New York : Everyman's Library, 2011, c2004.
xxvii, 460 p. ; 22 cm.
I've had my eye on this novel for a while, and figured summer was a good time to read it. I was interested in reading some international literature (and so the Mahfouz book) and thought that Pamuk might serve as an interesting window into Turkish culture.
I was not disappointed. This is a rich and vibrant book. Though published originally in 2002, the novel is very contemporary and relevant today. Though the narrative thread of the novel is an exiled poet returning to a small provincial town in search of his lost love - it is very much a story of politics and religion. There are subplots involving headscarves, Islamic fundamentalism, coups, and political violence. Also it is a story of exile, nostalgia, desire, and betrayal. Reading Pamuk's novel, I could see why he was a Nobel laureate in 2006.
Pamuk is a great story-teller and his novel is wonderfully descriptive and evocative, and also deeply humane. With Turkey frequently in the news these days because of politics, religion and international events - this novel makes for a fine and timely read.
I would recommend it to a student wanting to read international literary works, but many students might find it a bit slow and not so relevant to their own lives.
