My partner is part of a book club at work, and I thought it might be fun to read the books myself, which is how I came across Orhan Pamuk’s Snow. The novel follows Ka, a Turkish poet living as a political exile in Germany for the past 12 years. After returning to Turkey for his mother’s funeral (which the book doesn’t spend any time on), he heads to the border town of Kars, ostensibly to write an article on girls who have been dying […]
Another frustrating stab at Turkish existentialism
I wanted to give Pamuk another shot because I had read The Museum of Innocence with such overwhelming feelings of nostalgia coupled with dislike for the main character that I really couldn’t say, when asked, whether if I liked his writing or not. The White Castle was a really quick read — I read it all in a single night — and unfortunately, I think it’s going to be my last Pamuk. It’s just too bizarre, and I think I just don’t really *get* him. The novel takes place […]
Falling in love in/with Istanbul
In April, I spent a month in Istanbul, and that city was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. It was modern and historic, beautiful and creative, and that blend of Asian and European is something that can actually be seen. Put aside its physical beauty, and Istanbul is seriously one of the most interesting and fascinating places. And during my last week there, I took myself to the Museum of Innocence, even though I’ve never read Orhan Pamuk’s famed book of the […]
More like museum of obsession and drudgery
Thirty-sixth book reviewed as part of the 130 Challenge. It’s really difficult to capture the uneasy feeling of longing and desire that one gets when one can’t have their way. Some of us succumb to it and fall prey to obsession, going to great (and sometimes ugly) lengths to get what we want; almost always failing to get it. We all deal with such a heartbreak at least once in a lifetime and it is rare that someone comes out of it unscathed. So why would […]