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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
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