a map what he was about to sign away, he merely shrugged, as if to say that Batoumi, with its strategic position on the Black Sea, was a bagatelle for a sultan as powerful as his own. Fevzi Ahmet gave Batoumi away because he did not want to seem niggardly in such company; because he had compromised himself. Had it not been for Yashim he might have given away more—and the sultan’s affection would not have saved him from the silken bowstring.” p. 131
Caïque caiquejee and feluccas play prominence in Istanbul ferrying people. Mention on ferenghis in book on page 45. Paid dollar for this book brand-new at Dollar Tree in Southbay within Los Angeles, California, a unit desolate whatnot the people mover across the way.
December 30, 2017
The Evil Eye. Well, I started this series with the fourth book but I will certainly go back and read more. Jason Goodwin is my favorite kind of writer (I discovered after cruising his website). He writes about what he's passionate about, so he's written a geographical history of tea (Gunpowder Gardens), an account of walking to Istanbul (On Foot to the Golden Horn), a history of the Ottoman Empire, a cookbook featuring Turkish cuisine and even a guide to sacred places in London (A Pilgrim's Guide to Sacred London), co-written with his father, John Michell, an expert in the sacred landscape of England. And along with that five mysteries set during the early 19th century in Istanbul, featuring Investigator Yashim. I have to admit the recipes in this book make me hungry for that cookbook. I do have a little bit of a problem understanding the terms Goodwin throws about with ease. Pasha, aga, valide, kalfa: I don't know what these roles are, and I have to guess from context. I wish there was a glossary. He's also one of those writers who likes to start in the middle of things and you have to gradually sort out where you are and what's going on. Since the chapters are short, this happens a lot. But one of the things I most appreciate about this book, is this dim sense I'm getting of what the culture is like (because I'm plunged into it) and the complexity of the world at this point in time with both Russia and Egypt gobbling up territory that had once belonged to the Ottoman Empire. I also admire the point of view shifts. I told my current Novel Immersion class to pause when reading and reflect on what is keeping them going forward. At the point I'm at, two-thirds of the way through the book, I want to know who killed the harem girl, who is that guy with the knife making his way through the snow, is Fevsi really a traitor, how will Yasdim's past relationship with Fevsi affect what happens next, what will happen to the boy who ran away from the palace school, when will Yashim find those papers he lost on the island, will the valide move to the other harem, who cursed the head eunuch, and what is the Talfa plotting.
October 22, 2018
An Evil Eye by Jason Goodwin follows investigator and eunuch, Yashim in Istanbul in 1839. When the body of a Russian bearing a strange tattoo washes up in the capital, Yashim is called to investigate. As he looks into the murder he is also asked to find a missing schoolboy and deal with some troubles at the new sultan's harem.
This is the fourth and possibly the final book in the Yashium the Eunuch series. Despite being a part of a series, the actual mystery plot is for the most part independent. I say for the most part only because characters from the previous books also appear in this book but their background information is reiterated in the fourth book. I was able to enjoy this mystery and story without having read the other three books first.
Yashim is an interesting character. He is described as being unnoticeable which allows him to go pretty much everywhere unseen. A bit of his background story was brought up near the end of the book and I would have liked to read more about that. But since I have not read the other books I'm not sure if the other books go more into depth regarding Yashim's personal story. I did enjoy following him on his investigation.
The actual investigation surrounded the body of the Russian. Who would want him dead? Why was he in Istanbul? Was he interfering with politics? Was he trying to provoke a war? Was he trying to insert a Russian influence over the Ottoman empire?
Without giving it away, I thought the way the investigation and resolution was handled was good. I was invested in Yashim solving the murder mystery and enjoyed reading the book from the beginning to the end but there was no major twist or "oh my god" moment in the book. I did enjoy how Goodwin wove the new harem into the story.
Most of the other reviews I've read say that they enjoyed this book but thought the first three books were stronger. So, since I did enjoy this book, I am strongly considering picking up the other three books in the future. The setting is unique and allows for a very diverse cast of characters.
Review by MarissaLongo.com
This is the fourth and possibly the final book in the Yashium the Eunuch series. Despite being a part of a series, the actual mystery plot is for the most part independent. I say for the most part only because characters from the previous books also appear in this book but their background information is reiterated in the fourth book. I was able to enjoy this mystery and story without having read the other three books first.
