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cfrankenfield's review
adventurous
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
berodatheelf's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Suicide
frabanzi's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.0
thoughtdaughter's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
aribabwa's review against another edition
2.0
2.4/5 stars
One good thing that i can say about this book is the beautifully crafted and hard hitting lines that you'll think about for days. But sadly, the impressive writing style is kinda overshadowed by the inconsistent characterization. The two main characters, Maria Puder and Raif Effendi, undergo shifts in their portrayal that doesn't make sense for me. For example, I initially liked Maria's portrayal as a 'progressive woman', but was disappointed when the narrative took a troubling turn when she started saying some homophobic stuff. As for Raif Effendi, at first he emerges as a misunderstood, shy and timid guy. However, as i get through the book, i ended up hating him. To me he comes across as an egotistical and manipulative male protagonist. There's this one instance of Raif's toxic manipulative behavior that were portrayed as something 'romantic' that continues to bother me.
Warning, spoilers ahead.
Overall, kinda disappointing. Sabahattin Ali gave me an impression that 'Madonna in a Fur Coat' is the kind of book that would break away from the conventional toxic romanticism and offer a more contemporary/progressive approach to a love story. But it ended up idealizing manic-pixie-dream-girl archetype and condones manipulative behaviors, just because it was done 'in the name of love'.
One good thing that i can say about this book is the beautifully crafted and hard hitting lines that you'll think about for days. But sadly, the impressive writing style is kinda overshadowed by the inconsistent characterization. The two main characters, Maria Puder and Raif Effendi, undergo shifts in their portrayal that doesn't make sense for me. For example, I initially liked Maria's portrayal as a 'progressive woman', but was disappointed when the narrative took a troubling turn when she started saying some homophobic stuff. As for Raif Effendi, at first he emerges as a misunderstood, shy and timid guy. However, as i get through the book, i ended up hating him. To me he comes across as an egotistical and manipulative male protagonist. There's this one instance of Raif's toxic manipulative behavior that were portrayed as something 'romantic' that continues to bother me.
Warning, spoilers ahead.
Spoiler
Throughout the book, Maria stated (not once, not twice, but THREE times) that she didn't want Raif to expect her to ever fall in love with him. Despite this, he ignored her wish, and continued putting on the nice guy™ act in an attempt to change her feelings towards him. When Maria finally expressed her desire to end their friendship, Raif planned to shot himself in the head while calling her on the phone in the hopes that she regret rejecting him. He literally played with Maria mental state so that she'll sleep with him.Overall, kinda disappointing. Sabahattin Ali gave me an impression that 'Madonna in a Fur Coat' is the kind of book that would break away from the conventional toxic romanticism and offer a more contemporary/progressive approach to a love story. But it ended up idealizing manic-pixie-dream-girl archetype and condones manipulative behaviors, just because it was done 'in the name of love'.
reemzo's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
4.5
lynaui's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
noemieblue's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It’s painful to realize that I’m much more similar to this protagonist than I expected, and that all his missed opportunities could be mine if I don’t change my ways.