71 pages • 2 hours read
My Name is Red
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Istanbul • 1590s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk, set in late-16th century Istanbul, unfolds through multiple viewpoints—including those of human characters, a corpse, and inanimate objects—to narrate the murder of a miniaturist, artistic and cultural struggles, and a romantic plot where Black returns to Istanbul, investigates the murder, and rekindles a complex relationship with his cousin, Shekure. This book includes themes of murder, sexual harassment, and torture.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
59,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk receives praise for its richly layered narrative, intricate depiction of 16th-century Ottoman art, and philosophical depth. Critics highlight its complex structure and vivid characters. However, some find its pacing slow and the myriad perspectives challenging. Overall, it is seen as a unique and thought-provoking literary work.
Who Should Read My Name is Red?
Ideal for intellectually curious readers, history enthusiasts, and art lovers, My Name is Red weaves a rich tapestry of 16th-century Ottoman Empire intrigue. Fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose or Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children will relish its blend of mystery, philosophy, and meticulous historical detail.
59,555 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Shekure
Shekure
A 24-year-old widow with two young sons, admired for her extraordinary beauty and intelligence, navigating complex familial and romantic dynamics while seeking security for herself and her children.
Olive
Olive
A talented miniaturist in the Sultan’s workshop, known for his conflicted identity and interest in both traditional and European artistic styles.
Master Osman
Master Osman
The head of the miniaturist workshop, respected yet conservative, holding strong beliefs in traditional painting techniques and overseeing the work and development of his apprentices.
432
Novel • Fiction
Istanbul • 1590s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.