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The Oracle of Stamboul~ Michael David Lukas
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Discussion questions. * Questions may contain SPOILERS
1. A prophecy foretold the birth of a girl like Eleonora Cohen. Do you believe in mystical propositions such as prophecies? Do you think the events surrounding her birth were truly foretold or just coincidence? Why do we in the West dismiss the idea of prophets and prophecies? Have we lost something in doing so?
2. What were your impressions of Eleonora? What made her different from others, especially other children?
3. What was the significance of the purple and white hoopoes in the story? Why did animals behave as they did around Eleonora? Do you believe animals can sense things differently—perhaps better—than humans?
4. Eleonora's life touched those of many adults, including her father, Yakob. Talk about their bond. How did the various characters in the story view Eleonora? How did her father see her? What about her tutor, the Reverend James Muehler ? Her father's friend and her guardian, Moncef Bey? The sultan and the other people in his palace, including his mother and his counselor, the Grand Vezir? What about the American journalist? What impact does Mrs. Damakan, the Bey's housekeeper, play in the course of the girl's early life?
5. When she mastered reading, Eleonora's favorite saga was a seven-volume epic called The Hourglass. What lessons did she learn from the novel? How did the book impact the events that followed? Do you have a favorite book that has influenced you?
6. Why was Ruxandra, the girl's stepmother, suspicious of her gifts, and especially hostile to her reading? Why are so many people afraid of learning and knowledge? Are some people too wise for the world?
7. When it comes to books, Eleonora's tutor, the Reverend Muehler tells her guardian Moncef Bey, "I have never held the novel in much esteem. It is a genre for idle women and romantic young boys. Such frivolousness, even a masterpiece such as The Hourglass, cannot have any real utility. But I would think that if she were given more serious reading material—philosophy, history, rhetoric—it might do her some good." What do you think of the reverend's condemnation of the novel? Can we learn as much from fiction as nonfiction? Should we teach more literature to young people? Does it matter if they read novels or not?
8. "If there was one thing she learned from The Hourglass it as that you should always follow the dictates of your own heart." Do you agree with this? What happens when we don't follow the dictates of our hearts? When might we choose not to do so?
9. When the Reverend Muehler and Yakob met on the ship, they exchanged stories of their travels. "It goes without saying, perhaps, that a missionary and a carpet dealer would encounter vastly different segments of a city's population." What kinds of people would both meet? Might their lives have crossed if they hadn't shared a cabin on the boat to Stamboul? Do you think their meeting was fate—part of the prophecy surrounding Eleonara's birth? Do you believe in fate or destiny? How does choice impact fate?
10. Speaking of destiny, Eleonora pondered the losses she had suffered while rereading The Hourglass. "She had a small comfort in the sentiment that our paths in life are laid according to a plan more grandiose that we could ever conceive or comprehend." Do you share her sentiment? How does believing in this offer solace?
11. The city of Stamboul is more than just a backdrop to this novel. It is a character in itself. How did Eleonora imagine Stamboul to be? What were your impressions of the city? Has there ever been a place that has sparked your imagination as Stamboul did for Eleanora?
12. Early in her stay in Stamboul, Eleonora wished she could stay in the city forever. Do you think she does? Or will fate take her somewhere else? Can someone of her gifts truly hide in plain sight?
13. The sultan disagreed with his closest councilor on the methods of effective governance. For the sultan, "an effective ruler needed more than anything to maintain a proper distance from the events that occurred within his domain. If he allowed himself to fret over the particulars of every battle and infrastructure project, he would never be able to focus on the decisions that truly mattered." Do you agree with this? Can a leader become too caught up in the details? But might ignoring details be detrimental for good leadership?
14. Why was the sultan willing to grant Eleanora an audience? What advice do you think she gave him? If you heard that the president met with someone like Eleonora, what would you think? What is the reaction in Stamboul after word of Eleonora's visit spreads?
15. When Eleonora discovers something incriminating about the reverend, she isn't sure whether or not to confide in the Bey. "Plato would seem to think she should. Truth is the beginning of every good to the gods, and of every good to man. Then again, there was Tertullian. Truth engenders hatred of the truth. As soon as it appears it is the enemy." Discuss both of these viewpoints. Which do you side with more? Why does the truth engender hatred?
16. Another philosophical debate Eleonora has is between doing something wrong and not yet doing the right thing. "Was there a difference between these two sins?" she wonders. How would you answer this question?
