Mika Waltari transports you once more to the turbulent 16th century in this gripping continuation of his saga, The Adventurer. In its sequel, The Wanderer, our hero, Michael, now seasoned by battles and betrayals, leaves the ashes of Rome for the exotic and perilous lands of the Ottoman Empire. Captured and sold into slavery to a Tunisian master, Michael converts to Islam, taking the name Michael Hakim, and embarks on a quest for redemption and purpose. His journey sweeps him from the bustling markets of Constantinople to the sun-scorched deserts of the Levant, navigating the opulent courts of Suleiman the Magnificent and the treacherous intrigues of rival factions.

Entangled in a web of love, loyalty, and ambition, Michael encounters formidable figures such as the cunning Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha, the enigmatic Roxelana, and the Sultan himself. His odyssey leads through perilous expeditions, spiritual awakenings, a star-crossed marriage, and heart-wrenching losses, as the clash of empires reverberates across continents.

From the siege of Rhodes to the bustling ports of the Mediterranean, The Wanderer weaves a rich tapestry of faith, sacrifice, and survival, culminating in a poignant reckoning with destiny amid the splendor and strife of a world in upheaval.

Listeners are encouraged to experience Waltari’s The Adventurer prior to The Wanderer in order to fully grasp the deeper meaning and storyline of Michael’s journey into the Muslim world.