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battlecat's review
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book reeled me in slowly until I was hooked for the end. It’s great if you’re into Shakespearean-style tragedy with a Crime & Punishment flair (but much shorter). Frankly, I would have rather read this then C&P back in high school. It’s very reflective and the main character’s obsession is palpable. In fact, the main myth introduced is one I had never heard of and I was intrigued learning of it. The father-son dynamics were so frustrating, though! And the portrayal of a mother-son relationship was uncomfortable at times. I was angry, annoyed, and disgusted with many of the characters at various times throughout the book, but towards the end I couldn’t stop reading. The writing was impressive, and I really didn’t want to be as hooked as I was so I have to give props to Pamuk for that. I can see why Pamuk is so well-respected as an author. His book reads like a soap opera and some people like that. I’m just not one of them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, and Incest
danajoy's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was interesting. I don't entirely know how to feel about it. I did find it very predictable but that is the point. This book is essentially a comparison and rebirth of two myths, one from the east and one from the west. I am not very familiar with Turkish Culture but I have some knowledge of Oedipus. I was a bit unsure going into this novel as the themes of that play make me (understandably) uncomfortable.
The tone of this book reminded me a lot of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho I don't know if it is the young, male, protagonist or the fact the work was translated and quite introspective.
Overall, it was pretty compelling. I'm happy I read it. I am trying to 'read around the world' and I don't think I've ever read anything else Turkish so that alone was a good experience.
The tone of this book reminded me a lot of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho I don't know if it is the young, male, protagonist or the fact the work was translated and quite introspective.
Overall, it was pretty compelling. I'm happy I read it. I am trying to 'read around the world' and I don't think I've ever read anything else Turkish so that alone was a good experience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Death, and Incest
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