
Set in the bustling streets of Constantinople, the story follows a young boy named Osman, who grows up in the shadow of the Sultan’s palace. Sheltered by his family’s comfort and fine clothing, he watches the city’s stark contrast between opulent households and the countless people who beg for food and shelter. Through vivid illustrations and gentle narration, listeners glimpse a world where power is absolute yet everyday life is full of quiet struggles.
As Osman reaches his tenth year, his curiosity about the disparities around him deepens. He begins to question why some live in luxury while others suffer, and he wonders whether he might one day help bridge that divide. The early chapters trace his innocent observations and the tender bonds with his mother and community, inviting listeners to share in his growing sense of responsibility and hope for a brighter future for his people.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (97K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Emmy, Dianna Adair and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2013-02-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1860–1936
Best known for writing many early-20th-century books for children, this American author introduced young readers to faraway places, everyday life in other cultures, and key moments in U.S. history. Her work was especially prolific and helped shape the popular "Our Little Cousin" series.
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