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Mikael #2
میکائیل پزشک سلطان سلیم: جلد دوم
A novel about Süleyman I, 1520-1566.
350 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1949
80 people are currently reading
775 people want to read
About the author
Mika Waltari
235 books711 followersMika Toimi Waltari was a Finnish historical novelist, best known for his magnum opus The Egyptian.
Waltari was born in Helsinki and lost his father, a Lutheran pastor, at the age of five. As a boy, he witnessed the Finnish Civil War in Helsinki. Later he enrolled in the University of Helsinki as a theology student, according to his mother's wishes, but soon abandoned theology in favour of philosophy, aesthetics and literature, graduating in 1929. While studying, he contributed to various magazines and wrote poetry and stories, getting his first book published in 1925. In 1927 he went to Paris where he wrote his first major novel Suuri illusioni ('The Grand Illusion'), a story of bohemian life. In terms of style, the novel is considered to be the Finnish equivalent to the works of the American writers of the Lost Generation. (In Waltari's historical novel The Adventurer, taking place in the 16th century, the hero is a Finn who goes to Paris during his twenties and lives there a rather bohemian life). Waltari also was, for a while, a member of the liberal literary movement Tulenkantajat, though his political and social views later turned conservative. He was married in 1931 and had a daughter, Satu, who also became a writer.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Waltari worked hectically as a journalist and critic, writing for a number of newspapers and magazines and travelling widely in Europe. He directed the magazine Suomen Kuvalehti. At the same time, he kept writing books in many genres, moving easily from one literary field to another. He had a very busy schedule and strict work ethic. It has been claimed that he also suffered from insomnia and depression, sometimes to the extent of needing hospital treatment. He participated, and often succeeded, in literary competitions to prove the quality of his work to critics. One of these competitions gave rise to one of his most popular characters, Inspector Palmu, a gruff detective of the Helsinki police department, who starred in three mystery novels, all of which were filmed (a fourth one was made without Waltari involved). Waltari also scripted the popular cartoon Kieku ja Kaiku and wrote Aiotko kirjailijaksi, a guidebook for aspiring writers that influenced many younger writers such as Kalle Päätalo.
During the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944), Waltari worked in the government information center, now also placing his literary skills at the service of political propaganda. 1945 saw the publication of Waltari's first and most successful historical novel, The Egyptian. Its theme of the corruption of humanist values in a materialist world seemed curiously topical in the aftermath of World War II, and the book became an international bestseller, serving as the basis of the 1954 Hollywood movie of the same name. Waltari wrote seven more historical novels, placed in various ancient cultures, among which The Dark Angel, set during the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 is probably the best. In these novels, he gave powerful expression to his fundamental pessimism and also, in two novels set in the Roman Empire, to his Christian conviction. After the war, he also wrote several novellas, showing particular mastery in this genre. He became a member of the Finnish Academy in 1957 and received an honorary doctorate at the University of Turku in 1970.
Waltari was one of the most prolific Finnish writers. He wrote at least 29 novels, 15 novellas, 6 collections of stories or fairy-tales, 6 collections of poetry and 26 plays, as well as screenplays, radioplays, non-fiction, translations, and hundreds of reviews and articles. He is also the internationally best-known Finnish writer, and his works have been translated into more than 40 languages.
Waltari was born in Helsinki and lost his father, a Lutheran pastor, at the age of five. As a boy, he witnessed the Finnish Civil War in Helsinki. Later he enrolled in the University of Helsinki as a theology student, according to his mother's wishes, but soon abandoned theology in favour of philosophy, aesthetics and literature, graduating in 1929. While studying, he contributed to various magazines and wrote poetry and stories, getting his first book published in 1925. In 1927 he went to Paris where he wrote his first major novel Suuri illusioni ('The Grand Illusion'), a story of bohemian life. In terms of style, the novel is considered to be the Finnish equivalent to the works of the American writers of the Lost Generation. (In Waltari's historical novel The Adventurer, taking place in the 16th century, the hero is a Finn who goes to Paris during his twenties and lives there a rather bohemian life). Waltari also was, for a while, a member of the liberal literary movement Tulenkantajat, though his political and social views later turned conservative. He was married in 1931 and had a daughter, Satu, who also became a writer.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Waltari worked hectically as a journalist and critic, writing for a number of newspapers and magazines and travelling widely in Europe. He directed the magazine Suomen Kuvalehti. At the same time, he kept writing books in many genres, moving easily from one literary field to another. He had a very busy schedule and strict work ethic. It has been claimed that he also suffered from insomnia and depression, sometimes to the extent of needing hospital treatment. He participated, and often succeeded, in literary competitions to prove the quality of his work to critics. One of these competitions gave rise to one of his most popular characters, Inspector Palmu, a gruff detective of the Helsinki police department, who starred in three mystery novels, all of which were filmed (a fourth one was made without Waltari involved). Waltari also scripted the popular cartoon Kieku ja Kaiku and wrote Aiotko kirjailijaksi, a guidebook for aspiring writers that influenced many younger writers such as Kalle Päätalo.
