First published 2020
Maya Chen arrives in Istanbul to translate newly discovered manuscripts attributed to the 13th-century mystic poet Rumi. She expects scholarly work in quiet archives. Instead, she finds herself caught between competing claims about the documents' authenticity. Turkish academics insist the poems are genuine additions to the Sufi master's canon. American collectors question their provenance. Maya's mentor warns her that powerful interests want to control how these verses reach the world. As she works through the Persian text, Maya uncovers references to a theological puzzle that Rumi embedded in his poetry. The riddle points toward a secret that could reshape understanding of Islamic mysticism. Maya must decide whether to publish her translation or protect what Rumi tried to hide. Her choice will determine not only her career but also whether ancient wisdom survives in the modern world.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, thriller, academic
Vibes: lyrical, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic-intrigue, hidden-secrets, translation-mystery
Setting: Istanbul, Turkey
Period: 13th-century, modern-day
305 pages · Library Binding · Bound to Stay Bound Books