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hafious's review against another edition
3.0
Touted as one of Orhan Pamuk's best novels 'The Black Book' takes the idea of a detective novel and turns it into an almost 500 page novel about Istanbul and identity. This wasn't a bad book by any means but it's less a thriller and more of a discussion with one chapter a column by Galip/Celal and the other follows the story. If you're used to Orhan's musings then you'll enjoy this novel like I did but if not then be prepared for less action and more exposition. The actual story told on the blurb really only starts halfway through the novel and the ending was kind of predictable but it was really more about the journey. This was my second novel by Orhan Pamuk and having adored 'A Strangeness In my Mind' I wasn't floored by this but I'm eager to read more by Orhan Pamuk.
murmur75's review against another edition
Too much rambling on in extremely long convoluted sentences. Not enough patience.
ali_w15's review against another edition
2.0
Couldn’t even finish it. Some nice descriptions of the setting but otherwise I have no idea what this story is about. Dual narrative doesn’t work- who even is that other narrator?? It just felt dull and pointless. Didn’t even finish it. Life is too short.
yc0210's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
1.75
Very much not a book for me, it turns out, but really lovely sections (drying up of the Bosporous and the executioner chapter stand out), rich and complex themes...just not for me
tahinisaltsummer's review against another edition
dnf..........was very interesting at first, couldn't make it to the end.
katkaty's review
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
sducharme's review against another edition
2.0
Over-my-head mystery - more sophisticated take on "Talented Mr. Ripley"
vihren's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75