Balthasar's Odyssey

'Sparkling and erudite, this is a wonderful novel' IndependentThere are ninety-nine names for God in the Koran, is it possible that there is a secret one-hundredth name?In this tale of magic and mystery, of love and danger, Balthasar's ultimate quest is to find the secret that could save the world.Before the dawn of the apocalyptic 'Year of the Beast' in 1666, Balthasar Embriaco, a Genoese Levantine merchant, sets out on an adventure that will take him across the breadth of the civilised world, from Constantinople, through the Mediterranean, to London shortly before the Great Fire.Balthasar's urgent quest is to track down a copy of one of the rarest and most coveted books ever printed, a volume called 'The Hundredth Name', its contents are thought to be of vital importance to the future of the world. There are ninety-nine names for God in the Koran, and merely to know this most secret hundredth name will, Balthasar believes, ensure his salvation.

“His is a voice which Europe cannot afford to ignore.”

Guardian
His observation of human nature in all its facets is wonderfully accurate. Sunday Telegraph
One of Maalouf's most subtle books, and without doubt one of his most accomplished. Le Point
Sparkling and erudite, this is a wonderful novel. Independent
A splendid book that should be read in the way one looks at a highly coloured fresco, allowing oneself to be transported by the breeze that wafts Balthasar on the most unexpected journeys. -- Josette Alia Nouvel Observateur
Terrific Sunday Times
Indeed, if you want to understand what's going on in the world at this moment, you could certainly do worse than to read Maalouf on the past Guardian
A fine, unusual and rich book Independent on Sunday
[A] wonderful tale-its bewildered and worldly hero, facing a chaotic universe, makes this meticulously researched historical novel uniquely relevant Scotland on Sunday

Amin Maalouf's fiction includes Leo the African, Rock of Tanios, which won the 1993 Prix Goncourt, Samarkand and Ports of Call. He is also the author of an acclaimed scholarly work, The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, as well as the much admired essay, 'On Identity'.

Can family ties bind deep-seated wounds?Indigo Burns is excited. Her wedding preparations to the man of her dreams are under way, her photography career is a success, and her family seems to be doing better than ever--all except her brother Reuben, who nobody has seen in years. But that's about to change.When Reuben decides to move back home to Jubilant, Texas, he hopes to find healing with his sisters. But Indigo isn't so sure their relationship can be mended. And when younger sister Yasmin makes a life-altering choice, it seems like only a miracle can put the Burns family back together.Will they ever be able love unconditionally and release each other to live their dreams?"Adams writes with verve, humor, and poignancy."--Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author Stacy Hawkins Adams is a bestselling author whose books illuminate the themes of faith, forgiveness, and women's friendships. She is the author of several books, including Speak to My Heart, the Essence bestseller The Someday List, and Worth a Thousand Words. She and her family live in Virginia. Stacy welcomes readers to visit her at

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.