The Bastard of Istanbul

Description

The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak is a rich and powerful novel that explores themes of identity, family, and Turkey’s complex past. It follows the story of Asya Kazancı, a rebellious young woman living in a household of strong, eccentric women due to a family curse that causes all Kazancı men to die early. Meanwhile, her Armenian-American cousin, Armanoush, embarks on a journey to Istanbul in search of her roots, uncovering long-buried family secrets that intertwine their histories in unexpected ways.

With lyrical storytelling and deep emotional insight, Shafak crafts a narrative that delves into Turkey’s turbulent history, the Armenian genocide, and the struggles of cultural identity. This novel is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and the power of the past to shape the present.

Praise for the book:
“Wonderfully magical, incredible, breathtaking… will have you gasping with disbelief in the last few pages.” — Sunday Express
“A beautiful book, the finest I have read about Turkey.” — Irish Times
“Heartbreaking… the beauty of Islam pervades Shafak’s book.” — Vogue