During the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944), Waltari worked in the government information center, now also placing his literary skills at the service of political propaganda. 1945 saw the publication of Waltari's first and most successful historical novel, The Egyptian. Its theme of the corruption of humanist values in a materialist world seemed curiously topical in the aftermath of World War II, and the book became an international bestseller, serving as the basis of the 1954 Hollywood movie of the same name. Waltari wrote seven more historical novels, placed in various ancient cultures, among which The Dark Angel, set during the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 is probably the best. In these novels, he gave powerful expression to his fundamental pessimism and also, in two novels set in the Roman Empire, to his Christian conviction. After the war, he also wrote several novellas, showing particular mastery in this genre. He became a member of the Finnish Academy in 1957 and received an honorary doctorate at the University of Turku in 1970.
Waltari was one of the most prolific Finnish writers. He wrote at least 29 novels, 15 novellas, 6 collections of stories or fairy-tales, 6 collections of poetry and 26 plays, as well as screenplays, radioplays, non-fiction, translations, and hundreds of reviews and articles. He is also the internationally best-known Finnish writer, and his works have been translated into more than 40 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 29, 2018
والتاری در این داستان تاریخی, دنیای قرون سیزده و چهارده قلمرو عثمانی را مجسم میسازد .(میکاییل حکیم) قهرمان داستان, راوی ماجراهاست .او پس از مرگ همسرش تصمیم میگیرد که به مسیحیت پشت کند .فطرت الهی میکاییل, بیخدایی را برنمیتابد و از این رو, وی برای یافتن حقیقت و دور شدن از محیطی که همسرش را در آتش جهل فرو افکند به قلمروی میرود که در آن جا از شکنجه و آزار نشانی نباشد .میکاییل با این هدف, راهی مشرق زمین و دنیای اسلام میشود .سرانجام در پی یک سلسله حوادث ابتدا به دربار حاکم فاسد الجزایر راه مییابد و سپس به دربار سلطان سلیم ـ سلطان عثمانی ـ وارد میشود .مشاهدات میکاییل از دربار عثمانی و دسیسههای حرم نشینان و مداخلههای ایشان در امور مملکت ماجراهایی را پدید میآورد که در روند کلی داستان موثر است.
September 8, 2009
Nice adventure novel. Takes place in the East Mediterranean at the time of Ottoman Empire (16th century). In '50 there weren't many writers of historical novel; Mica Waltari made a fortune by his historical romances. All his novels have the same acrhitecture, similar heroes, similar dialogues. There are usually one hero, his friend, a nice girl and powerful well known historical figures. The beauty of his novels lies neither in the deep ideas, nor in the sublime emotions, nor in the perfect representation of the historical epoch; rather lies in the way the narrative flows and the heroes mingle with the significant historical events and facts.
The relations of the characters are either cooperative or competitive; some other times are friendly, erotic, possesive. Nevertheless there is interiority, not only pshychological but rather intellectual. In the romantic atmosphere are included some pleasant scenes, but always the relation between man and women doesn't stay for a long time stable.
Irony and comic incidents enrich the novel, lightening it.
The relations of the characters are either cooperative or competitive; some other times are friendly, erotic, possesive. Nevertheless there is interiority, not only pshychological but rather intellectual. In the romantic atmosphere are included some pleasant scenes, but always the relation between man and women doesn't stay for a long time stable.
Irony and comic incidents enrich the novel, lightening it.
July 5, 2015
I liked this better than Adventurer. I really enjoyed reading about what was going on in the Ottoman Empire and Sultan Suleiman. Michael's a much better diplomat in this one but his intuition about women is just as comically flawed as before. A great adventure with a satisfying ending.
July 9, 2018
Samoin kuin Mikael Karvajalasta, tästä kirjasta paistaa läpi suunnaton taustatyö. Historian ja kulttuurin tutkimusta ja tuntemusta ja niiden myötä tarinaan tuotuja yksityiskohtia ja käytäntöjä on häkellyttävä määrä, mutta se kaikki on kudottu tarinaan niin että se ainoastaan tukee ja tekee siitä uskottavamman, eikä häiritse.
Tarina on niin pitkä, että välillä pakostikin unohtuu mikä sotaretki tässä nyt olikaan menossa, missä maassa nyt oltiinkaan ja ketäs nämä hahmot olivatkaan. Jossain vaiheessa koin lievää marssiväsymystä, mutta kun hyväksyy, ettei kirjaa ole tarkoitettukaan kokonaan sisäistettäväksi, vaan hyväksi viihteeksi, voi siitä taas nauttia täysin. Tapahtumat sinällään ovat mielenkiintoisia ja pienemmät tarinankaaret pääpiirteissään hyvin juonitettuja.
Mikaelin rakkaus vaimoaan kohtaan on epäuskottavaa. Sille ei anneta oikeastaan mitään syytä. Hahmo on kaikin puolin inhottava. On mahdotonta uskoa, että joku voisi rakastaa pettävää, valehtelevaa, syyllistävää, alistavaa, vähättelevää, mitätöivää, sättivää, asioita vääristelevää, kiukuttelevaa, riitaisaa, pilkkaavaa, ahnetta, itsekästä, varastavaa, yli Mikaelin varojen (tuhlaillen) elävää, alati vihaista ja tyytymätöntä naista niin kauan pelkästään hänen kauniiden silmiensä ja “muitten ruumiillisten ansioittensa” tähden. Mikael itsekin sanoo vaimostaan, ettei tämä “taida olla mainittavasti rakastamisen arvoinen” ja tällä olevan “halveksuttavia luonteenpiirteitä”, mutta asia kuitataan sanomalla että “eihän rakkaus sitä kysy.” Jokin selitys kuitenkin kaivattaisiin, sillä Mikael ei tunnu nauttivan vaimonsa seurasta. Tarinassa ei kerrota, mitä Mikael suhteesta saa. Koko hahmo on yksiulotteinen ja ärsyttävä. Herättää kysymyksen kirjailijan misogyniasta.
