The Bastard of Istanbul
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The Bastard of Istanbul
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The Bastard of Istanbul
One rainy afternoon in Istanbul, a woman walks into a doctor's surgery. 'I need to have an abortion', she announces. She is nineteen years old and unmarried. What happens that afternoon will change her life. Twenty years later, Asya Kazanci lives with her extended family in Istanbul.
One rainy afternoon in Istanbul a woman walks into a doctor's surgery. 'I want an abortion', she announces. She is nineteen years old, and unmarried. What happens that afternoon is to change her life, and the lives of everyone around her.
A violent secret that hides beneath the streets of Istanbul threatens the peace of two interwoven families.
One rainy afternoon in Istanbul, a woman walks into a doctor's surgery. "I want an abortion," she announces. She is nineteen years old and unmarried. What happens that afternoon is to change her life and the lives of everyone around her.
Twenty years later, Asya Kazanci lives with her extended family in Istanbul. Due to a mysterious family curse, all the men die by age 41, so it is a house of women, among them her beautiful, rebellious mother, Zeliha, clairvoyant Auntie Banu, and bar-brawl widow, Auntie Cevriye. But when Asya's Armenian-American cousin Armanoush comes to stay, long-hidden family secrets and Turkey's turbulent past begin to emerge.
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak is a compelling exploration of familial ties, cultural heritage, and the enduring legacy of the past.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak is widely praised for its ambition and vivid characterisation, reflecting the complexity of Istanbul itself. Reviewers laud its magical and breathtaking narrative, particularly noting the surprising twists at the end. The novel has been recognised for its emotional depth and exploration of significant moral themes, showcasing Shafak’s artistry and passion. It is described as both entertaining and insightful, blending a rich, lively story with a touch of humour and cultural insight.

Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241972908
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 30 April 2015
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 23.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 257g
Pages: 368
Collections
About the Author
Elif Shafak is the acclaimed author of nine novels including The Bastard of Istanbul and Honour, and is the most widely read female writer in Turkey. Her work has been translated into over forty languages and she regularly contributes to publications including The New York Times, Guardian and Time magazine. Elif has been longlisted for the Orange Prize, the Baileys Prize and the IMPAC Dublin Award, and shortlisted for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. She lives in London and can be found at www.elifshafak.com.
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