BookerReview #2: 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds…

[@judybrown1624]

You captured my feelings about this book exactly....both the good and the bad.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thats great to hear, thank you, Judy!

[@naogoweczytaczki]

I've read a couple of Shafak's books so far and all of the endings have been cheesy and clichéd, but as you say, she can certainly write about Turkey and the atmosphere she conjures up is fantastic. Thanks for the review! Dagmara

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Yes, I agree, the atmosphere was the strongest point in all the books I've read by Shafak.

[@swapnambajpai2727]

One of the most pleasant speakers I've ever listened to. Eagerly waiting for the next.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you very much!

[@danii6633]

I agree. The narrator of this book was a real treat to listen to.

[@linsey8973]

Just finished this book and I definitely felt the same way! The last 100 pages were quite weak and I didn’t feel connected to the characters :(

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Yeah, pity, isn't it? the premise was so interesting.

[@shawnbreathesbooks]

Fantastic review, just nine seconds too long! 🥰😜

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Oops, my mistake, sorry. LoL.

[@kimswhims8435]

hahahaha...... there's still a lot more life than that left in our Britta :D

[@BookishTexan]

Great review. I haven't read this and I wasn't planning on it until you talked about what a great sense of time and place the author created. 1950s Istanbul would be an interesting place to visit. If an author can effectively immerse me in a time and place it often overrides other problems I might have with a book. Still not going to rush out and buy this one though.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Yes, I could see you enjoying the first part of the book, definitely! But the second half and the ending, I have my doubts, despite the sense of place and time (which is stronger in the first part anyway).

[@alldbooks9165]

The premise of this book creeps me out. I don’t want to think about being mentally alive but knowing I’m dead. 😬

[@RunwrightReads]

That is indeed frightening!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Haha, yes, I agree, very creepy. But thankfully, Shafak doesnt explore this point at all, LoL.

[@kimswhims8435]

It's actually a beautiful book. Great friendship story of people on the fringes. She explores the blood is thicker than water thing by calling them her "water family". Very beautiful.

[@bluerayblair522]

The premise of the book is not thoroughly depicted. Only the thought of her being dead is the only thing you would carry throughout the book, nothing too disturbing about how she died or he remaining consciousness. If anything i would argue i’d have enjoyed reading more details about it😄 It’s my only criticism of the book. The story was mainly told by going back to her past life. We go back to different stages and memories of hers in each chapter. I thought i’d tell u in case you want to read it and thats the only thing that’s holding you back💖

[@RunwrightReads]

I appreciate your review, Britta. I haven’t read this yet and even though the story sounds intriguing, I have read a few novels recently that I felt could have done without a good portion of the narrative. Remember when Booker novels were short?

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Yes, I do remember indeed! And I agree, I've read plenty of books myself that could have been cut at least 100-200 pages. Bad editing...

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

Great review Britta, Thankyou! Don’t think I’ll read this one. I have Ducks Newburyport but haven’t read any of it yet!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Ah, yes Ducks is probably the better choice here. Although, like I said, other readers have enjoyed Shafak's book more than I did.

[@rawenkamaran9239]

I'm confused who's layla's father? If harun is the father then why she calls him uncle? (I guess harun has 2 wives binnaz and suzan) why doesn't Layla call binnaz step mother instead of auntie?????? (SOMEONE ANSWER ME PLEASE 🥺)

[@elainepereira7483]

Fantastic review. The premise does sound very interesting and a shame she did not do something with it. You gave such a balanced review that although I might have low expectations going in, I have not been completely turned off from reading it. Thank you for this!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you, Elaine! I think the book is worth exploring and there are readers who loved it.

[@KayAmpersand]

But tell us how you really feel about this book, Britta? :)

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Hahaha, I will hide my feelings forever!

[@Japoleczka]

The problem with Shafak's novels is that they always sound interesting when you retell the plot. It seems like she has lots of really good concepts but then is not able to reach the bar she set too high for herself. Shafak can't focus on what she wants to tell us and wanders off too often which I guess is not her intention but lack of skills. An intriguing plot is a value one could not overrate so again when you're talking about this books I feel like I want to read it now, today. On too many occasions though I felt the same and then was completely disappointed. I am quite concerned whether I should read another of her works but after your review I feel like buying that one immediately.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

You put it absolutely perfectly! Shafak's ideas and/or the preises of her books always sound really interesting but the execution is often rather 'meh'. Let me know whether you decide to pick up this one!

