A review by wretchedtheo
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Don't waste your time on this. The characters are poorly constructed, their actions inconsistent - and sensitive topics are handled pretty ham-handedly. There are some very cringe worthy passages and many of the "strong female characters" are just variations of the same paper thin girlboss trope. I saw the plot twists coming a mile away, and as for the dialogue... there were several times when I just had to sigh and say to myself "nobody fucking talks like that".