This being the second or third time I've read this book, I can say you don't really appreciate the charm of it until you get past the rather convoluted and sketchy storyline. The real charm of it is 1) the evocation in small details of historical Istanbul, its neighbourhoods and people 2) the information and reflections on the the nature, history and working methods of Islamic illuminated manuscripts 3) the subtle discussion of the push and pull of West and East in Turkish history (and modern Turkey). He tries to portray a world view, a way of thinking, that is essentially lost.
A book to reread while leafing through a good collection of Islamic miniatures - it gives a new perspective on the paintings.
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