Before He Was Red

by Christina Ståhle

🌟 Editor’s Choice - Historical Novel Society
"In-depth research coupled with fluid prose and a deeply engaging storyline makes this a fabulous read. Brava!”
— Anna Belfrage, Historical Novel Society

"A richly researched novel that brings a pivotal moment in Ottoman history vividly to life.”
— Doga Ozturk, Historian and Writer, Ottoman Encounters

"Historical fiction that captivates and moves the reader from start to finish.”
— Reedsy Discovery

Amid the political turbulence of the summer of three sultans, a Belgian woman and the future Sultan Abdul Hamid II secretly marry. Weeks later he deposes his brother to ascend the throne, and she vanishes without a trace.

With emotional depth and a propulsive plot, BEFORE HE WAS RED reimagines this forgotten but pivotal episode in the history of the Ottoman Empire. On the eve of a loveless marriage, glove maker Flora Cordier rescues a stranger from Ottoman troops. She is unaware he is Prince Hamid, second in line to the throne, risking death for a single night of freedom. Their meeting sparks a forbidden love and a shared dream of self-determination.

We follow five converging Flora, Hamid, Perestu (the ambitious stepmother), Murad (the volatile brother-turned-rival), and Reshid (a Jewish dervish-tutor hardwired to survive), as their lives intertwine with the political conspiracies and colonial rivalries that drive Hamid’s rise to power.

Atmospheric, rich in political intrigue and subversive love, this sweeping work of historical fiction and epic romance brings a vanished world vividly to life. BEFORE HE WAS RED will captivate readers of Maggie Shipstead’s Great Circle with its high emotional stakes and pursuit of freedom, and enthral fans of James Clavell’s Shōgun with its cinematic scope, court intrigue, and immersive, little-known history. Perfect for book clubs, it offers a powerful story of love, freedom, and belonging in the shadow of empire. Inspired by true events and real characters history has all but forgotten.

Genres: Historical Fiction, 19th Century, Literary Fiction, Strong Female Lead, Forbidden Love, Fiction, Historical

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 27, 2025

About the author

Christina Ståhle is a novelist and screenwriter born to Swedish parents and raised across Europe and the Middle East. A life spent moving between cultures and never quite belonging anywhere drew her to the story of her debut novel, BEFORE HE WAS RED, which explores the tension between freedom and belonging, and the price we pay for choosing one over the other.
She holds an MA in International Affairs from Johns Hopkins and studied screenwriting at UCLA.
BEFORE HE WAS RED was selected as Editor's Choice by the Historical Novel Society, which praised it as "a fabulous read" with "in-depth research coupled with fluid prose and a deeply engaging storyline."
Inspired by true events in the Ottoman Empire's turbulent summer of 1876, the novel weaves an intimate love story through political upheaval.

Connect:
Instagram: @christinastahle
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinastahle
Pinterest: https://tinyurl.com/Myottomanboard
Author website: www.christinastahle.com

Reviews

[P S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before He Was Red is a powerful, deeply engaging read that blends personal drama with rich historical detail. Set against the backdrop of the end of the Ottoman Empire, the novel weaves a gripping story of identity, conflict, and transformation. Christina Ståhle’s research is evident throughout the book—there’s a depth of historical knowledge that makes the setting come alive in a way that feels both authentic and immersive.

The story takes place during a pivotal time in history, as the Ottoman Empire was on the brink of collapse, and Ståhle really captures the intensity of that moment. The characters are well-developed, each carrying their own baggage from this tumultuous era, and you can feel the weight of history in their personal journeys.

I was especially impressed by how the historical events and personal stories intertwined—Ståhle does an excellent job of making the history feel lived-in, rather than just something that’s being described. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with a lot of depth and emotional complexity, this book is definitely worth checking out.

[Sophie Sleeckx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read ‘Before he was Red’ in one sitting! It’s a captivating story with beautifully layered characters and vivid, detailed descriptions. It was fascinating to learn more about this period of the Ottoman Empire and the possible love story between the last Sultan and a Belgian glove maker. A must read for everyone who enjoys historic novels.

