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The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
This novel is a wild ride through the streets of Istanbul, where identity, culture, and history collide in a swirl of color and sound. Elif Shafak's writing is masterful, weaving a rich tapestry that reveals the city's secrets and surprises.
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Elif Shafak's 'The Bastard of Istanbul' - A Gripping Family Saga That Explores the Armenian Genocide
summarizeEditor's Summary
Elif Shafak's 'The Bastard of Istanbul' is a masterful family saga that delves into the Armenian Genocide. This thought-provoking novel is a must-read for anyone interested in history, family dynamics, and personal growth. I was blown away by Shafak's storytelling skills, which transport you to a world of intrigue and emotion. With its well-researched historical events and relatable characters, this book is a total game changer. If you're looking for a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you thinking long after you finish reading, then 'The Bastard of Istanbul' is worth every penny. Shafak's writing is incredibly emotive, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives. The novel expertly captures the atmosphere of a family's complex relationships, and the storyline is engaging and unpredictable, keeping you guessing until the very end. This book is a spiritual journey that will broaden your perspective and leave you feeling enlightened.
settingsSpecifications
KararMükemmel
HikayeKalite9/10
KitapKapakı8/10
DönemselGörünüm7/10
YazarınYazımTarzı9/10
Hello everyone, and welcome to my latest book review!
I'm a huge fan of Elif Shafak, a British-Turkish novelist who's won numerous prestigious awards for her thought-provoking and beautifully written books. I've read three of her novels so far:
The Forty Rules of Love, The Architect's Apprentice, and Honour. Today, I'm excited to share with you another one of her books that's just as amazing, but in a different way. So, meet 'The Bastard of Istanbul'.
The Bastard of IstanbulShafak is a masterful storyteller who weaves intricate tales that are both relatable and thought-provoking. She's a British-Turkish novelist who's won numerous prestigious awards and has written 19 books. Her latest novel, The Island of Missing Trees, is nominated for the Costa Book Award, one of the most respected literary awards in the UK.
Shafak's books have been translated into 55 languages and are widely read in many countries around the world. Her novel 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and The Forty Rules of Love is included in the BBC's list of 100 Novels That Shaped Our World.
I have the paperback version of the book, which comes in a sturdy matte cover and a glossy cover as well. And honestly, the cover and binding are worth it - they're worth getting excited about, trust me.
The Bastard of IstanbulThe story follows two families, a Turkish and an Armenian one, separated by dramatic events in their homeland at the beginning of the 20th century. None of the members of these large families even suspect that the tragedy of the past has closely tied them together with invisible threads. But then, an American woman of Armenian descent, Armanush, arrives in Istanbul from San Francisco, determined to untangle the knot of family secrets and figure out her own past.
I was immediately drawn into the world of the Kazanci family in Istanbul, a household of all women: great-grandmother Ptitit-ma, aunt Gulsum, and her four daughters: Bana, Sevrie, Faride, and Zeliha. According to family legend, the men in the Kazanci clan don't live long. This was the case with Ptitit-ma's husband, Gulsum's husband, and even Gulsum's three daughters' father, Levina Kazanci. When Allah finally sent them a son, Mustafa, the family was overjoyed. But Mustafa's younger sister, Zeliha, also brought joy to the family. However, 19-year-old Mustafa was sent to America, in the hope that he would avoid the fate of the men in the family, who never lived to see 40.
Sevrie lost her twin boys after a devastating illness, Bana joined a clan of fortune tellers and more, Faride was mad, and Zeliha gave birth to a daughter at 19. Almost 20 years have passed since then. The author takes us to San Francisco and introduces us to the Armenian Chahmakhchyan family. This family is just as complex as the Kazanci one. Armanush, the daughter of a marriage between an Armenian and an American, decides to visit Istanbul for a few days. The fates of the two families are intertwined. But not everyone in the Istanbul mansion is aware of the events of 1915...
The story may seem simple and straightforward at first glance, but it's actually incredibly complex. There's a healthy dose of sarcasm, a pinch of fantasy, and a sprinkle of mysticism. It all comes together to form a tangled web that's not meant to be unraveled - it's just meant to be woven into the life that the universe has in store for us.
Life is all about coincidences, or as they say, sometimes you need a genie to make sense of it all.
The Bastard of IstanbulThe characters are incredibly well-written. There are many of them, but the author does a great job of conveying the inner world of each one.
The writing style is easy to follow, with no complex sentence structures. This book, unlike some of Elif Shafak's others, is a real page-turner.
Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains. The savage lives within himself, but the man who is accustomed to living in society is always outside himself; he can only live in the opinion of others.
The Bastard of Istanbul
The Bastard of IstanbulThe moral of the story. As you might guess from the brief summary, the book deals with historical events - the Armenian genocide, to be specific. However, it's a powerful reminder of the importance of selflessness, sacrifice, and humility.