Yashim is an interesting character. He is described as being unnoticeable which allows him to go pretty much everywhere unseen. A bit of his background story was brought up near the end of the book and I would have liked to read more about that. But since I have not read the other books I'm not sure if the other books go more into depth regarding Yashim's personal story. I did enjoy following him on his investigation.
The actual investigation surrounded the body of the Russian. Who would want him dead? Why was he in Istanbul? Was he interfering with politics? Was he trying to provoke a war? Was he trying to insert a Russian influence over the Ottoman empire?
Without giving it away, I thought the way the investigation and resolution was handled was good. I was invested in Yashim solving the murder mystery and enjoyed reading the book from the beginning to the end but there was no major twist or "oh my god" moment in the book. I did enjoy how Goodwin wove the new harem into the story.
Most of the other reviews I've read say that they enjoyed this book but thought the first three books were stronger. So, since I did enjoy this book, I am strongly considering picking up the other three books in the future. The setting is unique and allows for a very diverse cast of characters.
Review by MarissaLongo.com
June 10, 2020
I understand that generally in a mystery novel, the compelling element is the plot - who murdered the man in the well? How do all these pieces fit together? - but for me, these questions are rather incidental when it comes to reading books in the Yashim series.
I've said this in the other books in the series too, but I love the short chapter lengths, the way scenes are broken up so conversations and action scenes are intermixed. It gives it a very cinematic feel.
Also, out of all the books, this one had the most personal stakes - one of the key players in events only appeared towards the very end, but he lingered over the whole text, with a tangible connection to Yashim's past. And I got genuinely worried when Palewski and Marta were held hostage! I really love the friendship between Yashim and Palewski, and how it's carried through all the books.
Only one more left before I say goodbye to this series for good!
I've said this in the other books in the series too, but I love the short chapter lengths, the way scenes are broken up so conversations and action scenes are intermixed. It gives it a very cinematic feel.
Also, out of all the books, this one had the most personal stakes - one of the key players in events only appeared towards the very end, but he lingered over the whole text, with a tangible connection to Yashim's past. And I got genuinely worried when Palewski and Marta were held hostage! I really love the friendship between Yashim and Palewski, and how it's carried through all the books.
Only one more left before I say goodbye to this series for good!
June 23, 2019
Book 4 read just fine, but suspect I'd have gotten a little more out of it had I read them in order. Goodwin takes the copious material available to a scholar of the Ottoman Empire and makes a suspense novel out of it. He does a good job of not stopping to explain things most of us know nothing about. The style is to introduce bits of the action – past or present – in short paragraphs. It's very spare, without wastage. His landscapes are beautiful, his study of faces sharp. The destruction of the ancient plane tree to make way for the new Galata bridge put me in mind of Tayyib Saleh's Doum Tree of Wad Hamid. The Turks had come from Central Asia, he observes, living outdoors, gathering around such a tree in the open air to govern. But once settled in Anatolia they became Ottomans, with hidden palace passageways and sequestered harems, full of secrets.
January 20, 2018
I love Jason Goodwin's books on Istanbul. They evoke the smells, sights and sounds of the 19th century in one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Goodwin's unerring ability to conjure up people and scenes was undermined in this Yashim investigation by convoluted plot-lines, and too many characters who made appearances, then disappeared to reappear later. There is much intrigue in the Sultan's palace, among the functionaries who collect reports from far-flung corners of the Ottoman Empire, among the girls in the harem, with the Russians stirring the political pot, a precursor to their direct involvement today in neigbouring Syria, on the side of Bashar alAssad.
March 15, 2018
I am very much enjoying this series. Set in Istanbul/Constantiople as the Ottoman Empire slowly collapses, it's strongly atmospheric. It is a confusing, even disorienting, world. Yashim is, as the ttile says, a eunuch. This is important mostly because it means he can enter the harem, access to which is denied to others. And he's a shrewd investigator. Then there's the food--his cooking enchants me. (I know there's a book about that. I'm saving it.
really worth reading, but I'd recommend going in order. Many recurring characters. Not tremendous character development one to the next, but I think you'd follow the complicated plots more easily.
really worth reading, but I'd recommend going in order. Many recurring characters. Not tremendous character development one to the next, but I think you'd follow the complicated plots more easily.
