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Last Train to Istanbul
International bestseller by one of Turkey’s most beloved authors
As the daughter of one of Turkey’s last Ottoman pashas, Selva could win the heart of any man in Ankara. Yet the spirited young beauty only has eyes for Rafael Alfandari, the handsome Jewish son of an esteemed court physician. In defiance of their families, they marry, fleeing to Paris to build a new life.
But when the Nazis invade France, the exiled lovers will learn that nothing—not war, not politics, not even religion—can break the bonds of family. For after they learn that Selva is but one of their fellow citizens trapped in France, a handful of brave Turkish diplomats hatch a plan to spirit the Alfandaris and hundreds of innocents, many of whom are Jewish, to safety. Together, they must traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in a desperate bid for freedom. From Ankara to Paris, Cairo, and Berlin, Last Train to Istanbul is an uplifting tale of love and adventure from Turkey’s beloved bestselling novelist Ayşe Kulin.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
6,997 people are currently reading
18.9k people want to read
About the author
Ayşe Kulin
58books878followersAyşe Kulin is a Turkish contemporary novelist and columnist.
Kulin graduated in literature from the American College for Girls in Arnavutköy. She released a collection of short stories titled Güneşe Dön Yüzünü in 1984. A short story from this called ü was made into a film titled Kırık Bebek in 1986, for which she won a screenplay award from the Turkish culture ministry. Kulin worked as a screen writer, cinematographer and producer for many films, television series and advertisements. In 1986, she won the Best Cinematographer Award from the Theatre Writers association for her work in the television series Ayaşlı ve Kiracıları.
In 1996, she wrote a biography of Münir Nureddin Selçuk titled Bir Tatlı Huzur. With a short story called Foto Sabah Resimleri she won the Haldun Taner Short Story Award the same year and the Sait Faik Story Prize the next year. In 1997, she was chosen as the "Writer of the year" by the İstanbul Communication Faculty for her biographical novel Adı Aylin, She won the same award the next year for her short story Geniş Zamanlar. In November 1999, she wrote a novel called Sevdalinka about the Bosnian Civil War and in 2000, a biographical novel called Füreyya. In June 2001, she put out a novel titled Köprü about drama in Turkey's eastern provinces and how they shaped the republic's early history.
In May 2002, Kulin wrote a novel titled Nefes Nefes'e about the Turkish diplomats who saved in the lives of Jews during the holocaust in World War 2.
She has married twice, her latest novels Hayat and Huzun describe her life with her spouses, Mehmet Sarper and Eren Kemahli. Both ended in divorce but she bore 4 sons from the marriages.
Kulin graduated in literature from the American College for Girls in Arnavutköy. She released a collection of short stories titled Güneşe Dön Yüzünü in 1984. A short story from this called ü was made into a film titled Kırık Bebek in 1986, for which she won a screenplay award from the Turkish culture ministry. Kulin worked as a screen writer, cinematographer and producer for many films, television series and advertisements. In 1986, she won the Best Cinematographer Award from the Theatre Writers association for her work in the television series Ayaşlı ve Kiracıları.
In 1996, she wrote a biography of Münir Nureddin Selçuk titled Bir Tatlı Huzur. With a short story called Foto Sabah Resimleri she won the Haldun Taner Short Story Award the same year and the Sait Faik Story Prize the next year. In 1997, she was chosen as the "Writer of the year" by the İstanbul Communication Faculty for her biographical novel Adı Aylin, She won the same award the next year for her short story Geniş Zamanlar. In November 1999, she wrote a novel called Sevdalinka about the Bosnian Civil War and in 2000, a biographical novel called Füreyya. In June 2001, she put out a novel titled Köprü about drama in Turkey's eastern provinces and how they shaped the republic's early history.
In May 2002, Kulin wrote a novel titled Nefes Nefes'e about the Turkish diplomats who saved in the lives of Jews during the holocaust in World War 2.
She has married twice, her latest novels Hayat and Huzun describe her life with her spouses, Mehmet Sarper and Eren Kemahli. Both ended in divorce but she bore 4 sons from the marriages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,004 reviews
January 16, 2011
Finished. Finally! I say finally because it took me too long due to a busy period...
It also took me long because, well, it's a very interesting story, but I must also say, it's not very well written. Or maybe it's a matter of translation? I can't read Turkish, so I'll never find out. I must say, though, that the editor - who is thanked in the final pages of the book - really didn't do a good job, there are so many tiny mistakes in language that got to me very much, in a 460-page book. Maybe I'm annoying, but it really spoiled my pleasure in reading.
The story had a lot of potential, and it was quite good. It could have been told in less pages, though, especially the parts set in Istanbul, which frankly spend too much time on the emotional turmoil in Sabiha's head. The parts set in France and on the train, on the other hand, are enjoyable and well written, and tell a good story as well as create a nice set of rather well-defined characters.
