A review by notthatcosta
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World, by Elif Shafak
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
This now being my third Elif Shafak read, her voice and point of view as a writer is becoming increasingly clear and singular in my head. I see the word 'empathetic' often used in reference to her writing style, and I think that really sums it up.
The way she took a stereotypically 'tragic' character and fleshed her out to be so much more, by giving her a sense of agency, capturing her dreams, mentioning her flaws alongside her strengths, celebrating how she was loved and how she mattered whilst not shying away from the way the wider society didn't think she did. I was moved almost to tears several times, and remain moved when I think about the first two-thirds of this book.
However, I will say that the last third detracts from the magic of the rest for me - it veers into wacky/goofy territory a bit too much. Although it adds levity, I was very much here for the heaviness that was handled so delicately in the first part. It ends strong in the final pages by reverting back to the original style of prose towards the very end.
The way she took a stereotypically 'tragic' character and fleshed her out to be so much more, by giving her a sense of agency, capturing her dreams, mentioning her flaws alongside her strengths, celebrating how she was loved and how she mattered whilst not shying away from the way the wider society didn't think she did. I was moved almost to tears several times, and remain moved when I think about the first two-thirds of this book.
However, I will say that the last third detracts from the magic of the rest for me - it veers into wacky/goofy territory a bit too much. Although it adds levity, I was very much here for the heaviness that was handled so delicately in the first part. It ends strong in the final pages by reverting back to the original style of prose towards the very end.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual violence and Violence