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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
challenging
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Very original, very emotional. I liked the ending and the fact that it was so easy to read.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Whenever I read Elif Shafak's books, she makes me want to pack a suitcase and wander the streets of Istanbul. The way she captures the city's soul, from its vibrant culture to its layers of history, is nothing short of magical. I feel like I’m right there, tasting the flavors, breathing in the stories, and falling in love with a place I’ve never been.
*10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in This Strange World* follows the story of Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, whose life comes to a halt—but her mind lingers for ten minutes and thirty-eight seconds longer, revisiting poignant moments from her past. Through Leila’s memories, we witness her struggles, friendships, and the raw beauty of human connection, all against the vividly drawn backdrop of Istanbul. The book also delves into the lives of her five closest friends, misfits who band together and form their own kind of family in a society that shuns them. Shafak weaves themes of love, loss, and survival into a narrative that is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
This book broke me in the best way possible. It’s one of those books that clings to your heart and refuses to let go. Shafak's storytelling is so raw and beautiful, it’s like she poured her soul onto the pages. The characters—especially Leila—are unforgettable, flawed, and so heartbreakingly human. The journey through her fragmented memories is both mesmerizing and haunting, like peeling back layers of pain and resilience.
It’s not a perfect book (hence the 4 stars), but does it make you feel something? Absolutely. If you’re into stories that blend heartbreak, hope, and a dash of quirkiness, this one’s for you. You’ll close the last page feeling a little wrecked but incredibly glad you took the ride.
*10 Minutes and 38 Seconds in This Strange World* follows the story of Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, whose life comes to a halt—but her mind lingers for ten minutes and thirty-eight seconds longer, revisiting poignant moments from her past. Through Leila’s memories, we witness her struggles, friendships, and the raw beauty of human connection, all against the vividly drawn backdrop of Istanbul. The book also delves into the lives of her five closest friends, misfits who band together and form their own kind of family in a society that shuns them. Shafak weaves themes of love, loss, and survival into a narrative that is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful.
This book broke me in the best way possible. It’s one of those books that clings to your heart and refuses to let go. Shafak's storytelling is so raw and beautiful, it’s like she poured her soul onto the pages. The characters—especially Leila—are unforgettable, flawed, and so heartbreakingly human. The journey through her fragmented memories is both mesmerizing and haunting, like peeling back layers of pain and resilience.
It’s not a perfect book (hence the 4 stars), but does it make you feel something? Absolutely. If you’re into stories that blend heartbreak, hope, and a dash of quirkiness, this one’s for you. You’ll close the last page feeling a little wrecked but incredibly glad you took the ride.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
tense
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:
No
Great read. Emotional yet funny.
challenging
emotional
reflective
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:
Complicated
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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:
Complicated
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
That was mainly very sad.. And kinda difficult to read. It's a short book, but you have to take breaks. I did like it, the topic was interesting and even if it was a little not my cup of tea I'm glad I read the book. The characters are really likeable and also you feel very bad for them... I do like that it ends on a positive note, I was so hoping for that. I'm not sure if I would read another book by this author, but I might. The writing is good.
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes