10+ min, five friends, and a lot of stuff.

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In a neighboring area outside of Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, a woman casually hangs out of the window of a brothel. The majority of Istanbul’s legal brothels were closed in January 2013. Photo credit Hannah Mattix / Photojournalist

For me, I found sheer sensory beauty in part one of this novel, specifically memories of domestic life, the forging of some compelling friendships, and a harrowing withdrawal from home. When all bound together they formed a universal story that made important connections to the real-life oppression of marginalized peoples. However, part two took me on a bit of a cartoonish journey that did not match the intriguing set-up and cohesion of part one. In the end, I am so pleased to be left with another exciting novel to revisit with you all.

See you Thursday,

~g


Reviews

Los Angels Review of Books

World Literature Today

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Author’s Thoughts on the NovelĀ 

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