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Literary Fiction· Turkey

My Name Is Red

by Orhan Pamuk
Aggregate Editorial Score80/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 2006536 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that My Name Is Red (2006) by Orhan Pamuk continues to receive. Set in sixteenth-century Istanbul, Pamuk's postmodern murder mystery follows a group of Ottoman miniaturists whose work is being influenced by Western art. Told from multiple perspectives—including a corpse and the color red—it explores the clash between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, faith, and identity. Pamuk received the Nobel Prize the same year this English translation dominated international bestseller lists. Themes of art, identity, East vs. West run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 2006.

Book Details

AuthorOrhan Pamuk
Published2006
Country of Origin🇹🇷 Turkey
LanguageEnglish
Pages536
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780375706851
Editorial Score80/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇷 Turkey

This book is part of Turkey's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Turkey →

Editorial Assessment

Orhan Pamuk published My Name Is Red in 2006, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from Turkey. The book's treatment of art, identity, East vs. West, murder accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed My Name Is Red among the notable works of its period. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 2006. Our aggregate score of 80/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes My Name Is Red is how it handles its central concerns — art, identity, East vs. West, murder — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. My Name Is Red reflects Orhan Pamuk's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with Turkey's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
200680
✍️
About the Author
Orhan Pamuk
Turkey
View Author →

Orhan Pamuk is a celebrated author from Turkey known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is My Name Is Red about?

Set in sixteenth-century Istanbul, Pamuk's postmodern murder mystery follows a group of Ottoman miniaturists whose work is being influenced by Western art. Told from multiple perspectives—including a corpse and the color red—it explores the clash between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, faith, and identity. Pamuk received the Nobel Prize the same year this English translation dominated international bestseller lists.

Who wrote My Name Is Red?

My Name Is Red was written by Orhan Pamuk, from Turkey. First published in 2006.

What awards has My Name Is Red won?

My Name Is Red has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 2006.

Is My Name Is Red worth reading?

My Name Is Red is a widely acclaimed work with strong critical consensus, with an aggregate editorial score of 80/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in art, identity, East vs. West.

Where can I buy My Name Is Red?

You can buy My Name Is Red on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is My Name Is Red?

My Name Is Red is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is My Name Is Red from?

My Name Is Red originates from Turkey's literary tradition. Explore more books from Turkey on our country page.

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