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katherine's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jladuke's review against another edition
4.0
I picked this book up based on the title and jacket description. I am glad I did. The author weaves together the stories of the Armenian and Turkish families in intriguing ways.
I would have liked a little more description of what certain foods were, rather than just their names. Food is key element in this book, and all the chapters are given food titles.
I was left wishing the book was longer at the end.
I would have liked a little more description of what certain foods were, rather than just their names. Food is key element in this book, and all the chapters are given food titles.
I was left wishing the book was longer at the end.
kats05's review against another edition
4.0
A great mix of family saga and historical fiction hinging on the Armenian genocide back in 1915.
Most of my book club pals did not rate this book, but I found it to be a well-written (considering she wrote it in her second language and not her mother tongue), fast-flowing, interesting story. A family tree in the back of the book would have been immensely helpful, but in its absence I'd recommend that future readers draw their own as they get on with the story as there are lots of characters to keep track of, and after a few hundred pages it gets confusing as to who is related to whom (or isn't, as it happens).
The one thing that bugged me and has me give the book four stars instead of five is the magical realism component where one of the sisters communicates with her djinns (genies) whose "insights" not only have a massive impact on plot development but provide way too convenient answers to big questions.
If you enjoy family drama and you're interested in recent historical fiction of Turkey, or the ongoing antipathy towards the Turkish by Armenian-Americans, this is a great read. For a better read on the atrocities of the Armenian genocide you ought to consider reading [b:The Forty Days of Musa Dagh|438323|The Forty Days of Musa Dagh|Franz Werfel|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404492637s/438323.jpg|1079358] by Franz Werfel instead.
Most of my book club pals did not rate this book, but I found it to be a well-written (considering she wrote it in her second language and not her mother tongue), fast-flowing, interesting story. A family tree in the back of the book would have been immensely helpful, but in its absence I'd recommend that future readers draw their own as they get on with the story as there are lots of characters to keep track of, and after a few hundred pages it gets confusing as to who is related to whom (or isn't, as it happens).
The one thing that bugged me and has me give the book four stars instead of five is the magical realism component where one of the sisters communicates with her djinns (genies) whose "insights" not only have a massive impact on plot development but provide way too convenient answers to big questions.
If you enjoy family drama and you're interested in recent historical fiction of Turkey, or the ongoing antipathy towards the Turkish by Armenian-Americans, this is a great read. For a better read on the atrocities of the Armenian genocide you ought to consider reading [b:The Forty Days of Musa Dagh|438323|The Forty Days of Musa Dagh|Franz Werfel|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1404492637s/438323.jpg|1079358] by Franz Werfel instead.
carodavis's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
jugee_reads24's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger warning: book discusses rape
Otherwise, it was a great book to read before during and after my trip to Istanbul! The food, cultural and location references come alive in the book after having seen them in person.
Also I honestly didn’t know much about the Armenian genocide before this book and I think the author did a good job in diving into the subject and its effects on the Armenian diaspora and the Turkish state.
Otherwise, it was a great book to read before during and after my trip to Istanbul! The food, cultural and location references come alive in the book after having seen them in person.
Also I honestly didn’t know much about the Armenian genocide before this book and I think the author did a good job in diving into the subject and its effects on the Armenian diaspora and the Turkish state.
dennisfischman's review against another edition
4.0
A fun read and a page-turner of a plot, with deft sketches of characters and family dynamics...and even a recipe for the dessert ashure thrown in! Oh, and did I mention that it gives food for thought about personal and cultural identity, oppression, and political reconciliation as an added bonus?
nicolehann's review against another edition
5.0
I love the symmetry of this book. The ending, although, I knew the secret, was so surprising and perfect. I can't wait to read more Elif Shafak.
marianabarros's review against another edition
4.0
Admito que me custou a entrar na história, mas a segunda metade foi fenomenal, com plot twists que me surpreenderam mais que muitos thrillers! O desenvolvimento da história a partir do encontro das duas histórias paralelas foi fantástico, e as discussões levantadas sobre diferentes perspectivas para os mesmos eventos muito interessante.
eddykate's review against another edition
4.0
Women! Women? Women. i really enjoyed this book, Elif Shafak knows how to write women