It also took me long because, well, it's a very interesting story, but I must also say, it's not very well written. Or maybe it's a matter of translation? I can't read Turkish, so I'll never find out. I must say, though, that the editor - who is thanked in the final pages of the book - really didn't do a good job, there are so many tiny mistakes in language that got to me very much, in a 460-page book. Maybe I'm annoying, but it really spoiled my pleasure in reading.
The story had a lot of potential, and it was quite good. It could have been told in less pages, though, especially the parts set in Istanbul, which frankly spend too much time on the emotional turmoil in Sabiha's head. The parts set in France and on the train, on the other hand, are enjoyable and well written, and tell a good story as well as create a nice set of rather well-defined characters.
April 1, 2017
It's definitely one of those books that are simply too good that you do not want them to end *sigh* I really want more!
the more you progress into the story the more you get emotionally attached, at the second half of the book I simply felt I was one of the passengers on the train...
If you're interested to know how the Germans treated Jews at the WW2 period or if you are interested in Turkish literature this book if for you.
the more you progress into the story the more you get emotionally attached, at the second half of the book I simply felt I was one of the passengers on the train...
If you're interested to know how the Germans treated Jews at the WW2 period or if you are interested in Turkish literature this book if for you.
February 25, 2018
Advanced Reader's Copy(ARC) - uncorrected proof - from NetGalley.
Pages: 442
------------------------
Istandbul, Ankara, Paris 1941. "Spring arrived hand-in-hand with sorrow." Turkey was between a rock and a hard place. Britain demanded them to become an ally; Germany was threatening; Russia wanted Kars, Ardahan, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles. Choosing the losing side would have had dire consequences for Turkey. They learnt their lesson well after the first world war.
It was not only a unsettling time for Turkey, but also for Macit Bey. His wife, Sabiha, a girl who loved picnics and watching horse racing, suddenly turned away from life, as well as her motherly - and marriage duties. Their daughter, Hülya, did not receive any attentions from her anymore. She was obviously heading for a nervous breakdown, Macit thought.
CHARACTERS:
Fazil Resat Pasa, and his wife Leman Hanim, had two daughters:
Sabiha, married to Macit Bey
Selva, married to Rafael Alfandari(Rafo).
Sabiha and Macit had a daughter, Hülya.
Selva and Rafo had a son, Fazil, named after his grandfather, Fazil.
However, grandfather Fazil did not care. Rafo was Jewish, and his marriage to Selva ripped both families apart. Fazil, the Muslim patriarch, rejected his daughter, and Rafo's Jewish family refused to accept Selva.
The couple fled to France where they hoped to start a new life - both as exiles of their families.
Hitler's rise brought fear to all the countries. Turkey's idea of remaining neutral still did not guarantee the inhabitants piece of mind. What it did offer to the citizens though, was a last train out of France for Turkish citizens, especially the Jewish ones. Selva and her baby were compromised by Rafo when all the Jews were rounded up to concentration camps. When in doubt, men were forced to drop their pants in public to identify Jews. Escape was hardly possible.
The incredible courage of the Turkish embassy staff, especially the actions of Macit and his friend, Taril, originally from Makatya in eastern Anatolia, lead to the evacuation of a large number of people out of harms way. A nine-day train ride back to Istandbul would become a journey through madness and mayhem and a discovery of true courage and intentions. Freedom and love had to survive incredible odds in the ensuing challenges brought forward by the German's occupation of France.
It becomes a tale of hardship, friendship, loyalty, and love between spouses, sisters, parents and children. Most of all it is a test for religious hypocrisy and the true meaning of forgiveness.
The involvement of Turkey, and the important role the country played in the war, have not been spotlighted in any popular renditions of the events. Therefore, this book becomes a valuable contribution to history. The historical facts are detailed; the characters, complex - but endearing; the narrative, easy. The tale is multilayered, supported by a well-developed plot, underscored by a wealth of different emotions, and based on a true story. Everything in the book is intense and actually beautiful!
I recommend this book to anyone who values the principles of honor, integrity, and innocence in both the story as well as the writing style. A brilliant book.
Pages: 442
------------------------
Istandbul, Ankara, Paris 1941. "Spring arrived hand-in-hand with sorrow." Turkey was between a rock and a hard place. Britain demanded them to become an ally; Germany was threatening; Russia wanted Kars, Ardahan, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles. Choosing the losing side would have had dire consequences for Turkey. They learnt their lesson well after the first world war.
It was not only a unsettling time for Turkey, but also for Macit Bey. His wife, Sabiha, a girl who loved picnics and watching horse racing, suddenly turned away from life, as well as her motherly - and marriage duties. Their daughter, Hülya, did not receive any attentions from her anymore. She was obviously heading for a nervous breakdown, Macit thought.
