harEm harIm harAm.   Pick your spelling (language).

The word is Turkish for “forbidden, protected,” and the Grand Harem guarded its secrets from the world successfully.  

The Turkish born author writes well, but there is considerable conjecture.  I wish we could hear the voices of the women themselves.

Rich, elegant, and quite detailed. It is intelligent enough for our smart friends.

Unfortunately there are several misquotes from the Qur’an and it’s a little lightweight in historical context.

It’s still a very good read. The illustrations are remarkable.

It is a companion to “Inside the Seraglio” by John Freely.

Harem: The world behind the Veil, Alev Lytle Croutier, 0-89639-903-5