Reviews for A Sultan in Palermo

The average rating for A Sultan in Palermo based on 2 reviews is 2.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-05-01 00:00:00 Brian Engle Each of the novels in this quintet stands on its own but the recurring theme is the historical relationships between religions. The fourth in the series is set in Siqilliya- Sicily - in the 12th century. It is ruled by King Roger II, Sultan Rujari, a Norman whose forebears conquered the previous Arab rulers of the island. The main character is Al-Idrisi, a cartographer and polymath who is close to the Sultan until the Barons take advantage of the Sultan's ill health to undermine Arab influence on the island. Much of the book is about al-Idrisi's personal life and other reviewers have slated that. All of the books are in the same format though. Through the life of someone close to the seat of power, Ali explores the shortcomings of each religion, Muslim, Christian and Jewish, equally and often mercilessly. Rather than being an annoying distraction, al-Idrisi's complicated family life is light relief to the backdrop of massacres and turmoil. 3 stars. I'm enjoying this series. I'm not blown away by it but the political, social, and religious history is interesting.

Review # 2 was written on 2012-11-12 00:00:00 Eric Fuller Sultan in Palermo is set in the Middle Ages Sicily, at the time when Arabs, having already lost control of the island live alongside the ruling Normans (who are Christians). The main characters are two major historical figures, Sultan Rujeri of Sicily (otherwise known, King Roger II of Sicily) and his protégé, Muhammad al-Idrisi, a cartographer. A mostly peaceful co-existence, however, the tension and fear of persecution are ever present among the minority Arab population. The historical and cultural backgrounds were fascinating, unfortuneately the story quickly lost its focus and too involved with the romantic and erotic interests of the protagonist Muhammad al-Idrisi. A disappointing distraction to the historical plot.