[@kayjones2533]

I loved this book, I thought it was beautiful and an important book with much to say.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Happy for you that you loved the book so much more than I did!

[@sarahk419]

i listened to the book on audible where it had 400 or so reviews only two of which were negative so i was so confused whether it was just me who felt it was flat!! even the “good” parts that you mentioned (life in turkey in the 40s-60s) i found (as someone from the middle east) cliched and oriental!! and what really confused me is all the “woke” issues that were mentioned in the book but never really explored - such missed opportunities: child abuse, sex worker, women’s rights, gay rights, transgenders, obesity and body image, depression etc etc! these really appeared displaced given the country + era of the book - i mean i don’t even know how likely these issues would be explored in a turkey today let alone decades ago. I think it was only shortlisted because of Shafak’s other works (not all great) and because of the “activism” that comes across (she is an activist after all, but shouldn’t an author be detached from their fiction work?)... Makes one wonder whether it was shortlisted for actual literary worth or just for dumping characters with trendy attributes in an oriental setting.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you for your comment, and yes, I totally agree with the points you make. So many missd opportunities!

[@annabaillie-karas1100]

Great review. I know what you mean the second half is not as strong, but I loved the book! I just found it gorgeous and loved the characters so I was happy to join them on the adventure romp (which it is a bit I agree!) for the fun of it, and the poignant friendship moments. I just loved it - a wonderful feminist counterpoint to Orhan Pamuk whose work I also love.

[@AuburnAfterglow]

That is exactly how I felt too :)

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Ah, yes, I'm not a fan of Orhan Pamuk either, so I guess these authors are just not for me. But happy to hear you've enjoyed it so much!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Always happy to hear when readers love a book!

[@ninalarsson5325]

Oh Im glad to hear I just loved it too! 😊

[@JuanReads]

I'm curious to give this writer a try, but I wonder if this would be the best book for me to start. From what you say in your review, probably not!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

I think Bastard of Istanbul would be a better choice. But maybe thats just me... LoL.

[@JuanReads]

Britta Böhler Duly noted! Thanks!

[@marianryan2991]

Thank you for your public service with this review! Quite interesting and slightly eerie premise, seems a shame not to do anything with it.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Yes, I loved the premise, too, and it would have been so great if Shafak had explored this at all. Oh well...

[@annakatharinagamzearnold5158]

Hallo liebe Britta, mit großem Interesse habe ich deine Besprechung gesehen. Da ich E.Shafaks Roman vor kurzem las, allerdings in der dt.Übersetzung, war ich sehr interessiert an deiner Meinung. Deine Zusammenfassung des Romans war genau auf den Punkt! Ich habe von der Autorin bis auf zwei Romane alles gelesen und stimme mit dir überein, dass es leider, leider auch für mich eines ihrer schwächeren, vielleicht sogar das Schwächste ist. Wie schade. Atmosphärisch schreiben beherrscht sie, sprachlich gefiel es mir auch, doch inhaltlich fehlte es mir an Entwicklung des doch sehr interessanten mediz.-wissenschaftl.Tatbestands, der mir gänzlich unbekannt war, am Rande bemerkt. Zwar bin ich doch nachsichtiger beim zweiten Teil, doch eine Kürzung desselben, hätte dem Erzählfluss sehr gut getan. Der dritte Abschnitt ist inhaltlich für mich betrachtet vollkommen unötig. Der Vergleich ist vielleicht nicht ganz passend, trotzdem möchte ich ihn hier verwenden: Wie eine Slapstick-Komödie, aber eine völlig misslungene. Dann doch lieber Ch.Chaplin oder B. Keaton. [ Das hat mich beim Lesen verfolgt ;)] Ein Urteil, ob booker price würdig oder nicht, darf und will ich nicht fällen, dazu müsste ich noch zum Vergleich die weiteren fünf nominierten Titel lesen. Das werde ich wohl nicht bewältigen können, da ich z.Zt. einige Titel von der longlist für den dbp lese und mit K. Poladjan ,, Hier sind Löwen" schon einen guten Griff getan habe! Vielleicht noch zeitnah M.Atwoods ,, Die Zeuginnen". Erics Video zum Buch hat mich doch neugierig gemacht. Ich wünsche dir noch einen schönen Abend! Liebe Grüße Anna Katharina Auf ,, Ducks" und die zukünftigen Videos freue ich mich schon!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Liebe Anna Katharina, ja, sehr schade, dass dieses Buch so schwach ist. Welche anderen Romane von Shafak hast Du denn gelesen? Ich mochte Bastard of Istanbul gerne und habe dann auch Three Daughters of Eve gelesen und fand es leider sehr schlecht. ich weiss nicht, vielleicht ist der Stil von Shafak einfach nichts für mich... Und: Hier sind die Löwen werde ich wahrscheinlich auch lesen. Bislang las ich vom DP2019 nur Das flüssige Land und das war nicht so ein Erfolg für mich. Ansonsten interessiert mich auch noch Vater Unser. Mal sehen, wann ich dafür Zeit habe... Liebe Grüsse und ein schönes Wochenende!

