Set in a near-future Istanbul, ‘The Dervish House’ by Ian McDonald explores a world where nanotechnology has transformed the city’s infrastructure and people’s everyday lives. The story revolves around six characters living in a historic Dervish house – an aging Greek economist, a young boy with a heart condition, a retired petroleum engineer, a budding corporate climber, an art dealer, and a sociologist – all interconnected through a series of mysterious and bizarre events. The narrative unfolds over the course of five days during the Islamic festival of Ramadan, providing insight into the cultural and religious backdrop against which the events transpire. As each character confronts personal and professional challenges, their paths intersect in unexpected ways, leading to a thrilling tale of intrigue, corporate espionage, and the potential for advancing technology to reshape society. With a blend of intricate world-building, complex characters, and a richly detailed portrayal of futuristic Istanbul, ‘The Dervish House’ captivates readers with its evocative depiction of a city at the forefront of technological innovation.
![Imagined AI depiction of Necdet Ismail from "The Dervish House" by Ian McDonald, encapsulating the essence of this iconic archetype of Economist in the narrative.](https://cdn.sf-and-fantasy.com/wp-content/sf-articles/uploads/2024/02/UsersdrewdevRotationStudiosAI_ProjectssrcWorkflowsPopulateAllDataResponsesd79873d0-3470-472b-8c06-50f1f401dc17-300x300.png)
Necdet Ismail
Authors: Ian McDonald No Year(s) tags for this post.