The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate | Ted Chiang
Appreciation
8
Importance
--
Date Added
8.25.25
TLDR
“In medieval Baghdad, a penniless man is brought before the most powerful man in the world, the caliph himself, to tell his story. It begins with a walk in the bazaar, but soon grows into a tale unlike any other told in the caliph's empire. It's a story that includes not just buried treasure and a band of thieves, but also men haunted by their past and others trapped by their future; it includes not just a beloved wife and a veiled seductress, but also long journeys taken by caravan and even longer ones taken with a single step. Above all, it's a story about recognizing the will of Allah and accepting it, no matter what form it takes.” (Goodreads)
2 Cents
A really fun and satisfying read. Ted Chiang does time travel storytelling so well. Also gave me a ton to think about.
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