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Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Incest, Sexual assault
Moderate: Rape, Self harm, Violence, Murder, Pregnancy
Moderate: Rape, Murder
Minor: Transphobia, Trafficking
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, Rape
The found family aspect was one of the strongest I’ve seen.
Graphic: Pedophilia, Rape, Transphobia, Murder
Graphic: Incest, Rape
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Death, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Xenophobia, Islamophobia, Trafficking, Religious bigotry, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Other than that I'm glad I finished the book. I fell in love with many of the characters who in a world where they are left out and marginlized, they found each other and created their own chosen family. I felt very isnpired by the main character who against all odds were the most genuine and caring person towards her friends, and it was very beautiful how they wanted to honor her memory. There is something very healing about stories about people who don't fit into the norm, but they form genuine connections with each other, without judgement, and instead they just enjoy each others company.
What I also enjoyed about the book was that it discusses cultural differences and attitudes when it comes to family, relationships and death. And it was also interesting to learn about Turkey, and Istanbul when it comes to their food, their clothes and other cultural expressions. I met up with my book club at a Turkish restaurant where we tried food inspired from the book. We had many interesting discussions as well as many different opnions, so overall I'm very grateful for being able to have that experience.
Graphic: Death, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Trafficking
Moderate: Ableism, Transphobia, Abandonment
Graphic: Deadnaming, Hate crime, Incest, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Racism, Self harm, Trafficking, Grief
Minor: Police brutality, Pregnancy
This was so divided between the first and second half that it almost felt like two different books by two different writers. I loved the first half and would have given it 5 stars - it was so subtle, beautifully written, heartbreaking, nuanced and interesting. Then the second half dramatically switched in tone and became like a slapstick comedy with all Leila's friends behaving very stupidly and unrealistically. I got the sense that she was trying hard to be funny but it just came across as awkward and strange as the subject matter was not funny in the least. I would've loved to know what inspired Elif Shafak to have written the book in this way?
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Murder
Graphic: Child death, Death, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Incest, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Violence, Vomit, Police brutality, Grief, Medical trauma, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail