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A review by penguinna
Çalıkuşu by Reşat Nuri Güntekin
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Last week, before my vacation to Turkey, I remembered a 1986 Turkish TV show with a funny name, based on a classic book that every Turkish person seems to know – Çalıkuşu. It felt like the perfect time to dive into this story, and I’m so glad I did!
This book tells the tale of Feride, a young girl from a noble family, nicknamed Çalıkuşu (the Wren) for her rebellious nature. We follow her through childhood and adolescence, shaped by a series of heartbreaking events. After losing her parents, Feride is sent to a French school in Istanbul, but during the holidays, she stays with her aunt’s family.
Her cousin Kamran plays a key role in the story – initially someone she despises, but as often happens, Feride gradually falls in love with him, and Kamran returns her feelings. But the day before their wedding, Feride discovers that Kamran has betrayed her with another woman. Devastated, she flees from home, and this is where her real adventure begins.
In the conservative, patriarchal society of 1920s Turkey, Feride is determined to live on her own terms. She becomes a teacher in a remote village, where she adopts a girl from a troubled family. However, as a young woman on her own, Feride faces societal judgment and personal danger and is forced to move from place to place to survive.
Despite all the challenges, Feride never loses her strength or optimism. Her fierce independence and resilience make her admirable as she defies the norms and expectations of her time. Speaking of which, some customs from that era feel shocking by today’s standards, and one "romantic" moment near the end really bothered me.
Still, the book’s many strengths easily outweigh this. What struck me most about Çalıkuşu were the vivid descriptions – of Turkish culture, stunning landscapes, striking clothing, and the everyday lives of people. These details made me fall in love with Turkey.
I highly recommend Çalıkuşu and wish more people knew about this hidden gem of literature. This book will definitely have a place on the shelf of my all-time favorites.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books
This book tells the tale of Feride, a young girl from a noble family, nicknamed Çalıkuşu (the Wren) for her rebellious nature. We follow her through childhood and adolescence, shaped by a series of heartbreaking events. After losing her parents, Feride is sent to a French school in Istanbul, but during the holidays, she stays with her aunt’s family.
Her cousin Kamran plays a key role in the story – initially someone she despises, but as often happens, Feride gradually falls in love with him, and Kamran returns her feelings. But the day before their wedding, Feride discovers that Kamran has betrayed her with another woman. Devastated, she flees from home, and this is where her real adventure begins.
In the conservative, patriarchal society of 1920s Turkey, Feride is determined to live on her own terms. She becomes a teacher in a remote village, where she adopts a girl from a troubled family. However, as a young woman on her own, Feride faces societal judgment and personal danger and is forced to move from place to place to survive.
Despite all the challenges, Feride never loses her strength or optimism. Her fierce independence and resilience make her admirable as she defies the norms and expectations of her time. Speaking of which, some customs from that era feel shocking by today’s standards, and one "romantic" moment near the end really bothered me.
Still, the book’s many strengths easily outweigh this. What struck me most about Çalıkuşu were the vivid descriptions – of Turkish culture, stunning landscapes, striking clothing, and the everyday lives of people. These details made me fall in love with Turkey.
I highly recommend Çalıkuşu and wish more people knew about this hidden gem of literature. This book will definitely have a place on the shelf of my all-time favorites.
More reviews by me on instagram: @penguinna_books