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A Sultan in Palermo

A Novel
By Tariq Ali
Series: The Islam Quintet
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Sultan in Palermo follows the life of Muhammed al-Idrisi, a medieval cartographer caught between loyalty to the sultan and the unrest among friends opposing Norman rule. Amidst political intrigue and resistance, al-Idrisi seeks refuge in the sultan's harem but grapples with his conscience. The novel blends themes of pride, greed, lust, and defiance, challenging myths of Oriental exoticism by echoing historical struggles with contemporary resonance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers of historical fiction interested in medieval history, political intrigue, and nuanced cultural narratives that challenge stereotypes and reveal complex identities.

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The year is 1153. The Normans are ruling Siqqiliya, but Arab culture and language dominate the island and the court. Sultan Rujari surrounds himself with Muslim intellectuals, several concubines, and an administration presided over by gifted eunuchs. This fourth novel in Tariq Ali's "Islam Quintet" is set in medieval Palermo, a Muslim city.

Fourth book of the internationally acclaimed Islam Quintet

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The fourth novel in Tariq Ali's 'Islam Quintet' charts the life and loves of the medieval cartographer Muhammed al-Idrisi. Torn between his close friendship with the sultan and his friends who are leaving the island or plotting a resistance to Norman rule, Idrisi finds temporary solace in the harem; but his conscience is troubled...

A Sultan in Palermo is a mythic novel in which pride, greed, and lust intermingle with resistance and greatness. Debunking myths about Oriental exoticism, it echoes a past that can still be heard today.

Series: The Islam Quintet

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A richly woven tapestry compared to Naguib Mahfouz's works, the novel is praised for its intricate narrative and depth. Critics highlight its boisterous storytelling and exploration of secret histories, heretical poetry, and political disunity, creating a richly textured and marvellously paced tale of love, intrigue, and rebellion.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781781689301

Publisher: Verso Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 July 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Verso Books

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 303g

Pages: 256

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Series: The Islam Quintet Tariq Ali

About the Author

TARIQ ALI is a writer and filmmaker. He has written more than a dozen books on world history and politics--including Pirates of the Caribbean, Bush in Babylon, The Clash of Fundamentalisms and The Obama Syndrome--as well as five novels in his Islam Quintet series and scripts for the stage and screen. He is an editor of the New Left Review and lives in London.

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