Orjien status on hieman epäselvä. He tuntuvat monesti olevan tyytyväisiä asemaansa, voivat kohota hierarkiassa ja yhteiskunnassa huipulle saakka, saavat palkkaa, voivat kritisoida isäntiään, ostaa itsensä vapaaksi jne. En tiedä mikä heistä loppujen lopuksi tekee orjia. Ehkä se, että he joutuvat tottelemaan isäntiään (jos eivät pistä vastaan) ja heidät voidaan lähettää muualle. Tosin tämä pätee moneen muuhunkin työsuhteeseen.
Moni asia tarinan maailmassa pyörii rahan ympärillä, mutta niin taitaa olla nykypäivänäkin. Kaiken kaikkiaan kirja valottaa hienosti 1500-luvun arvoja, yhteiskuntaa ja elämää. Päähenkilön pohdinnat omatunnon, identiteetin, uskon ja epäuskon kysymysten kanssa olivat hyvin rakennettuja. Kirjassa oli myös mielenkiintoista islamin ja kristinuskon vertailua, joka tuntui tasa-arvoiselta ja toi hyvin esiin (varsinkin kristinuskon) epäkohtia.
Tätä järkälettä aloittaessani ajattelin, ettei tämä voisi olla yhtä mahtava matka kuin Mikael Karvajalka, mutta ainakin lähelle päästiin! Hyvin viihdyttävää seikkailua, historian elävöittämistä ja kulttuurimatkailua.
Pari lainausta:
"Naisen tapana on näet lakkaamatta kysyä neuvoa muilta ja sitten tehdä kaikki kuitenkin vain oman päänsä mukaan."
"Ei ole mitään niin tuskallista ja turhaa, kuin hyödytön salaisuuksien paljastaminen. Vaan miesten ja naisten välisissä suhteissa olisi verrattomasti parempi, jos kukin hautaisi erehdyksensä omaan sydämeensä, aiheuttamatta mielipahaa toiselle. Hartaimmastakin anteeksiannosta huolimatta salaisuudet nousevat aaveina esiin vuosien varrella ja kirvelevät silloin vielä pahemmin kuin nyt, kun himo ja hellyys hälventävät katkerankin mielipahan."
Tarina on niin pitkä, että välillä pakostikin unohtuu mikä sotaretki tässä nyt olikaan menossa, missä maassa nyt oltiinkaan ja ketäs nämä hahmot olivatkaan. Jossain vaiheessa koin lievää marssiväsymystä, mutta kun hyväksyy, ettei kirjaa ole tarkoitettukaan kokonaan sisäistettäväksi, vaan hyväksi viihteeksi, voi siitä taas nauttia täysin. Tapahtumat sinällään ovat mielenkiintoisia ja pienemmät tarinankaaret pääpiirteissään hyvin juonitettuja.
Mikaelin rakkaus vaimoaan kohtaan on epäuskottavaa. Sille ei anneta oikeastaan mitään syytä. Hahmo on kaikin puolin inhottava. On mahdotonta uskoa, että joku voisi rakastaa pettävää, valehtelevaa, syyllistävää, alistavaa, vähättelevää, mitätöivää, sättivää, asioita vääristelevää, kiukuttelevaa, riitaisaa, pilkkaavaa, ahnetta, itsekästä, varastavaa, yli Mikaelin varojen (tuhlaillen) elävää, alati vihaista ja tyytymätöntä naista niin kauan pelkästään hänen kauniiden silmiensä ja “muitten ruumiillisten ansioittensa” tähden. Mikael itsekin sanoo vaimostaan, ettei tämä “taida olla mainittavasti rakastamisen arvoinen” ja tällä olevan “halveksuttavia luonteenpiirteitä”, mutta asia kuitataan sanomalla että “eihän rakkaus sitä kysy.” Jokin selitys kuitenkin kaivattaisiin, sillä Mikael ei tunnu nauttivan vaimonsa seurasta. Tarinassa ei kerrota, mitä Mikael suhteesta saa. Koko hahmo on yksiulotteinen ja ärsyttävä. Herättää kysymyksen kirjailijan misogyniasta.
Orjien status on hieman epäselvä. He tuntuvat monesti olevan tyytyväisiä asemaansa, voivat kohota hierarkiassa ja yhteiskunnassa huipulle saakka, saavat palkkaa, voivat kritisoida isäntiään, ostaa itsensä vapaaksi jne. En tiedä mikä heistä loppujen lopuksi tekee orjia. Ehkä se, että he joutuvat tottelemaan isäntiään (jos eivät pistä vastaan) ja heidät voidaan lähettää muualle. Tosin tämä pätee moneen muuhunkin työsuhteeseen.