CHARACTERS:
Fazil Resat Pasa, and his wife Leman Hanim, had two daughters:
Sabiha, married to Macit Bey
Selva, married to Rafael Alfandari(Rafo).
Sabiha and Macit had a daughter, Hülya.
Selva and Rafo had a son, Fazil, named after his grandfather, Fazil.
However, grandfather Fazil did not care. Rafo was Jewish, and his marriage to Selva ripped both families apart. Fazil, the Muslim patriarch, rejected his daughter, and Rafo's Jewish family refused to accept Selva.
The couple fled to France where they hoped to start a new life - both as exiles of their families.
Hitler's rise brought fear to all the countries. Turkey's idea of remaining neutral still did not guarantee the inhabitants piece of mind. What it did offer to the citizens though, was a last train out of France for Turkish citizens, especially the Jewish ones. Selva and her baby were compromised by Rafo when all the Jews were rounded up to concentration camps. When in doubt, men were forced to drop their pants in public to identify Jews. Escape was hardly possible.
The incredible courage of the Turkish embassy staff, especially the actions of Macit and his friend, Taril, originally from Makatya in eastern Anatolia, lead to the evacuation of a large number of people out of harms way. A nine-day train ride back to Istandbul would become a journey through madness and mayhem and a discovery of true courage and intentions. Freedom and love had to survive incredible odds in the ensuing challenges brought forward by the German's occupation of France.
It becomes a tale of hardship, friendship, loyalty, and love between spouses, sisters, parents and children. Most of all it is a test for religious hypocrisy and the true meaning of forgiveness.
The involvement of Turkey, and the important role the country played in the war, have not been spotlighted in any popular renditions of the events. Therefore, this book becomes a valuable contribution to history. The historical facts are detailed; the characters, complex - but endearing; the narrative, easy. The tale is multilayered, supported by a well-developed plot, underscored by a wealth of different emotions, and based on a true story. Everything in the book is intense and actually beautiful!
I recommend this book to anyone who values the principles of honor, integrity, and innocence in both the story as well as the writing style. A brilliant book.
February 10, 2017
It's hard to review this book. The synopsis is rather incorrect because it misleads you to believe that this is mainly the story about a couple. But it's not. It's more a collection of stories about Turkish people and how WW2 and the Holocaust affected them. It's a different view that most Americans don't know about - how many of us even think of how that time period affected Turkey? The writing itself seems rather choppy, it doesn't flow that well. But I can't help but think that could be due to translation. It might take you a few chapters to get fully immersed in this book, but if you're interested in history and different cultures, then I do recommend it.
August 27, 2023
Aceasta fictiune istorica ne tine in alerta pana la final. Prin multe incercari or sa treaca Selva si Rafo, dar vor reusi sa scape de nazisti? Familia Selvei o va ierta pentru ca a indraznit sa se marite cu un evreu? Isi va mai vedea familia?
Mi-a placut si nu, aceasta carte. Subiectul este foarte interesant, povestea ofertanta, dar parca ceva lipseste.
Mi-a placut si nu, aceasta carte. Subiectul este foarte interesant, povestea ofertanta, dar parca ceva lipseste.
January 15, 2015
This is a great story, very poorly told. I was so interested in learning about Turkey's role in WWII and its treatment of Jews. I love both Istanbul and Paris, both featured in this book, however the writing is horrendous. It reads as if it was translated by someone with only sixth grade level English using a Turkish-English dictionary and a book of English language idioms and clichès. "Clickety-clack" goes the train down the track, for example. However, I don't think all the blame should lay at the feet of the translator, because the book is also full of too many undeveloped characters and dangling plot threads. So disappointing. I thank a friend for recommending it for the new knowledge I gained, I only wish the read had been more enjoyable.
April 7, 2024
I didn't get on with this book.
To be honest I think it's the translator rather than the book. It just felt very dry which prevented me from connecting.
Two stars.
To be honest I think it's the translator rather than the book. It just felt very dry which prevented me from connecting.
Two stars.
