A review by dhiyanah
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak

challenging dark informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I had trouble with this as the first half of the story just felt hopeless, which was difficult to sit with even when the writing and characters were so vibrant. The second half of the book shifts with some thriller-like suspense where we get to see the sombrely playful love between Leila's five friends in action. It was at this point that it became clear to me how this book was a tribute to grief - for the shadows of Istanbul, for love and longing that finds ways to live on beyond death. 
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