[@annakatharinagamzearnold5158]

@@brittabohlerthesecondshelf Liebe Britta, entschuldige bitte, dass ich erst jetzt dazu komme deine Frage zu beantworten. Zur Zeit helfe ich meiner Mutter bei der Nachsorge ihrer Augen - OP und hatte mein smartphone immer nur kurz in Gebrauch. Wenn ich das richtig recherchiert habe, las ich, bis auf ,, Die Heilige des nahenden Irrsinns" und ,,Sufi" ( gibt es bis jetzt nur auf Englisch und ist auch auf Nachfrage schwer zu bekommen), alle ins Deutsche übersetzte Romane. Das von dir Genannte, sowie ,, Der Architekt des Sultans" u.die ,,Vierzig Geheimnisse der Liebe" habe ich gerne gelesen. Letzteres passte damals zu meiner Gemütslage, bei erneutem Lesen könnte es u.U.nicht mehr so gefallen. Seit ca. drei Jahren verfolge ich den dbp intensiver u.habe mir ebenfalls ,, Flüssiges Land", ,,Vater unser" und auch ,,Kintsugi" vorgenommen. S.Stašinić mit ,, Herkunft" u. ,, Hier sind Löwen" hatte ich schon vor Bekanntgabe der longlist gelesen. So ganz kann ich die Begeisterung der Leserschaft bei Stašinić nicht teilen. Der letzte, eher ungewöhnlich konstruierte Teil ließ mich ein wenig ratlos zurück. Ich kenne dieses Vorgehen bisher nur im Jugendbuchbereich. Erinnere, früher mit meinem Sohn schon deratiges gelesen zu haben. Vielleicht war ähnliche Literatur für den Autor auch eine Inspirationsquelle seiner Jugend ? Neben den o.a. Titeln versuche ich noch Autorinnen/Autoren aus Norwegen zu lesen um mich schon auf die FBM einzustimmen. ,, Choral am Ende der Reise" von Erik Fosnes Hansen , die Geschichte der Musiker auf der Titanic, wird mein nächstes Buch sein. Wünsche dir einen schönen Sonntag! Liebe Grüße Anna Katharina

[@LanaCelebic]

I really liked The Bastard of Istanbul and I was hoping this book will be the one in which Elif Shafak finally shines, especially since it's nominated for the Booker. The story sounds interesting, maybe I will like it more, but I also don't like if an author uses something spectacular as a premise and then doesn't explore it. I might like it, but I doubt it will be a 5 star book after hearing you talk about it. :)

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

I also enjoyed Bastard of Istanbul and in my opinion, this new book is not as good as Bastard. But there are readers who really liked this book so maybe give it a try?

[@danii6633]

Although I mostly enjoyed the story (except for the last part), I too felt like Shafak didn't DO anything with the scientific premise and that left me a bit disappointed and annoyed. Shafak obviously wanted to write something inventive, deep and profound here and with this premise she really could have but in my opinion but she really didn't.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

It was disappointing that Shafak didnt really do anything with her premise, right?

[@TheSaltyFilms]

Good Review. I agree with your thoughts on this book by and large. I couldn't keep up with 'Ducks' ... The time span ducks newbury, required to read, I felt wasnt worthy.. I was upto 150 pages, and felt it didn't give me any useful information on a plot line, and not much joy either. So ive decided to dnf it. I've read three booker shortlist novels. these two and 'An orchestra of minorities' being the third one. I feel 'An orchestra of minorities' deserves more attention from the former. Looking forward to your review for it!

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you! And pity that you didnt get through Ducks, but I can understand it.

