The Bastard of Istanbul: Elif Shafak’s Powerful Multigenerational Saga of Family Secrets, Identity, and the Shadows of History

This beautiful work of fiction by Elif Shafak revolves around Asya Kazanci & Armanoush sharing a similar genetic heritage. Enbodying in itself an absolute vibrance of Turkish as well as Armanian legacy, the book carries a spectacular brightness within itself. Asya is depicted to be raised by Kazanci females, surrounded by all her aunts, Petite Ma & Grandmother Gulsum in an Ethnic Turkish household. While Asya's distant cousin Armanoush, an Armenian American being raised by an American Mother and an Arbanian father along with the complete Tchakhmakhchian family. Filled with the mention of mouthwatering Turkish cuisines, canary & cats makes the reader feel transported to Istanbul. The plot finds itself travelling along intermingled family stories, carrying mysteries and secrets of past alongwith. Full of abundant twists and turns this book categorises as an interesting read.

Gifted this to my friend for her birthday! Amazing book!

Bastards of Istanbul by @shafakelif is a captivating novel that weaves together culture, identity, and history in the vibrant city of Istanbul.The story revolves around two families, each with its own secrets and emotional baggage. Asya Kazancı, a young woman living in Istanbul, is the focal point of the narrative. Raised by her rebellious and enigmatic mother, she grapples with her identity and family heritage while harbouring a deep curiosity about her heritage. Meanwhile, across the world in Arizona, an Armenian-American woman named Armanoush seeks answers about her family's past, leading her to the Kazancı family in Istanbul.Through richly drawn characters, the book explores complex family dynamics, tackles sensitive historical issues like the Armenian Genocide, and delves into contemporary themes like tradition versus modernity and women's rights.Shafak has beautifully crafted this intellectually stimulating novel that skillfully examines family, heritage, and the universal quest for self-discovery. Shafak's storytelling skills shine through, making this book a highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking fiction with a strong sense of cultural immersion.

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about this book.Shafak is a great writer and the book did expand a bit of my knowledge about Istanbul and its history but that it isn't a novel.While reading I got the feeling that Shafak wanted to talk about history and wanted to do it through fiction so she invented the characters in thr book. But the family history is so twisted it at times felt incredulous.Nevertheless, it is a decently written book. Though not Shafaks' best work. So if you are new to her writings don't pick this up. Pick forty rules of love instead.

Love the book, The story writing. Even the package was provided in a good condition. This is one of a good books I'll recommend you to read

It's quite an engrossing book. Honestly, after reading this I'm already in love with Istanbul and the food! I so wannna visit Turkey and experience the food, culture, lifestyle and climate first hand.Coming back to the book, in my opinion I did find certain parts too streched and immensely detailed but then the beauty does reside in the details after all. The mental trauma of the past, the baggage of knowledge that each character possesses have been described beautifully. The minute details of even the tea glasses just goes on to show how much the author is dedicated in her writing.All the stories of every character is weaved into a beautiful tapestry of emotions, feelings, love and lots of food. It's a recommended read while you're traveling or just lounging on a weekend.

The book makes you want to revisit the story again and again even after you’re done reading it. Very beautiful

It's an experience for someone who has little or no knowledge of Turkish and Armenian culture. The lives of the characters interwoven beautifully manifesting into an interesting journey where you are keen to learn how it's going to end and it doesn't disappoint. I would totally recommend it.