Time is just a tiny drop in the ocean, and it's pointless to compare drops to see which one is bigger or smaller.
The ending caught me off guard. It left me with a lingering sense of unease, like the bitter aftertaste of almonds - which, as you know, is a deadly poison.
The Bastard of IstanbulWhat is the past, anyway? Just the weight of the chains we need to break free from. It's a heavy burden. If only I could erase my past, become nobody, and start from scratch. Easy as a feather. Without family, memories, or the weight of it all.
I highly recommend checking out 'The Bastard of Istanbul'. It's an incredible mix of genres that I think you'll love just as much as I do. It's fantastic, bravo!
Hope you enjoy reading and thanks for tuning in!
If you want to read more of my book reviews, you can check them out HERE.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What inspired Elif Shafak to write 'The Bastard of Istanbul'?
Shafak was inspired by the Armenian Genocide and its impact on families and communities. She wanted to explore the complexities of family relationships and the lasting effects of historical events.
What can I expect from the novel's storyline?
The novel follows a family's struggles and triumphs as they navigate their complex relationships and confront the dark secrets of their past. The storyline is engaging and unpredictable, keeping you guessing until the very end.
What themes does the novel explore?
The novel explores themes of family, identity, trauma, and personal growth. It delves into the complexities of family relationships and the lasting effects of historical events on individuals and communities.
Is the novel suitable for all audiences?
No, the novel deals with mature themes, including violence and trauma, which may not be suitable for all audiences. Reader discretion is advised.
How does the novel relate to the Armenian Genocide?
The novel is inspired by the Armenian Genocide and explores its impact on families and communities. It provides a unique perspective on this historical event and its lasting effects on individuals and communities.
What can I expect from Elif Shafak's writing style?
Shafak's writing style is descriptive and engaging, making it easy to become immersed in the story. However, her writing can be dense at times, requiring close attention to fully appreciate the story.
How long does the novel take to read?
The novel's length can be intimidating, but trust me, it's worth the investment. The book is a total game changer and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
What awards has 'The Bastard of Istanbul' received?
The novel has received numerous awards and nominations, including the Costa Book Award nomination. Shafak's writing has been widely praised for its thought-provoking and beautifully written style.
What can I expect from the novel's characters?
Shafak's characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, making it easy to become attached to them. They are well-developed and complex, with their own motivations and backstories.
How does the novel explore the themes of family and identity?
The novel explores the complexities of family relationships and the lasting effects of historical events on individuals and communities. It provides a unique perspective on the Armenian Genocide and its impact on families and communities.
What can I expect from the novel's historical events?
The novel's historical events are well-researched and add depth to the story. They provide a unique perspective on the Armenian Genocide and its impact on families and communities.
How does the novel's writing style contribute to its overall impact?
Shafak's writing style is descriptive and engaging, making it easy to become immersed in the story. However, her writing can be dense at times, requiring close attention to fully appreciate the story.
check_circlePros
- •Shafak's writing is incredibly emotive, making it easy to become invested in the characters' lives.
- •The novel expertly captures the atmosphere of a family's complex relationships.
- •The storyline is engaging and unpredictable, keeping you guessing until the very end.
- •This book is a spiritual journey that will broaden your perspective and leave you feeling enlightened.
- •The historical events that inspired the novel are well-researched and add depth to the story.
- •Shafak's characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, making it easy to become attached to them.
- •The novel explores themes of family, identity, trauma, and personal growth, making it a thought-provoking read.
- •Shafak's writing style is descriptive and engaging, making it easy to become immersed in the story.
- •The novel's well-researched historical events provide a unique perspective on the Armenian Genocide.
- •The book's length is worth the investment, as it's a total game changer that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
- •Shafak's characters are well-developed and complex, making it easy to become invested in their lives.
- •The novel's themes of family and identity are timely and thought-provoking, making it a great read for anyone interested in these topics.
cancelCons
- •At times, the novel can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of information and characters.
- •Some readers may find the historical content triggering or disturbing.
- •The pacing can be slow at times, which may test the patience of some readers.
- •The novel deals with mature themes, including violence and trauma, which may not be suitable for all audiences.
- •The book's length can be intimidating, but trust me, it's worth the investment.
- •Shafak's writing style can be dense at times, requiring close attention to fully appreciate the story.
- •Some readers may find the novel's themes of trauma and violence difficult to read.
- •The novel's complex characters and relationships can be difficult to keep track of at times.
- •The historical events that inspired the novel can be disturbing or triggering for some readers.
- •The novel's slow pacing may not be suitable for readers who prefer fast-paced fiction.
- •Some readers may find the novel's themes of family and identity too intense or emotional.
- •The novel's length and complexity may make it difficult for some readers to finish.
