A review by rdhk
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

dark sad slow-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? Yes

1.75

I have to be honest: this is one of the worst books I've ever read. I'm completely befuddled by Elif Shafak's ascent in literary circles; in this book, at least, the writing is so trite and contrived it makes Kristin Hannah's (author of The Nightingale - another personal enemy of mine) writing seem exquisite in comparison. Versions of terribly written phrases like "she was very angry and cross" and "her eyes were looking stunning" abound. It's a pain to read. Quality of prose aside, the story is far-fetched and borders on silly, with complex discussions on mass atrocities like the Armenian genocide reduced to smart-alecky chatroom chatter. There is a tragic attempt to weave in magical realism with the introduction of two djinns, who are called - I kid you not - Mrs. Sweet and Mr. Bitter. I simply cannot with this book and I want a month of my life back.