Moni asia tarinan maailmassa pyörii rahan ympärillä, mutta niin taitaa olla nykypäivänäkin. Kaiken kaikkiaan kirja valottaa hienosti 1500-luvun arvoja, yhteiskuntaa ja elämää. Päähenkilön pohdinnat omatunnon, identiteetin, uskon ja epäuskon kysymysten kanssa olivat hyvin rakennettuja. Kirjassa oli myös mielenkiintoista islamin ja kristinuskon vertailua, joka tuntui tasa-arvoiselta ja toi hyvin esiin (varsinkin kristinuskon) epäkohtia.
Tätä järkälettä aloittaessani ajattelin, ettei tämä voisi olla yhtä mahtava matka kuin Mikael Karvajalka, mutta ainakin lähelle päästiin! Hyvin viihdyttävää seikkailua, historian elävöittämistä ja kulttuurimatkailua.
Pari lainausta:
"Naisen tapana on näet lakkaamatta kysyä neuvoa muilta ja sitten tehdä kaikki kuitenkin vain oman päänsä mukaan."
"Ei ole mitään niin tuskallista ja turhaa, kuin hyödytön salaisuuksien paljastaminen. Vaan miesten ja naisten välisissä suhteissa olisi verrattomasti parempi, jos kukin hautaisi erehdyksensä omaan sydämeensä, aiheuttamatta mielipahaa toiselle. Hartaimmastakin anteeksiannosta huolimatta salaisuudet nousevat aaveina esiin vuosien varrella ja kirvelevät silloin vielä pahemmin kuin nyt, kun himo ja hellyys hälventävät katkerankin mielipahan."
December 10, 2018
Tälläkin kertaa suomukset putoavat Mikaelin silmiltä muutaman kerran ja sotaväki, uskontokuntiin katsomatta, jatkaa julmuuksiensa tekemistä edellisen osan malliin.
Kokonaisuutena Hakim on Karvajalkaa tasapainoisempi ja tarina etenee kaiken aikaa. Sujuva eteneminen paransi omaa lukukokemustani, etenkin kun kyseessä oli varsin pitkä kirja. Onhan monisanainen Mika Waltari jakanut kertomuksensa kymmeneksi kirjaksi pitääkseen vireillä lukijan mielenkiintoa, samalla osoittaen verratonta taitoaan asetella sanoja peräkkäin.
Kokonaisuutena Hakim on Karvajalkaa tasapainoisempi ja tarina etenee kaiken aikaa. Sujuva eteneminen paransi omaa lukukokemustani, etenkin kun kyseessä oli varsin pitkä kirja. Onhan monisanainen Mika Waltari jakanut kertomuksensa kymmeneksi kirjaksi pitääkseen vireillä lukijan mielenkiintoa, samalla osoittaen verratonta taitoaan asetella sanoja peräkkäin.
September 19, 2019
I wish I could read all of his novels again for the first time.
August 5, 2025
Ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον βιβλίο για όποιον ενδιαφέρεται για την Ιστορία όπως άλλωστε όλα του Βάλταρι. Η Οθωμανική Αυτοκρατορία στην μεγαλύτερη ακμή της. Ο Σουλτάνος Σουλεϊμάν ο Μεγαλοπρεπής ή ο Νομοθέτης έφτασε μέχρι τα πρόθυρα της Βιέννης την οποία όμως δεν μπόρεσε να καταλάβει. Πλήθος ιστορικές πληροφορίες, εμπεριστατωμένες πάντα όπως μας έχει συνηθίσει ο Βάλταρι.
Κατά τη γνώμη μου αρκετά φλύαρο, όχι εξίσου καλό με άλλα βιβλία του. Ίσως όμως το αδικώ γιατί είχα την ατυχία να το διαβάσω σε μια κάκιστη έκδοση του Κάκτου του 1990. Πιο τσαπατσούλικη προχειροδουλειά δεν ξέρω αν έχω ξαναδεί. Εξίσου κακή και η μετάφραση. Όλων των ειδών τα λάθη: τυπογραφικά, ορθογραφικά, συντακτικά, πολλές φορές δεν έβγαινε νόημα. Διάβασα εκ των υστέρων στη σουηδική μετάφραση ορισμένα κομμάτια που ήταν τελείως ακατανόητα και διαπίστωσα ότι ο μεταφραστής είχε παραλείψει ολόκληρες προτάσεις και σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις ολόκληρες παραγράφους! Απ' ότι είδα το βιβλίο ευτυχώς εκδόθηκε αργότερα από άλλον εκδότη και φυσικά με άλλη μετάφραση.
Κατά τη γνώμη μου αρκετά φλύαρο, όχι εξίσου καλό με άλλα βιβλία του. Ίσως όμως το αδικώ γιατί είχα την ατυχία να το διαβάσω σε μια κάκιστη έκδοση του Κάκτου του 1990. Πιο τσαπατσούλικη προχειροδουλειά δεν ξέρω αν έχω ξαναδεί. Εξίσου κακή και η μετάφραση. Όλων των ειδών τα λάθη: τυπογραφικά, ορθογραφικά, συντακτικά, πολλές φορές δεν έβγαινε νόημα. Διάβασα εκ των υστέρων στη σουηδική μετάφραση ορισμένα κομμάτια που ήταν τελείως ακατανόητα και διαπίστωσα ότι ο μεταφραστής είχε παραλείψει ολόκληρες προτάσεις και σε ορισμένες περιπτώσεις ολόκληρες παραγράφους! Απ' ότι είδα το βιβλίο ευτυχώς εκδόθηκε αργότερα από άλλον εκδότη και φυσικά με άλλη μετάφραση.
