Plot Summary

The Janissary Tree

Jason Goodwin
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The Janissary Tree

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

Book Brief

Jason Goodwin

The Janissary Tree

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Istanbul • 1830s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1644L

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Super Short Summary

In 1830s Istanbul, Investigator Yashim Togalu, a eunuch, is tasked with solving the disappearance of four Janissaries, the murder of Sultan Mahmud II’s concubine, and the theft of the Sultan's mother's jewelry. As Yashim investigates, he uncovers a conspiracy involving surviving Janissaries aiming to overthrow the Sultan and restore their former power. Sensitive topics include violence and assault.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Gritty

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.8

7,816 ratings

57%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jason Goodwin's The Janissary Tree has been praised for its rich historical detail and atmospheric setting in 19th-century Istanbul. Readers appreciate the unique protagonist, a eunuch detective, and the intricate plot. However, some found the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it's a compelling historical mystery with a distinct cultural backdrop.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Janissary Tree?

A reader captivated by historical intrigue, rich cultural atmospheres, and intricate detective work will enjoy The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin. Fans of Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose and Boris Akunin's Erast Fandorin series will find similar satisfaction in Goodwin's evocative portrayal of 19th-century Istanbul and its complex mysteries.

3.8

7,816 ratings

57%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Istanbul • 1830s

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1644L

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