Reviews

Az isztambuli fattyú by Elif Shafak

ngeru's review against another edition

4.0

Ultimately a rather sad book, but perhaps not as pessimistic as you may think.

amethyst_reads_books's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional informative mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

verikamarkova's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

nastian's review against another edition

5.0

So beautifully written I did not want it to end.. Very delicately intertwined national and family histories of different and yet similar cultures, both in homeland and diaspora settings. It was a fantastic read.

alicegns's review against another edition

4.0

The only fictional interaction with Istanbul I had before was via Orhan Pamuk - [b:My Name is Red|2517|My Name is Red|Orhan Pamuk|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1374015288s/2517.jpg|2150886] was a mesmerizing experience of high caliber. While Shafak is not quite on the same level, I enjoyed this book tremendously, mostly because of the way the city takes over as a pivotal character and everything else feels a bit like props that attempt to demonstrate its majesty.

The Bastard of Istanbul brings on the feminine side of the city and is set against some of the most atrocious historical events in modern history. While I found the final twist just a bit soapy, the overall feeling was that of a stunning book.

juliacallan's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

myriamlovesbooks's review against another edition

dark emotional sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

cristelle_snyman's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

kimouise's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

4.25

ramonasultana's review against another edition

4.0

Not an easy read. I felt some of the chapters were quite disconnected for the majority of the book. Complex historical account about Istanbul and the massacres of Armenians in 1915. I did struggle with the djinns aspect of the story. Overall a powerful story and the last few chapters will leave you gobsmacked.