[@irbeditta]

Thank you!! I read the book and loved it, yet still I found myself making a lot of disclaimers before suggesting it to anyone. There is somehting annoying about Elif Shafak, I love her and she annoys me, and I never knew why. But you nailed it: Sometimes she takes the cheesy hollywood-like choices and wastes some really good work.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you for your comment, very interesting!

[@1zangelique]

I think you're actually being charitable, or I disliked it more than you did. In fact I would go so far as to say I don't know how this was short-listed for the Booker. When you think of the books that could have been nominated that weren't.... And while I know a lot of people online like it, no one I know personally much cares for it either. (But I am definitely looking forward to receiving my copy of The Testaments any day now!) Thanks for the great video, Britta. I wish the book had been better.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

I was in a charitable mood. LoL.

[@1book1review]

that's an author I keep looking at but never reading anything of. This does not sound like something to change that.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Haha, no I guess it didnt. I really love Elif Shafak as an activist and her talks are really interesting but her books just dont do it for me for some reason. Oh well...

[@maureencalder9911]

Love the review, but I actually enjoyed the read. I particularly loved the sentence 'she had a real tan but a fake smile'. Elif Shafak is on a feminine mission to tell the story of the downtrodden and mistreated and this book does just that.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Ah, very happy that you've enjoyed the book so much!

[@traceymills1628]

I totally agree.The second part felt like a different book. I really liked the first part but the next part felt like some b grade adventure romp. Look forward to your next reviews.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Ah, happy to hear I'm not the only one! And I agree, the 2nd part was hugely disappointing.

[@BernasBookishAdventures]

Great review as usual! Although I agree with you about the second part not really fitting in the whole atmosphere of the book, that part was the section that I felt some emotion after being disconnected with the characters throughout the whole sex worker period. The section about her childhood had some hard-hitting truths about the place of women in my country so it was more emotional to read about. I clearly liked the book much more than you did and gave it 4,5 stars but you have some valid points as regards to cliches. I read the Architect's Apprentice by her and liked it more than this book.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you for your comments, Berna! And, as always, I really appreciate hearing opinions that differ from mine. And the points you made are equally valid. I've not read Architect's Apprentice but it sounds interesting, so I might give it a try.

[@nashwas5761]

Elif Shafak is one of those authors who continues to elude me. I have tried and failed so many times. I was thinking about starting this one, but after watching your review I’ll stay away from it. My returned passion for reading cannot be risked! 😂

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Oh, yes, you should under NO cricumstance endanger your returned passion for reading. LoL.

[@johnnzboy]

I agree with you wholeheartedly, it's not a good book at all; in fact, it's a shoddily written book, and it is absolutely incomprehensible to me that it was short-listed for the Booker Prize. I daresay this was due to a desire on the part of the judges to raise awareness of the author, who is clearly an admirable person, and to acknowledge the worthy themes of the novel (the treatment of women and other outsiders in Turkey). I did enjoy the first half of the book; it is very evocative of life in a Turkish village and Istanbul in the mid-to-late 20th century and the characters are engaging and intriguing. However, the second half is a ludicrous comic caper that doesn't fit with the earlier part and the trite and sentimental ending is just infuriating. Why would the characters choose to dispose of the body in the middle of the bridge?!? Are we meant to believe that, after being caught disposing of a body, they suffer no legal consequences?!? More than anything though, it's the sloppiness of the writing that annoyed me, and I can scarcely believe that a professional editor ever looked over the manuscript. Although the main part of the story is set in the early 90s, there are numerous references to things that are familiar to contemporary readers but anachronistic to people of that era. Turkish people make comments about language that apply to English but not to Turkish (I've studied and speak some Turkish). I could go on, but this is already too long. As a Turkophile I really wanted to like this book but I was sorely disappointed and will definitely not seek out any of her other works. I can only assume that her published works in Turkish are of a higher standard. Perhaps the author is capable of writing award-winning stories in English but this novel is most definitely not worthy of praise or distinction.

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the book!

[@kimswhims8435]

Love your reviews and also love cheesy endings, lol. I think you are spot on but I still loved this book probably for all the things you didn't like. Funny isn't it :D

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

Haha, nothing wrong with loving cheesy endings. And I think tis fascinating how deeply personal our reading-experience is. But that makes the discussions about books so much more interesting.

[@gokhan02012007]

double like ✌😎✌

[@brittabohlerthesecondshelf]

And thank you, again! :-)