Books Like...

'The Bastard of Istanbul' by Elif Shafak is a novel that intertwines the lives of a Turkish and an American Armenian family, shedding light on the unmentionable topic of the Armenian genocide. The story follows two young girls, Asya and Armanoush, who discover their shared past and family secrets, bridging the gap between their Turkish and Armenian heritage. Through vivid descriptions of Istanbul and a mix of historical and contemporary fiction, the author explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage, providing insights into the complex relationships between Turks and Armenians.

"Memed, My Hawk" by Yasar Kemal is a Turkish classic tale that follows the story of Memed, a young man who stands up against the injustices in his village. He joins a group of bandits in the mountains to seek revenge, leading to a dramatic and violent journey. The writing style is described as powerful, moving, and very detailed in its depiction of rural village life in mid-twentieth century Turkey. portrays themes of revenge, heroism, and the struggles of Turkish peasants against oppressive landowners.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a beautiful and magical book that weaves together the stories of characters in London and Cyprus across different time periods. The narrative starts with young Amy's traumatic day at school and explores the tension between the Turkish and Greek communities in Cyprus. The unique aspect of the book is the narrator being a fig tree, offering a fresh perspective on the unfolding events. Through vivid writing and language, the book transports readers to the island, making them feel like they are part of the story. The story delves into themes of love, war, colonialization, and the impact of past wounds on future generations, all while incorporating elements of magical realism seamlessly.

Celestial Bodies by Jokha Alharthi is a multigenerational family saga set in a village in Oman, following the lives of three sisters and their extended family. The novel explores the evolving cultural landscape of Oman, the impact of historical events such as the abolition of slavery, and the complexities of family relationships. Through non-linear storytelling and multiple perspectives, the book delves into themes of tradition versus modernity, societal changes, and the interconnected lives of the characters.

"Mornings in Jenin" by Susan Abulhawa tells the story of a Palestinian family, the Abulhejas, spanning generations from 1948 to 2003. The narrative is centered around the protagonist, Amal, who experiences the displacement of her family from their ancestral olive farm in Ein Hod to the refugee camp in Jenin. The novel portrays the struggles, tragedies, and resilience of the family as they navigate life amidst the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, capturing the heart-wrenching details of war, loss, and hope. Through vivid storytelling, the author sheds light on the Palestinian perspective, providing a powerful and emotional account of the impact of conflict on individuals and families.

The writing style of "Mornings in Jenin" is described as compelling, powerful, and beautifully done. The author seamlessly weaves together historical events with personal narratives, creating a story that draws readers in and makes the Palestinian side of the conflict real and relatable. explores themes of loss, survival, forgiveness, and the human experience within the backdrop of ongoing conflict, offering a perspective that challenges readers to rethink their understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine is a novel that delves into the life of Aaliya, an elderly woman in Beirut who spends her days translating books into Arabic but never attempts to publish them. The book follows Aaliya's reflections on her life, her love for literature, and her solitude as she navigates through memories, literary references, and her unique perspective on the world around her. Through her introspections, the reader is taken on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation as Aaliya muses on her past, present, and the connections between experiences, emotions, and ideas.

The writing style of An Unnecessary Woman is described as elegant, thought-provoking, and unique, with the protagonist's voice being engaging and strong. The novel is filled with literary references, philosophical insights, and poignant observations on life, art, and human connections. Aaliya's character is portrayed as complex, introspective, and relatable, making the reader ponder on themes of solitude, self-reflection, and the power of literature in shaping one's identity and understanding of the world.

There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak tells the intersecting stories of three characters across different periods and places. Arthur Smyth, a boy born in Victorian London, Narin, a young Yazidi girl in modern Iraq, and Zaleekah, a contemporary hydrologist in London, all share a profound connection shaped by the rivers in their lives. As the narrative unfolds, the characters' lives intertwine, revealing their struggles and the history that binds them. The book's conclusion leaves elements open-ended, encouraging readers to engage their imagination with the unresolved threads of the story.

Shafak’s writing is characterized by lyrical prose and rich imagery. She masterfully blends historical events with personal journeys, providing depth to her characters and their environments. The themes of water and memory thread throughout the narrative, offering a poignant metaphor for the historical and cultural clashes central to the tale. Readers often find themselves pausing to savor the beauty of her language, which captures both the pain and resilience of human experience. This engaging and well-researched novel resonates deeply, offering a tapestry of hope, beauty, and complexity.

"Three Daughters of Eve" by Elif Shafak is a compelling and intricately interwoven narrative that follows the lives of three Muslim friends, each taking a different path - the theist, the atheist, and the agnostic. The story delves into themes of cultural identity, religious beliefs, human relationships, and the inner struggles faced by the characters as they navigate through life's challenges and conflicts, particularly at Oxford University. Through vivid descriptions and flashbacks, the author explores the characters' past experiences, philosophical debates, and personal growth, culminating in a redemptive climax that showcases maturity, understanding, and reconciliation.

The novel is praised for its beautifully crafted prose, crystal-clear writing style, and deep insights into human relationships and existential questions. Shafak skillfully weaves together the past and present, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of identity, purpose, and the complexities of faith and belief systems. Despite some criticisms about the pacing and ending, the book is lauded for its educational value in portraying diverse cultures, challenging beliefs, and offering a unique perspective on life's journey through the lens of the three daughters' experiences.

'10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World' by Elif Shafak is a novel that delves into the life and memories of Tequila Leila, a murdered prostitute in Istanbul. The book is structured around the concept that the brain retains consciousness for a brief period after death, during which Leila reminisces about her past, from her rural childhood to her life in a brothel in Istanbul. Through Leila's memories, the reader is taken on a journey through the diverse friendships she forms with outsiders, shedding light on the societal prejudices and hardships faced by those on the outskirts of society.

The novel beautifully captures the essence of Istanbul, intertwining the personal stories of Leila and her friends with the historical backdrop of the city. The structure of the book, with its unique division into 'Mind' and 'Body' sections, provides a poignant exploration of friendship, love, and loyalty among a group of outcasts who come together to honor Leila's memory after her death.

The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani is a historical novel set in 17th century Persia, focusing on the life of a young woman who becomes a master rug maker. After the death of her father, she and her mother move to the city of Isfahan to live with her uncle, a wealthy rug designer. The story follows the young girl's journey as she navigates hardships, learns the art of rug making, and faces challenges related to love, family, and societal expectations. The narrative is rich with Persian folklore and traditions, providing a vivid depiction of life in medieval Persia.