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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
dark
sad
The ending felt rushed but this was quite beautiful for something so devastating.
dark
sad
medium-paced
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
ciężko było mi przebrnąć przez pierwsze rozdziały, ale im więcej stron było za mną, tym bardziej zakochiwałam się w piórze elif shafak
Interesting read and concept. All of the story takes place after the protagonist dies. Also, one does get a feeling of life in Istanbul and the challenges, etc.
While I enjoyed Part 1 more than Part 2, I still highly recommend this book.
While I enjoyed Part 1 more than Part 2, I still highly recommend this book.
[REVIEW] 10 minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak
Recommend Yes/No: Yes
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ [3/5]
“In the graveyard, there would be no pall-bearers or mourners, no imam leading the prayers and not one professional weeper hired to cry and wail louder than everyone else.”
I really don’t know where to start with this. It was on one hand a very well written, imaginative, great story but then also at times, a very uncomfortable read.
I’ll start with the latter, as despite trying to push it to the back of my mind, parts of the book left a bitter taste in my mouth. I understand that everyone has different experiences with religion and I respect and value other peoples points of view but it just seemed like there was a constant ‘Islam is bad and the religion creates monsters’ impression formed throughout. I have no doubt Shafak has come across some awful people on her travels, many who claim to do awful things in the name of ‘religion’ , nevertheless I do wish that there was a bit more explanation for none Muslim readers, to differentiate those who contort religion to enable it to fit with their wrongdoings and those who genuinely follow their beliefs to help mankind and better themselves.
Having said this, I did like following the life of Tequila Leila and loved the way her story was told. I particularly liked hearing all the different character accounts, from her friends closest to her, to the random stall owner and his nephew. You can clearly see that the author is a gifted storyteller as you immediately become transported into the world she writes about.
Overall, I understand the praise this book received as I did enjoy many aspects of the story. Unfortunately for me, there was too much content that I was frustrated with, hence the rating.
Recommend Yes/No: Yes
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ [3/5]
“In the graveyard, there would be no pall-bearers or mourners, no imam leading the prayers and not one professional weeper hired to cry and wail louder than everyone else.”
I really don’t know where to start with this. It was on one hand a very well written, imaginative, great story but then also at times, a very uncomfortable read.
I’ll start with the latter, as despite trying to push it to the back of my mind, parts of the book left a bitter taste in my mouth. I understand that everyone has different experiences with religion and I respect and value other peoples points of view but it just seemed like there was a constant ‘Islam is bad and the religion creates monsters’ impression formed throughout. I have no doubt Shafak has come across some awful people on her travels, many who claim to do awful things in the name of ‘religion’ , nevertheless I do wish that there was a bit more explanation for none Muslim readers, to differentiate those who contort religion to enable it to fit with their wrongdoings and those who genuinely follow their beliefs to help mankind and better themselves.
Having said this, I did like following the life of Tequila Leila and loved the way her story was told. I particularly liked hearing all the different character accounts, from her friends closest to her, to the random stall owner and his nephew. You can clearly see that the author is a gifted storyteller as you immediately become transported into the world she writes about.
Overall, I understand the praise this book received as I did enjoy many aspects of the story. Unfortunately for me, there was too much content that I was frustrated with, hence the rating.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Lo mejor: Recorrer la historia y las calles de Estambul
El pero: Pero... le falta estilo y un mejor trabajo de los personajes para conseguir conectar con ellos de una forma más profunda.
El pero: Pero... le falta estilo y un mejor trabajo de los personajes para conseguir conectar con ellos de una forma más profunda.