larawade's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Rape, War, Incest, Infidelity, Violence, Abortion, Child abuse, Murder, and Suicide attempt
mariawie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Rape and Genocide
Moderate: Incest, War, and Violence
Minor: Deportation, Child death, Death, Hate crime, Abortion, Dementia, Death of parent, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Suicidal thoughts
carlaaysem's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Elif Safak writes about Istanbul and its women with so much love and accuracy. I cried and laughed and cried while reading the Bastard of Istanbul. Safak also represents history with a great deal of nuance, and highlights the importance of peace and sisterhood despite the many voices in the world urging conflict. Overall, a beautiful story about being stuck in the past while wishing to erase it, and processing generational trauma. A must read for everyone. I definitely think this book went over a lot of Westerners’ heads, so interpret the majority of reviews with this in mind.
Graphic: Child abuse, Incest, Rape, and Violence
Moderate: Suicide attempt
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