December 13, 2023
Takové hodně volné pokračování Krvavé lázně a stejně dobré jako Krvavá lázeň. Waltariho knihy bývají tlusté a nenudí.
April 4, 2016
W drugim tomie chłopak o imieniu Mikael kontynuuje swoją podróż. Druga część jego wędrówki obejmuje Imperium Osmańskie, w tamtych czasach będącym jednym z największych mocarstw na świecie. Barwna kultura, obyczaje, intrygi to największe zalety twórczości Waltari. Jak mało kto, potrafił on tworzyć bohaterów, miejsca, zdarzenia.
Hakim szybko zauważa, że świat wschodu wcale nie różni się od zachodniego. Jest pełen intryg, okrucieństw, kłamstwa i niegodziwości. Kierując się żelaznymi zasadami pozostaje sobą do końca i daje przykład otaczającym go ludziom. Dzięki tym cechom zostaje dostrzeżony przez samego Sułtana.
Jak każda powieść Waltari również i ta jest arcydziełem. Świetna fabuła przeplatająca się z historią, fascynujący świat wschodu, orientalne klimaty. Ponadto dogłębna analiza ludzkiej natury – jak każda powieść autora jest w pewnym sensie rozprawką na temat zachowań ludzkich, zwyczajów i religii w życiu człowieka. Całość przybrana w historyczne szaty idealnie wymieszana z fikcją stworzoną przez autora.
Mika Waltari po raz kolejny udowodnił swój kunszt literacki. Duologia o Mikaelu to dopracowane arcydzieło literatury XX wieku, które powinno być pozycją obowiązkową dla każdego miłośnika beletrystyki historycznej. Polecam.
Hakim szybko zauważa, że świat wschodu wcale nie różni się od zachodniego. Jest pełen intryg, okrucieństw, kłamstwa i niegodziwości. Kierując się żelaznymi zasadami pozostaje sobą do końca i daje przykład otaczającym go ludziom. Dzięki tym cechom zostaje dostrzeżony przez samego Sułtana.
Jak każda powieść Waltari również i ta jest arcydziełem. Świetna fabuła przeplatająca się z historią, fascynujący świat wschodu, orientalne klimaty. Ponadto dogłębna analiza ludzkiej natury – jak każda powieść autora jest w pewnym sensie rozprawką na temat zachowań ludzkich, zwyczajów i religii w życiu człowieka. Całość przybrana w historyczne szaty idealnie wymieszana z fikcją stworzoną przez autora.
Mika Waltari po raz kolejny udowodnił swój kunszt literacki. Duologia o Mikaelu to dopracowane arcydzieło literatury XX wieku, które powinno być pozycją obowiązkową dla każdego miłośnika beletrystyki historycznej. Polecam.
August 31, 2025
Quick Summary:
The Wanderer is a historical fiction novel following the life of a former church scholar/trying to practice doctor named Michael. However, this is part two of the duo of books (please see The Adventurer by Mika Waltari) who becomes a slave to Sultan Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire specifically in Turkey. It picks up right where we left off in The Adventurer during the mid 1520s. There is still plenty of political intrigue (especially with the Ottoman Empire which I knew very little of), religious fascination, more inequality (rich/poor, men/women, unequal statuses), strong friendships, and a thrilling ending.
The Review:
I know I said that reading about Medieval times wasn’t exciting to me, but I had a pretty good time reading this book. I did struggle with the history because I hadn’t learned about much of it until this read. But the religion, the chess game of politics and social structure, and the relationships between people were fantastically written.
If you haven’t read The Adventurer, I suggest you discontinue reading here. The history was interesting. I did struggle with understanding how some countries and leaders made the choices they did and to whom they were aligned with, but the culture, the people, and the history was interesting. I will probably have to reread The Wanderer after I educate myself more on some of the people and events that occurred in the book. It is amazing to think about how there is so much history in the whole world, that it is hard to say I’m a historian without adding to what era or country you are referring to. I am an educated historian, but I don’t know much of this history. Therefore, I found it rather engaging and intriguing to where I wanted to ask so many questions while reading, but I didn’t want to take away from the story by diving down a rabbit hole of information. So be warned, if you don’t know much about the Ottoman Empire or this period of time, I would recommend reading about the leaders of the area and how they interacted with each other. Some of the locations that were visited were Istanbul, Buda, Algiers, and Tunis.
The politics within the Ottoman Empire were engaging, while the politics of the world were less interesting to me. It always amazes me at how much is needed to control and satisfactorily run a country (or empire in this case). As a ruler, there needs to be order and Sultan Suleiman ruled by the Qur'an as well as laws that the empire had established. If a slave (anyone who works for the Sultan) brought dishonor to the Sultan, they were either killed or asked to commit suicide. I was amused at how the Sultan, the Grand Vizier (his right-hand man), the Sultan’s wife, Michael, Michael’s wife, and Mustafa ben-Nakir were constantly conniving to vie for power in some way to the Sultan while the Sultan was trying to build a larger empire. I was consistently playing chess with all the players, the reasons for why they did things, and the outcomes that would likely occur.
