Balthasar's Odyssey
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Balthasar's Odyssey | |
Author | Amin Maalouf |
---|---|
Original title | Le Périple de Baldassare |
Translator | Barbara Bray |
Genre(s) | historical novel |
Publisher | éditions Grasset |
Publication date | 2000 |
Published in English |
2002 |
ISBN | ISBN 1-55970-702-X |
Balthasar's Odyssey (French: Le Périple de Baldassare) is a 2000 novel by Amin Maalouf set in 17th century Europe. Originally written in French, it was shortlisted for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award in 2004.
The plot concerns the journey of a Lebanese librarian named Balthasar who seeks a sacred book which seems to be the answer for soul salvation for Doomsday in the apocalyptic year of 1666. In his trip, Balthasar will travel through the Ottoman Empire, Italy, and London, while experiencing a myriad of problems due to the cursed book.