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.

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.

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

- My Name is Red won the International Dublin Literary Award in 2003, which is one of the richest literary prizes for a single work of fiction published in English.
- Orhan Pamuk was inspired by the rich history of Ottoman miniature painters and Islamic art, incorporating this into My Name is Red to explore themes of art, love, and religion.
- Written from multiple perspectives, My Name is Red uniquely incorporates narratives from unusual narrators, including a coin, a horse, and the color red itself.

**Black**  
The most frequent narrator of the story, Black returns to Istanbul after 12 years to find himself entangled in solving a murder and rekindling his romantic interest in his cousin, 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**  
A talented miniaturist in the Sultan’s workshop, known for his conflicted identity and interest in both traditional and European artistic styles.

**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.

Orhan Pamuk

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Chapters 1-4

My Name is Red Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-10

My Name is Red Chapters 5-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-14

My Name is Red Chapters 11-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-19

My Name is Red Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-27

My Name is Red Chapters 20-27 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 28-36

My Name is Red Chapters 28-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-40

My Name is Red Chapters 37-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-47

My Name is Red Chapters 41-47 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 48-53

My Name is Red Chapters 48-53 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 54-59

My Name is Red Chapters 54-59 Summary & Analysis

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