It was captivating to read about how anyone could become a slave to the Sultan in some form, but most of the slaves were governed by different viziers. In American history, slavery is something that was beyond traumatic, violent, and awful (I’m always at a loss of words to bring justice to those forced into slavery in America). Slavery in many different places was quite different. It wasn’t always better, don’t get me wrong, but slavery of Africans and Blacks in America was a true evil. Being a slave of the Sultan was not always a bad gig (unless something went wrong). The higher status slaves of the Sultan were treated well, given lavish presents, and had more freedoms than if they were the slave of an individual. Michael was given a home on the Bosphorus, he was gifted many items including gold and a salary, he was given a job, and he had many slaves himself. I don’t think slavery in any form is okay, however, I did learn quite a bit about social status of the following: ruler, officials to the ruler, military, mutes, eunuchs, slaves, and women. Until I taught social studies to 7th graders, I wasn’t really interested in social hierarchy. However, my mind has now acquired a how to read historical and historical fiction texts quality and I feel like I gravitate towards that information.
The relationships were engaging. I loved Andy and Michael’s brotherly relationship, the Sultan and Grand Vizier Ibrahim, and the relationship between Grand Vizier Ibrahim to Michael. They were intriguing and masterfully fun. Andy and Michael certainly act like brothers. They fight together, live together, care for each other, guide each other, and love each other even through their faults. Suleiman and Ibrahim, too, are not brothers by blood, but by friendship and circumstance. And the loyalty that is shown to Suleiman by Ibrahim was amazing and heartwarming. As well as the loyalty from Michael to Ibrahim. All of them knew what they must sacrifice for the future. Brotherhood was a strong symbol throughout the book.
I was not a fan of Guilia and Michael’s relationship. I did not care for Guilia since she entered the book. Michael’s taste in women was, questionable. Guilia was condescending, rude, a user, needy, and plain awful. Sometimes when I read Waltari’s books (I’ve read three now), I wonder if he has a thing against women because honestly, he writes women as if they are terrible humans. Cheaters, schemers, conniving, betraying, disloyal, condescending, controlling, assholes. And I can also say that about Sultana Khurrem (one of the Sultan’s wives). She was constantly scheming and trying to control the Sultan’s thoughts and the information given to him.
This book was well written and researched with the historical information I learned on the spot and the ending was truly a satisfying end to this well-crafted duology! I will give it a 4.2/5.
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
The Wanderer is a historical fiction novel following the life of a former church scholar/trying to practice doctor named Michael. However, this is part two of the duo of books (please see The Adventurer by Mika Waltari) who becomes a slave to Sultan Suleiman of the Ottoman Empire specifically in Turkey. It picks up right where we left off in The Adventurer during the mid 1520s. There is still plenty of political intrigue (especially with the Ottoman Empire which I knew very little of), religious fascination, more inequality (rich/poor, men/women, unequal statuses), strong friendships, and a thrilling ending.
The Review:
I know I said that reading about Medieval times wasn’t exciting to me, but I had a pretty good time reading this book. I did struggle with the history because I hadn’t learned about much of it until this read. But the religion, the chess game of politics and social structure, and the relationships between people were fantastically written.
If you haven’t read The Adventurer, I suggest you discontinue reading here. The history was interesting. I did struggle with understanding how some countries and leaders made the choices they did and to whom they were aligned with, but the culture, the people, and the history was interesting. I will probably have to reread The Wanderer after I educate myself more on some of the people and events that occurred in the book. It is amazing to think about how there is so much history in the whole world, that it is hard to say I’m a historian without adding to what era or country you are referring to. I am an educated historian, but I don’t know much of this history. Therefore, I found it rather engaging and intriguing to where I wanted to ask so many questions while reading, but I didn’t want to take away from the story by diving down a rabbit hole of information. So be warned, if you don’t know much about the Ottoman Empire or this period of time, I would recommend reading about the leaders of the area and how they interacted with each other. Some of the locations that were visited were Istanbul, Buda, Algiers, and Tunis.
The politics within the Ottoman Empire were engaging, while the politics of the world were less interesting to me. It always amazes me at how much is needed to control and satisfactorily run a country (or empire in this case). As a ruler, there needs to be order and Sultan Suleiman ruled by the Qur'an as well as laws that the empire had established. If a slave (anyone who works for the Sultan) brought dishonor to the Sultan, they were either killed or asked to commit suicide. I was amused at how the Sultan, the Grand Vizier (his right-hand man), the Sultan’s wife, Michael, Michael’s wife, and Mustafa ben-Nakir were constantly conniving to vie for power in some way to the Sultan while the Sultan was trying to build a larger empire. I was consistently playing chess with all the players, the reasons for why they did things, and the outcomes that would likely occur.
It was captivating to read about how anyone could become a slave to the Sultan in some form, but most of the slaves were governed by different viziers. In American history, slavery is something that was beyond traumatic, violent, and awful (I’m always at a loss of words to bring justice to those forced into slavery in America). Slavery in many different places was quite different. It wasn’t always better, don’t get me wrong, but slavery of Africans and Blacks in America was a true evil. Being a slave of the Sultan was not always a bad gig (unless something went wrong). The higher status slaves of the Sultan were treated well, given lavish presents, and had more freedoms than if they were the slave of an individual. Michael was given a home on the Bosphorus, he was gifted many items including gold and a salary, he was given a job, and he had many slaves himself. I don’t think slavery in any form is okay, however, I did learn quite a bit about social status of the following: ruler, officials to the ruler, military, mutes, eunuchs, slaves, and women. Until I taught social studies to 7th graders, I wasn’t really interested in social hierarchy. However, my mind has now acquired a how to read historical and historical fiction texts quality and I feel like I gravitate towards that information.
The relationships were engaging. I loved Andy and Michael’s brotherly relationship, the Sultan and Grand Vizier Ibrahim, and the relationship between Grand Vizier Ibrahim to Michael. They were intriguing and masterfully fun. Andy and Michael certainly act like brothers. They fight together, live together, care for each other, guide each other, and love each other even through their faults. Suleiman and Ibrahim, too, are not brothers by blood, but by friendship and circumstance. And the loyalty that is shown to Suleiman by Ibrahim was amazing and heartwarming. As well as the loyalty from Michael to Ibrahim. All of them knew what they must sacrifice for the future. Brotherhood was a strong symbol throughout the book.
I was not a fan of Guilia and Michael’s relationship. I did not care for Guilia since she entered the book. Michael’s taste in women was, questionable. Guilia was condescending, rude, a user, needy, and plain awful. Sometimes when I read Waltari’s books (I’ve read three now), I wonder if he has a thing against women because honestly, he writes women as if they are terrible humans. Cheaters, schemers, conniving, betraying, disloyal, condescending, controlling, assholes. And I can also say that about Sultana Khurrem (one of the Sultan’s wives). She was constantly scheming and trying to control the Sultan’s thoughts and the information given to him.
This book was well written and researched with the historical information I learned on the spot and the ending was truly a satisfying end to this well-crafted duology! I will give it a 4.2/5.
IN CONCLUSION, READ THE FRACKING BOOK!
January 3, 2018
Malinko slabší pokračování Krvavé lázně, zato s o dost aktuálnějšími reáliemi - autorův pohled na islámský svět je stejně skeptický a temný (ač rozhodně ne černobílý), jako na svět křesťanský. Právě porovnávání těchto dvou světů činí knihu skvělou volbou (nejen) pro všechny, kteří chtějí trochu obohatit svoje názory na dnešní módní islamofobní vlnu. Stejně jako v Egypťanovi a Krvavé lázni vás Waltari opět dostane neuvěřitelným množstvím vpodstatě obyčejných, ale neskutečně hlubokých a pravdivých myšlenek.
"Snad není nebe ani peklo, Bůh ani ďábel jinde než v člověku samotném, v člověku, jenž upřímně touží po dobru, ale podivuhodným úradkem osudu způsobí vždycky zlo."
"Snad není nebe ani peklo, Bůh ani ďábel jinde než v člověku samotném, v člověku, jenž upřímně touží po dobru, ale podivuhodným úradkem osudu způsobí vždycky zlo."
February 4, 2018
Jatko-osa Mikael Karvajalalle. Tarina liikkuu Välimeren alueella lähinnä islamilaisissa maissa 1500-luvun alun vuosikymmenillä, mikä teki tarinan itselleni mielenkiintoiseksi. Tämän äänikirjan lukijalle kunniamaininta. Hän sai puhallettua hahmoihin hienosti persoonallisen kaiun.
Koko Mikaelin tarina oli todella hienoa kerrontaa!
Koko Mikaelin tarina oli todella hienoa kerrontaa!
February 29, 2020
Ενδιαφέρον βιβλίο που αναφέρεται στην περίοδο της μεγάλης ακμής του Οθωμανικού κράτους, επί ημερών των Μπαρμπαρόσα και του Σουλειμάν. Κάπως ασυνήθιστη η περιγραφή και ο λόγος, ωστόσο λογικό για ένα βιβλίο που εκδόθηκε 70 χρόνια πριν. Σε κάθε περίπτωση, αξίζει να διαβαστεί.
January 28, 2021
No está a la altura de las mejores novelas de Waltari. La segunda mitad del libro se hace más lenta que la primera, pero el final es bastante digno. Lo que más destacaría es la ambientación de la corte otomana en su apogeo expansionista y bajo el reinado de su sultán más celebrado.
November 19, 2024
Mikael Karvajalka, the Adventurer, is PTS-ing (as we would say today) after managing to get out alive from the Sack of Rome. He contemplates atonement in the Holy Land, however on his way to Jerusalem, bad luck strikes in the shape of pirates who attack his ship (and in the appearance of one of the most disgusting characters I have ever come across in books: Giulia.) He and Anti are both captured and end up in the captivity of Moslems which begins a new chapter in his life. The new chapter also brings him a new name - Mikael El-Hakim and many new adventures in the Constantinople of Soliman the Magnificent and Roxelana.
Mika Waltari resurfaces an epoch with great detail, with humor (quite often of the darker type) and affectionate irony for his quite unreasonable protagonist who just gets in trouble and intrigues enough to lead us in all the right places and allow for a very immersive reading experience.
A great read, this one, as well.
Mika Waltari resurfaces an epoch with great detail, with humor (quite often of the darker type) and affectionate irony for his quite unreasonable protagonist who just gets in trouble and intrigues enough to lead us in all the right places and allow for a very immersive reading experience.
A great read, this one, as well.