[Sam Plompen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before He Was Red, Christina Ståhle’s powerful debut novel, is set in the waning days of the Ottoman Empire, a vanished world beautifully brought back to life by the author.
A true storyteller, Ståhle takes us on an epic journey of intrigue and fluctuating fortunes, at the heart of which is a forbidden love story involving an heir to the imperial throne and a mysterious young woman with a secret past. The fierce struggle to decide their own future will make you want to read till the very end. Enthralling !

note: this is an advanced reader review

[Dominique Dewitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her debut novel "Before He Was Red", Christina Stahle instantly earns her spot among the world’s master storytellers. Beyond the flawless research and a remarkable eye for detail, it is the seamless chemistry between the lead characters that truly stands out, set against a backdrop that will stay with you long after the final page.

Instead of just reading, you are pulled right into the heart of the action, becoming a firsthand witness to one of the most intriguing and misunderstood chapters of the Ottoman Empire. The way Stahle brings these historical figures and power plays to life is nothing short of extraordinary. "Before He Was Red" is a brilliant, high-stakes read that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

[Audrey Duperron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely drawn into this beautifully told love story, set against the backdrop of one of history’s most powerful empires. From the first pages, the true story behind this unlikely encounter pulled me in. It’s romantic without ever feeling sentimental or simplified, and full of intrigue, tough moral choices, and human mistakes. The main couple is surrounded by a vivid cast of characters who bring the historical and political world to life and add real depth to the story.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so intrigued by the premise of Before He Was Red. An Ottoman Empire crown prince named Hamid marries a Belgian glove maker named Flora. After he ascends the throne to become sultan, Flora disappears.

I learned so much from this well-researched book. I knew virtually nothing about this time period and the historic figures. The characters were well developed and fascinating. Stahle painted a vivid picture of time and place. The descriptions of the palace and harem, dress, and customs were fantastic. The portrayal of the religious conflicts and the competing interests of Russia and England was fascinating.

I thought the reimagining of their story would follow Flora after she disappears and she witnesses Hamid’s bloody activities from afar while she rebuilds her life. I was surprised the story followed their love story and Hamid’s rise to power without Flora’s conclusion.

It took me awhile to keep the characters straight. I was so thankful for the character list which I referred back to many times. The book is so descriptive that it was a slower read for me.

I can’t quite shake the feeling that Hamid had Flora executed and it’s giving me such an ick feeling.

I was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this fantastic epic that captivated me from the beginning to the end.. Stahle depicts the decline of the Ottoman Empire, through historical facts and blends it with fictional characters, and their adventures, her historical research is remarkable, and the intrigue and the romance kept me spellbound. Her writing is fluid and rich.
I loved it.
And I m looking forward to a next book.

[Re · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before He Was Red delivers a captivating slice of historical fiction through masterful storytelling, set against the glittering decay of 1876 Istanbul. Perfect for those who crave lush, cross-cultural romance with political bite.

[Lisa Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Ståhle’s Before He Was Red is a triumph of historical fiction, a novel that masterfully blends meticulous research with breathtaking narrative sweep and deep emotional resonance. Set against the opulent, treacherous backdrop of the Ottoman Empire in 1876, the "summer of three sultans", this book brings a forgotten, pivotal moment to life with the intensity of a political thriller and the heart of a tragic romance.

The central love story between Belgian glove maker Flora Cordier and the future Sultan Abdul Hamid II is the brilliant, beating heart of the novel. Ståhle imagines their forbidden, secret marriage with such conviction and tenderness that their dream of “self-determination” feels achingly real. The dramatic irony of their situation, a commoner and a prince risking everything for love, on the eve of his violent ascension to the throne, creates a tension that never relents. Flora’s subsequent historical disappearance becomes not just a mystery, but a personal tragedy the reader feels keenly.

The narrative’s power is amplified by its skillful use of five converging perspectives. We see the world through the eyes of the ambitious stepmother Perestu, the volatile Sultan Murad, and the fascinating Reshid, a Jewish dervish-tutor, each adding rich layers of political conspiracy, familial rivalry, and spiritual survival. This multi-faceted approach does for the Ottoman court what Shōgun did for feudal Japan, rendering its intricate politics, colonial pressures, and clashing ambitions with cinematic scope and clarity.

Ståhle’s prose is lush and atmospheric, immersing the reader completely in the sights, sounds, and tensions of a vanished world. The plot is propulsive, driven by high stakes both personal and geopolitical. The comparison to Maggie Shipstead’s Great Circle is apt in its themes of a woman’s daring pursuit of freedom against immense odds.

