A review by megsreadsalot
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak

challenging emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Elif Shafak’s 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World explores the idea that the human brain remains active for up to 10 minutes and 38 seconds after death in a beautiful and moving way. Through Leila’s memories in those final minutes, we witness a life filled with pain, love, and resilience. Her story is heartbreaking, and I felt genuinely sad that I only got to know her after she had passed.
The different characters’ standpoints felt layered, offering a powerful look at friendship, marginalisation and the tenacity of the human spirit. Shafak’s writing is often lyrical and deeply poetic, I found myself rereading several passages just to sit with the beauty of her language.
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