August 10, 2024
Η Περιπλάνηση ενός χριστιανού του 16ου αιώνα που πιάνεται από πειρατές, γίνεται μουσουλμάνος, πουλιέται σκλάβος και φτάνει σε υψηλά αξιώματα στην αυλή του Σουλτάνου για να καταλήξει πάλι φτωχός και μόνος στην Αίγυπτο. Περιγραφή μιας ενδιαφέρουσας εποχής όπου ο οθωμανική αυτοκρατορία βρίσκεται σε μεγάλη ακμή αλλά οι πόλεμοι, οι ίντριγκες και οι μηχανορραφίες δεν αφήνουν χώρο για ηρεμία και προσωπική ευτυχία. Βενετία, Τύνιδα, Αλγέρι, Κωνσταντινούπολη, Βιέννη, Βαγδάτη, Αίγυπτος είναι μερικές μόνο από τις περιοχές που περιπλανάται ο ήρωας κάνοντας μια λεπτομερή αν και ρηχή, χωρίς συναίσθημα, περιγραφή γεγονότων, πολεμικών συρράξεων και μαχών που πράγματι συνέβησαν, ενώ η περιγραφή της ζωης στην αυλή του Σουλεϊμάν του Μεγαλοπρεπούς θυμίζει την αντίστοιχη σειρά. Συνοψίζοντας ενδιαφέρον βιβλιο αλλά μια διαφορετική γραφή θα μπορούσε να το κάνει συναρπαστικό.
May 5, 2020
Historical fiction in the era of Sulieman the magnificent, Sultan of turkey. It follows the caterer of a Christian renegade who is captured by Moslem pirates and conversation to Islam to save his life. Eventually he becomes a confidant of the grand vizier and Sulieman himself. He is present during the siege of Vienna. That was when coffee was introduced into Europe and Richard the lion hearted was imprisoned and later ransomed providing the background for the Robin Hood story. Of course the didn't feature in this book. It's contemporary interest is enhanced by our societies evolving relationship with the world of Islam. The characters are well developed and the course of events almost believable.
October 3, 2019
This splendid sequel is just as good as the first, this time taking a different cultural and geographical setting, but with all the same wit. I'd say that even more so than the first book, this one reads as a bit of a political thriller. There is less character-development when it comes to Mikael and Antti though -- they have already been established. Very enjoyable read, but it must be said that Mikael's taste in women is rather questionable...
January 4, 2020
Waltarin eeppinen romaani Mikael Hakim tuli luettua kertaalleen vuonna 1983 ja uusinta nyt. Mahtava kirja, jonka juoni tiivistyy kauniisti ja lopussa odottaa "kakun päällä oleva kirsikka". Kirjan sankarit täydentävät hyvin toisiaan monissa asioissa, eikä vähiten suhteissaan naisiin. Hieno kirja monimuotoisesta miehisyydestä. Samalla romaani on hyvä kuvaus sekulaarista islamista, joka on katoamassa jopa Turkista.
December 26, 2020
Friendship, adventure, power, fame and politics. Mikael Caraval and Mikael Hakim books ask the question: what is enough for a good enough? It's brilliant and exhaustive story with a captivating story and relatable characters.
Even though through the lengthy book there might have been tiny bit repetitive parts, in the end it was full of surprises and lessons that made the book very worth reading.
I would recommend the book series to anyone who enjoyed Sinuhe the Egyptian.
Even though through the lengthy book there might have been tiny bit repetitive parts, in the end it was full of surprises and lessons that made the book very worth reading.
I would recommend the book series to anyone who enjoyed Sinuhe the Egyptian.
July 7, 2019
Another great historical novel. Took too long to read, which ruined the story flow a bit.
August 26, 2019
Naiskuva..?
January 27, 2020
Aivan mahtavaa Waltaria, osansa saa niin kristinusko kuin islamkin, ja ihmisen raadollisuus tulee joka puolella vastaan, kuitenkaan ilman ylimääräistä taivastelua.
August 28, 2022
(Audiobook), 8/10
Lektor - 5/6 (Teleszyński)
To jeszcze nie poziom "Egipcjanina...", ale druga część przygód Mikaela jest zdecydowanie lepsza!
Lektor - 5/6 (Teleszyński)
To jeszcze nie poziom "Egipcjanina...", ale druga część przygód Mikaela jest zdecydowanie lepsza!
March 19, 2023
Edeltäjäänsä parempi. Sama huumorin sävy säilyy, ja kirja antaa mielenkiintoisen kuvauksen Ottomaanien valtakunnan sisäpuolelta.
May 30, 2023
Del två.
Mycket mycket bra och slår Ludenfot med hästlängder. Vilken bok och vilka äventyr Mikael varit med om.
Mycket mycket bra och slår Ludenfot med hästlängder. Vilken bok och vilka äventyr Mikael varit med om.
October 2, 2023
hemo hyvä kirja
February 5, 2024
Beautiful historical fiction story and writing, but so so many words.
February 8, 2025
Bardziej mi się podobałaniż poprzednia część. Wciąż niespieszna. Raczej bez spektakularnych zwrotów akcji. Niemniej bardzo przyjemna w odbiorze.
July 20, 2025
Upea kirja, Mikael Karvajalka tulee lukea ensin. Edeltäjäänsä jopa parempi (olisin voinut antaa 4,5). Mielenkiintoista tasapainoilua islamin ja kristinuskon kohdatessa.
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