Before He Was Red is more than a history lesson; it is a profoundly human story of love, sacrifice, and the crushing weight of destiny. It is the kind of novel that transports you completely, leaving you both enlightened and heartbroken. A magnificent, must-read achievement for book clubs and any lover of epic, emotionally charged historical fiction.

[Priscilla Lawal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving through a conduit, Prince Abdulhamid of the Ottoman Empire sought to view the outside world from beyond his golden cage, which led him to the realization of a potent reality: every action had a consequence.

Before He Was Red is historical fiction based on the reality of the last phase of a crumbling Ottoman Empire. It features Prince Hamid and his eunuch Jurad in the streets of Pera, trying to take in the sights of a distant world he has only seen from afar. But this adventurous journey soon turns into an unforgettable disaster as he falls into a protest organized by softas. Despite the rigidity of the harem, Prince Hamid soon finds love in the heart of a Belgian woman, Flora. The Ottoman prince goes through several situations where he has to choose between love or the failing dynasty.

Flora Cordier, an industrious Belgian glove-maker, closes her shop, which lies in the heart of Pera. But at midnight, during a tumultuous night, her light remained on, and soon, a strange knock came at her door. She is introduced to two disheveled-looking Turkish men who seek her help during a harrowing and dangerous night. One of the Turkish men who introduces himself as Hamid soon piques her interest, and with time she finds herself drawn to this mysterious, refined-looking man. But she soon finds herself at a dangerous crossroad: either lose the anonymity of her carefully crafted personality or be drawn into the web of a totally different world.

Christina Ståhle's expansive knowledge of the history of the Ottoman Empire, her experience as a political scientist, and the intense research poured into developing this beautiful masterpiece culminate to form a story that depicts the personal struggles of each personality during the looming collapse of the Ottoman dynasty. Each personality has a story of its own.

Even though based on a historical event, the author still evokes different emotions in the reader, from loneliness, guilt, passion, and a thrilling mystery about what lies in the future for each of the characters. I will recommend Before He Was Red to readers with a love for history, with a beautifully infused blend of personal stories to each personality.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Evelyn Hail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina Ståhle establishes herself as a true storyteller with Before He Was Red.
I found the book very powerfully written and it captivated me from beginning to end.

A fact that is a must-to underline: The book is not just a story; it is an epic journey which directly transports you to the waning days of the Ottoman Empire.
Christina revives the world of the past, with an astonishing sense of detail, and her remarkable and thorough historical research.

Not only does she describe a period, but also, she totally captures this intensity of the international dimension of politics, showing us how the Great Powers played the role of "Sultan Makers."
So world - building-wise, we have this enthralling plot of political intrigue.
But character-wise, I simply must point out the true heart of the book: a forbidden and deeply human love story between an imperial heir and a mysterious young woman.
I was impressed by Christina’s prose. It is elegant and fluid, and akin to a cake, she combines a layer of historical facts with a layer of intimate lives of her characters.
Even if Hamid and Flora are represented as a team - a duo of the two against the world, their individualities are also quite clear cut.

Each one carries the weight of history on their own journey, and they are forced to make tough moral choices that expose frailty and the lust for life and love.

The result is a novel that manages to be romantic without ever becoming too sentimental or soppy.

I promise you a reading experience that immerses you in another era.

“Before He Was Red” will keep you spellbound until the very last page.

It is, without a doubt, a must-read for fans of historical fiction looking for emotional complexity and a story with the depth of an event based on true facts.

