Ethics in Literature: A Reading Group May 25, 2012

My Name Is Red, by Orhan Pamuk. In 16th century Istanbul the Sultan has commissioned a cadre of the most acclaimed artists in the land to create a great book celebrating the glories of his realm. Their task is to illuminate the work in the European style. Because figurative art can be deemed an affront to Islam, this commission is a dangerous proposition. Therefore, the ruling elite must not know the full scope or nature of the project, and panic erupts when one of the chosen miniaturists disappears. The only clue to the mystery – or crime? – lies in the half-finished illuminations themselves. The novel blends mystery, love, art, and religion into a fascinating tale.

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