17. After her tragedy, Eleonora stops speaking. What does being "voiceless" offer her? If you chose not to speak for a few days, what might you learn? Do you think it would make you a better listener?
18. Is history important? Who ultimately writes our history? Do you think Eleonora changed the course of this particular empire?
19. Why did Eleonora make the choice she did at the story's end? Was she walking away from her "fate"—or was she ultimately saving her life?
Thank you Alias! That's great, hopefully we are starting next week :)If anyone is interested in reading this one, it would be great to have them join us...
Thanks Alias. We should be starting on Monday! I am very excited about reading this book! As Tugce said, if anyone wants to join in, feel free!!
:)
If I can get the book I'll join in. It seems to be pretty popular at my library although a reasonable number of copies around the county.
This seems to be available at my library right now so I quickly put in a request. Looking forward to joining in the Buddy Read.
Awesome News Bobbie :)...the more the merrier!
I started this one yesterday. It has been a bit slow reading for me so far. I am only 44 pages in but I think it is just started to peak my interest now. :)
I have just started it Amy and it is right that it is a slow read in the beginning but the writing is quite descriptive which I enjoy... Because I live here in Istanbul I am quite excited about this one :)
Yes I remember you said you live in Istanbul. I will be interested in how you find the novel and if it resonants with you at all - Stamboul being your ancient city.
I will try answering that but need to be into the book a little more to do that. :)
Picked this up yesterday and after a busy day didn't get into it. Reminded this morning that it is a 7 day book. Yikes -- I need to get to work.
Bobbie, it is a little slower read to get into. But stick with it. Starts to pick up around Chapters 3 / 4. Hopefully you will have it read by the due date :) I am up to Chapter 8 and enjoying it now.
I started this and must admit not sure where it is going. However, I am up to Chapter 3/4 area and it is getting interesting. Some of the names are confusing me, but I am doing my best to concentrate.
The names are even confusing to me even though I grew up with those names in high school history classes :) I am around the 6th chapter and I seemed to be hooked and I actually liked his way of description.
I have this book on reserve at the library, so I will be joining in late.
Marialyce wrote: "I have this book on reserve at the library, so I will be joining in late."Great to hear Marialyce!
Bobbie57 wrote: "I started this and must admit not sure where it is going. However, I am up to Chapter 3/4 area and it is getting interesting. Some of the names are confusing me, but I am doing my best to concentrate..."
I am currently up to Chapter 11 and I must admit that I'm only just starting to get an idea of where it might be going. This book is certainly more of a meander. Not unenjoyable, just slow and without an obvious destination (at this point anyway). During all this meandering though, I have been enjoying the Character of Eleonora.
I have also found the names and history references confusing, especially as I have no previous knowledge of this region. I have opted to just take them with a grain of salt and not spend to much time trying to concentrate on them. Hopefully this does not impact on my understanding of the novel?
Tugce Nida wrote: "The names are even confusing to me even though I grew up with those names in high school history classes :) I am around the 6th chapter and I seemed to be hooked and I actually liked his way of description..."I am enjoying Lukas prose as well. He certainly has a way of imbueing something he is describing with a certain life and whimsy. Though like the novel, I feel a few of these become a bit meandering sometimes. But overall I am enjoying this aspect :)
Enjoying the prose also and the character of Eleanora.Going to try to read as much as possible today as I have a workshop to go to tomorrow -- Saturday.
The book sounds like an interesting read, though like Marialyce, I'll probably join in a little late until I get my library copy this week.
I finished the book the other day. This is my short notes on the book:This book is certainly not what I expected. It is the sort of book where not a lot happens, yet it is not boring or unenjoyable. It is a book about a ancient time, a point in history and a moment in a young girls life.
The highlight of this book is in the prose and the authors attention to detail. The languid elegant language that almost feels like a loving caress, makes even the mundane of normal life seem sweeping and majestic.
With The Oracle of Stamboul it is easy to b...moreThis book is certainly not what I expected. It is the sort of book where not a lot happens, yet it is not boring or unenjoyable. It is a book about a ancient time, a point in history and a moment in a young girls life.
The highlight of this book is in the prose and the authors attention to detail. The languid elegant language that almost feels like a loving caress, makes even the mundane of normal life seem sweeping and majestic.
With The Oracle of Stamboul it is easy to be transported to another time, to sit and absorb the exotic beauty Lukas has imbued with life. This book is a love affair with words, books, birds and the ancient city of Stamboul.
3 and a half stars
Ohh you have already finished it, I am sorry having all these hectic days at work I am a bit slow but will catch up today :)
Sometimes with a quiet book the discussion questions can help. See post #2
I am picking this one up from the library today.
That's all good tugce! I have been busy as well which is why I haven't gotten to the questions yet! I will try to answer some soon :)
In regards to question 7: I think that the reverend as a man of god and education, obviously did not put much emphasis on fictional novels as a source of education. I personally think this is wrong. Fiction has played an important part in my life as a means to learn, contemplate, interpret and reflect on the world. It provides an outlet for creative expression! I find it a powerful thing to read a book and find a character that is so real and with whom you can relate to. Reading is the act of making friends with the characters, many of which you carry with you for the rest of your life! this it seems is eleonoras relationship with novels!
I have started this book and as others have said, the writing is quite nice and enticing. Already I love the character of Eleanora. I do like intelligent girls/women in books and she is certainly one. I am up to the part where she secrets herself into her father's travel trunk. The birds being present whenever Eleanora is around is a lovely symbol, soaring high above, leads me to think that Eleanora's life will be so much like the birds who stay with her.
3. What was the significance of the purple and white hoopoes in the story? Why did animals behave as they did around Eleonora? Do you believe animals can sense things differently—perhaps better—than humans?The way the hoopoes and other animals responded to Eleonora reminded me of the old fairy tales. The princess often with an animal companion. Snow White for example, singing to her woodland friends. It is a common theme in fairy tales. So it is interesting that Lukas would include this in The Oracle of Stamboul. What he was trying to say with this aspect I am not entirely sure. They obviously sensed something profound in Eleonora. But the hoopoes soar away and disappear as Eleonora does at the end of the book. So what part they were to play in the "prophecy" I guess we will never know.
19. Why did Eleonora make the choice she did at the story's end? Was she walking away from her "fate"—or was she ultimately saving her life?I think that in the end Eleonora chose her own life, her own path.
She had so many people pulling her in different directions, planning her life as they saw it. It was either live with the Sultan, stay with Moncef or be dragged back to Constanta with Ruxandra. Instead Eleonora followed "the dictates of her own heart" and choose her own life. It is quite symbolic. To never do what others want you to do, but instead follow your own heart and dreams.
2. What were your impressions of Eleonora? What made her different from others, especially other children? I liked Eleonora as a character. She was a child genius but still a bit of a waif, deferring to the parental figures in her life. She was very serious and selfless. She seemed at times a bit unemotional, even her grieving for her father while deeply profound internally, was silently passive on the outside. As well as her genius, this kind of leads me to think she might have had some kind of mild autism or aspergers or similar.
While reading I often forgot she was only 8, as her mind and voice of the story was much older. It is interesting that in the book she was not once with any other children only ever adults. She also never appeared to want the company of someone her own age. This is understandable for someone with her congnitive abilities, but maybe it would have done her some good to have some childish innocent fun.
This is a bit of a slow thread. It is obviously a bit of a hard book to generate some conversation about.
Does anyone have any thoughts on Eleonoras fit during the Sultans audience?? Collapsing and talking in tongues?? Was this a prophetic vison or a medical affliction??
There is a case for a medical reason for Eleanora's seizure. It could have been caused by a brain tumor (also the reason for her amazing intelligence.) There are many medical cases in which this is the case. The removal of the tumor should take away her gift.(view spoiler) I did finish the book and enjoyed the telling and the peaceful writing.
Amy wrote: "Does anyone have any thoughts on Eleonoras fit during the Sultans audience?? Collapsing and talking in tongues?? Was this a prophetic vison or a medical affliction??"As much as I like fantasy it seems to me that Eleonora's fit was more of a medical problem that a prophetic vision. Despite Eleonora's maturity for her young age the reader much remember that she is only around nine years old.
(view spoiler)
Finally, finished the book last night. Though not the most exciting novel I've ever read before it was well-written and I thought the description was amazing. While I wish the writer could have detailed the prophecy better and the issues the Ottoman Empire was having at that time period more it was a relaxing, enjoyable way to pass the time.
2. What were your impressions of Eleonora? What made her different from others, especially other children? I personally like Eleonora and she had many characteristics that separated her from other children. Because of her gift, Eleonora acts much more mature than most of her peers and though having fictional characters in books gain life experience for her it allows her to make more thoughtful choices than even an adult would make.
For the most part I would have thought the novel was about a much older person instead of a child if it wasn't for Eleonora's childish attachment to her father, her reaction to receiving gifts, and her attitude about telling the truth. I think that if she had been encouraged to not read so much (yes, I can't believe I'm saying this) it might have been better for her to be outdoors instead of cooped up inside for days. As much as I love reading, it looks like Eleonora is well informed about what goes in her books but not so much as what occurs in her life.
Miss Jimenez wrote: "2. What were your impressions of Eleonora? What made her different from others, especially other children? I personally like Eleonora and she had many characteristics that separated her from othe..."
I agree with what you have said Miss Jimenez.
12. Early in her stay in Stamboul, Eleonora wished she could stay in the city forever. Do you think she does? Or will fate take her somewhere else? Can someone of her gifts truly hide in plain sight? I must admit that I actually never even considered that Eleonora might stay in the city! I believe she is smart enough to be able to 'hide in plain sight' but that would take a lot of control. It seems this same intelligience that would make her capable of hiding, is the same aspect that would bring attention to her.
I personally think Eleonora did leave the city. How a 9 year old is going to survive on her own - even a genius - is slightly tragic lol. But I think she might have travelled overseas (possibly america) and will one day return to Stamboul when she is older.
Does anyone else have any speculations as to what happens to Eleonora now??
That was something I was thinking of when I was reading that part. I find it hard to believe that a child, even someone as intelligent as Eleonora, could make it alone by herself. Yet, she was clever enough to realize that traveling in Stamboul as a girl would be dangerous so she disguised herself as a young boy. I find it possible that someone as intelligent as Eleonora would be able to find a way to find some type of work that would allow her to buy necessary items such as food, water, and clothes. If all goes well Eleonora might be even get a better job to suit her intelligence.
I agree with you on the America part. If Eleonora wants to make something out of herself using her own skills it'll probably be best to live in an area where sexism isn't as extreme.
Miss Jimenez wrote: "I find it possible that someone as intelligent as Eleonora would be able to find a way to find some type of work that would allow her to buy necessary items such as food, water, and clothes. If all goes well Eleonora might be even get a better job to suit her intelligence...."This is an aspect that makes me feel quite sad for Eleonora. Even though she is very mature, a savant and wise beyond her years. She is still a child. A child should not have to survive on their own.
Do you think that Eleonora's childhood has been stolen from her? Was it the moment her father died or because of her genius was it always going to be stolen??
I finally have finished it. Sorry Amy, I was such a bad buddy read in this one. Work got hectic, then my daugther got ill etc. I was very excited about the book but it took me ages to finish it and I must say I am a little dissappointed. I admit that it is a very well written story, good with descriptions and you can easily relate with the characters but there was something missing that I couldn't put my finger on it.
I also thought the life style in those years could have been more detailed. Well at least a little more information on the Ottoman life could be a little more helpful.
The way it was written, made me feel like, it was a nice story, but left no real effects on me. Even with the way Eleonara was.
I will look through the questions and the comments all have been giving and will try to reply a few soon.
Amy wrote: "Do you think that Eleonora's childhood has been stolen from her? Was it the moment her father died or because of her genius was it always going to be stolen??"I think that Eleonora's childhood was taken away from her when she discovered her intelligence. However, at that point it was only like a small portion was stolen and it wasn't until her father died that it was completely gone. In the beginning she still retained some childlike qualities like her attachment to her father, her plan to follow him, and her delight at receiving presents.
However, once her father dies it seems like she finally loses joy in the small things that once made her happy when he was still around. While she might not have had friends her own age to play with Eleonora knew that her father was someone she could always rely on to take care and comfort her. Once he's gone she's basically a miniature adult.
Book:
Author: Michael David Lukas
Michael David Lukas has been a Fulbright scholar in Turkey, a late-shift proofreader in Tel Aviv, and a Rotary scholar in Tunisia. He is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Maryland, and his writing has been published in the Virginia Quarterly Review, Slate, National Geographic Traveler, and the Georgia Review. Lukas lives in Oakland, less than a mile from where he was born. When he isn't writing, he teaches creative writing to third- and fourth-graders.
Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Stamboul...
Product Details
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Harper (February 8, 2011)