June 14, 2017
Sempre bellissima lettura, storicamente accurata e capace di farti entrare nell'Istanbul del XIX secolo. Per chi ama questa città e conosce un po' della sua storia e di quella della fine dell'Impero Ottomano Goodwin è veramente una goduria. E' però vero che questo quarto episodio delle vicende di Yashim è un po' più arzigogolato e difficile da seguire delle precedenti (con alcune pagine veramente inutili come quelle dell' "uomo col coltello"). I nomi poi sono talvolta così simili l'uno all'altro che il rischio di perdercisi è un po' troppo alto.
Comunque ... buona e godevole lettura
Comunque ... buona e godevole lettura
June 9, 2019
I love this series. The characters, especially Yashim, the cultural, political, and historical information, the conversations, and the action, are all so engaging. However, is it just me? I never seem to know what's actually going on.
The Evil Eye is no exception. So many side stories and conversations take place, that it is difficult to know how, or, if they connect. None the less, bring on the next Yashim novel!!
The Evil Eye is no exception. So many side stories and conversations take place, that it is difficult to know how, or, if they connect. None the less, bring on the next Yashim novel!!
May 31, 2022
Tagging along with Yashim as he criss-crosses 1830s Istanbul is fun, although I never quite understand all the intricacies of the mysteries and politics in this series. This one lacked the usual amount of cooking or relaxing times and literary discussions with friends that Yashim enjoys in the midst of his latest mystery, but the presence of Yashim’s new friend, young palace school runaway (like Yashim), Kadri, and Yasmin’s old friend, the elder valide, almost made up for it.
February 22, 2018
There were a couple of places where the book didn't work so well as a stand alone, but for the most part, it did okay.
The characters might have been more complex and flawed than strictly necessary, as a few of them, I disliked. I didn't quite want the end a few of them found. But the mystery was interesting, the twist nice enough.
The characters might have been more complex and flawed than strictly necessary, as a few of them, I disliked. I didn't quite want the end a few of them found. But the mystery was interesting, the twist nice enough.
May 25, 2019
This is the fourth book in the Yashim the Eunich book series. This has been my favorite so far. (There is one more book in the series.)
This one focused heavily on the sultans harem after the new sultan took over after the death of previous one. There is a lot of action, possibly evil doing through hoodoo, and we meet Yashim's once-mentor and enemy.
This one focused heavily on the sultans harem after the new sultan took over after the death of previous one. There is a lot of action, possibly evil doing through hoodoo, and we meet Yashim's once-mentor and enemy.
November 25, 2021
The mid-18th century Ottoman empire, decaying and weakening as modern Europe surges forward in military technology, is the setting for another of this intriguing historical mystery series. Witchcraft and superstition play a larger role than in the earlier novels, but the intricacy of the plot matches the twisted byways of Istanbul.
December 27, 2021
Yashim the eunuch is the go-t0 investigator in mid-1800s Istanbul. I enjoy the setting inside the Ottoman sultan's harem and various places in Istanbul. The Polish Ambassador is an interesting character. Truly a man without a country, as Poland had been swallowed by Prussia and Russia during the period of this novel.
September 24, 2023
I really loved the first 2 book in the series but the series are becoming redundant with each book now, and loosing its luster.
Not a bad one, but more of a stale one of the series. Similar murder story, the scenes are familiar, the plot is similar and the Yashim's cooking is getting more and more sparse.
I will read the next book, because I am curious but do not have high hopes for it.
Not a bad one, but more of a stale one of the series. Similar murder story, the scenes are familiar, the plot is similar and the Yashim's cooking is getting more and more sparse.
I will read the next book, because I am curious but do not have high hopes for it.
July 24, 2024
I finished the novel, so maybe I should give it three stars, but I struggled the whole way through with micro chapters and multiple characters. Perhaps the technique was intended to great breathless tension, but I sorely miss the well developed, mysterious Eastern atmosphere and the thoughtfulness of the earlier books.
July 19, 2025
I really tried to push through, but I had to give up halfway. There was just too much going on, and I couldn’t figure out where the story was actually headed. Way too many characters, and the side stories kept pulling me away from the main plot. I just didn’t have the patience to wait and see if it would all come together.
February 18, 2019
I am glad the series is back in Istanbul. The city is one of my favorite characters of the novel. This is a fast and captivating read that will make a rainy day fly by. This mystery series is not only entertaining but well written and transportive.
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