[Anna Belfrage · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the late 19th century, the hitherto mighty Ottoman Empire is crumbling at the edges. Not only is the empire dealing with external threats, there is also growing internal discontent. Some, like the softas, take to protesting openly. On one occasion, they are joined by Hamid, an Ottoman prince who has snuck out of the palace only to find himself caught up in a maelstrom of violence. In the aftermath, Hamid tries to find help for an injured protester. That is how he, potential future sultan of the Ottoman empire, meets Flora Cordier, Belgian-born shop owner.
The Hamid Flora meets is a man of compassion and ideals. He is also effectively a prisoner within the palace: as a potential heir, he is kept in a “golden cage”, constantly supervised as he may be a threat to the sitting sultan. Ms Ståhle does an excellent job of describing the restricted lives within the Ottoman palace. Eunuchs, wives, concubines, slaves, sons—they are all prisoners of their status, all of them flitting about in a tradition-bound environment that smells of rot. Where Hamid is bored out of his mind, his adoptive mother, Rahime Perestu, has built herself a significant powerbase within the imposed constraints. Perestu is an intriguing character, a strong, intelligent woman who capably protects Hamid from deadly palace intrigues—but can she protect him from love?
Love—or is it passion?—strikes hard. Ultimately, Hamid will have to make a choice between the role he’s been raised for and Flora.
Against a vividly painted background of political tension, Ms Ståhle’s engaging characters lead us through a fascinating, violent and convulsing empire. In-depth research coupled with fluid prose and a deeply engaging storyline makes this a fabulous read. Brava!

[Tina Zournatzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well researched historical novel evokes both the splendour and the viciousness of the Ottoman rule and brings out the human side of it with all its frailty and self doubt but also the lust for life and love. It describes expertly the international dimension of the politics and how the dominant Great Powers dictated much of what was happening in the Ottoman Empire and played an important role as « Sultan makers » selecting who would be better suited to promote their interests.
Also it makes women look strong, pulling the strings both inside and outside the palace. Not sure if that’s totally accurate but I like to think it is!
I also found the historical guide super helpful in providing context and explanations to create a more complete cisual

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that historical time-period that I was looking for and enjoyed how it was used to tell the storyline. The characters were so well written and worked well in this time-period, it uses the Ottoman Empire concept and glad I was able to read this. I enjoyed the use of the romance concept and was glad I was able to read this. Christina Ståhle has a strong writing style and glad I was able to read this and am excited for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[James I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Before He Was Red quietly gripping. Seeing Abdulhamid before history hardens him into “the Red Sultan” makes the story feel intimate and unsettling, especially during the softa riots near the Sublime Porte and the sudden, shocking loss of Jurad.

Flora’s decision to open her door to Hamid and the wounded Reza, risking everything as soldiers search the streets, was one of the most memorable moments for me. The historical tension is woven in without feeling heavy, and while the pacing is slow at times, the atmosphere and emotional weight linger long after the last page.

[Jill Michielssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story, very refined and intense, transports you to the final episode of the Ottoman empire. Written with a wonderful sense for detail, history, complex relationships and characters. Makes it easy to picture the scenes. Interesting side characters also, worthy of their own novel, to be continued, please!

[Wendi Hendrickx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved this book. The prose is so elegant and beautiful. The characters are masterfully built out and stay in your head. I went on a voyage to the past, immersed in the splendours of another era and continent and learnt many things I did not know. Pure bliss!

[Gregory Tartarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce livre est juste incroyable du début à la fin. Je le conseille vivement.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ce livre est excellent, je vous le conseille vivement😁

[Manuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before He Was Red captivates the reader, unfolding a lavishly crafted vision of Ottoman empire times rendered with striking detail and an engaging plot. A real page-turner!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Before He Was Red,” journey back to a time when chaos and turmoil shape lives. Meet Hamid and Flora, two souls entwined in a world of strife and resilience.

What can I say about this book that no one else has said? Well, I read it twice. I connected with Christina a few years back and read her first version of this powerful novel. I was drawn into the story easily, hooked by the first sentence. Christina's skill at putting you in 'place and time' is masterful. Every scene, every emotion is yours while you read.

Christina’s vivid storytelling pulls you into Flora and Hamid’s reality, making their struggles feel personal. Each Scene is a window into their hearts, revealing emotions that resonate deeply. As they navigate the pain and suffering around them, you’re there, feeling every heartbeat, hiding behind the curtains, veils and doorways, walking the cobblestones, following the path that Christina lays before you. This historical novel not only breathes life into its characters but also invites you to reflect on your own battles.

If you love character driven stories full of historical facts, then this book is for you.
Good luck Christina, I wish you all the best with this amazing work of art.

[Alice De Schutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been following Christina’s novel from its early drafts. The story of Hamid and Flora captivated me from the start, and Christina has turned it into a beautifully rich and deeply human novel. I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

Note that this is an advanced reader review.