February 14, 2012
I would never have opened this book if it hadn’t been given to me by a good friend. I consider it my duty, then, to read it � but not to give it a good review, sorry friend. I knew I would have trouble when I was able to count seven clichés on pages 10-12 alone. That’s the translator’s fault, though. On the other hand, the problem of excessive exposition is the author’s. I go back and forth trying to find something positive to say� Young Tarık is a fairly interesting character, and the plot dealing with him deciding what his duty is, the book’s best. But the plot involving Sabiha, her daughter, and the psychoanalyst is just ridiculous! The scene where the consul leaps on a departing train full of deportees and refuses to get off without them is rather thrilling. But the concluding train journey to Turkey, which ought to be climactic, is oddly lacking in suspense. Finally, I have a problem with the book overall � the author wanted to celebrate the Turkish diplomats who managed to get Turkish and non-Turkish Jews out of Nazi-occupied Europe, and indeed that’s an interesting subject. But such a subject risks smug self-righteousness in the telling, and in fact the author does not escape (and inserts a few patriotic praises of Turkey as well). Worse, she portrays all the Jews in the story as completely helpless, a prey to panic, perhaps trying to whip up pity to highlight to good deeds of those who saved “these poor people�. Even Rafael, who should be one of the main characters in the story, is not allowed to take action on his own behalf or even have much character, he’s just colorless. In the face of all these faults, I would have liked to rate this book one and a half stars if it was possible: it wasn’t really that awful, honestly; I didn’t curse the hours I spent reading it. It had a certain entertainment value, and it's a novelty that its heroes are bureaucrats rather than action men.
February 17, 2019
A wonderful book with lots of characters I cared for. Will discuss at Book Club tonight.
Last Train to Istanbul by Ayşe Kulin takes place prior to and during the first two years of WWII. It is a very informative historical fiction relating the empathy of Turkey to the Jews in this very dark period of history and before. In this story, we learn that Turkey took in Spanish Jews during the Inquisition after Ferdinand had thrown them out. This book centers on how Turkey aided Turkish and non-Turkish Jews who were living in Paris and needed to be rescued from the Germans who occupied France.
The story centers around two sisters, Selva and Sabiha, and the different paths their lives took. They are Muslims. Selva marries a Jew and to escape the wrath of her father for marrying outside the faith, moves to France. Sabiha marries a Muslim. Many other characters weave their way into the story; both the Muslims in France who aided the Jews and the Jews in France themselves.
As the story progresses, the reader finds that a train journey is planned for those Jews in France to be taken to Turkey. The most hair raising part of this book was the train trip itself. There were some scary moments before that too.
This story is about empathy and also how a life is affected by events of childhood. I found the characters in this book to be real and well-developed. And there are a LOT of characters. I discussed this book with my book club buddies and decided that bringing a list of all the characters was a must. I think I identified 21 characters. At first annoyed over keeping track of so many people, I did eventually have the thought that 6 million Jews were affected by the hatred of the Nazis. What's 21 in comparison to that?
I strongly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction. And if anyone wants the list of characters, please PM me your email address.
4 stars
Last Train to Istanbul by Ayşe Kulin takes place prior to and during the first two years of WWII. It is a very informative historical fiction relating the empathy of Turkey to the Jews in this very dark period of history and before. In this story, we learn that Turkey took in Spanish Jews during the Inquisition after Ferdinand had thrown them out. This book centers on how Turkey aided Turkish and non-Turkish Jews who were living in Paris and needed to be rescued from the Germans who occupied France.
The story centers around two sisters, Selva and Sabiha, and the different paths their lives took. They are Muslims. Selva marries a Jew and to escape the wrath of her father for marrying outside the faith, moves to France. Sabiha marries a Muslim. Many other characters weave their way into the story; both the Muslims in France who aided the Jews and the Jews in France themselves.
As the story progresses, the reader finds that a train journey is planned for those Jews in France to be taken to Turkey. The most hair raising part of this book was the train trip itself. There were some scary moments before that too.
This story is about empathy and also how a life is affected by events of childhood. I found the characters in this book to be real and well-developed. And there are a LOT of characters. I discussed this book with my book club buddies and decided that bringing a list of all the characters was a must. I think I identified 21 characters. At first annoyed over keeping track of so many people, I did eventually have the thought that 6 million Jews were affected by the hatred of the Nazis. What's 21 in comparison to that?
I strongly recommend this book for lovers of historical fiction. And if anyone wants the list of characters, please PM me your email address.
4 stars
December 26, 2016
“Think carefully. We only have one life to live. We alone are responsible for it.�
The main theme of this book is amazing and heart-breaking but I just couldn't stand most of the characters and thought that Kulin portrayed them a bit too psychologically dramatic for my understandings. The writing, or it was maybe the Serbian translation of it, left me feeling uneasy and awkward at times. I just think that this book is probably just not my cup of tea. It would probably make a good movie, though.
Koliko se kod nas piše o Ajše Kulin mislila sam da ću biti oduševljena knjigom ali mi se, nažalost, nije baš dopala. Problem mi je bio stil pisanja i većina glavnih likova sa kojima se nisam mogla povezati i koji su me često i nervirali svojim ponašanjem. Malo previše dramatično na psihološkom polju, a ne na istorijskom, ako razumete šta želim da kažem.
September 18, 2022
This is a story of anti-semitism. I was comfortable with the writing, but some reviewers had problems with it. The story itself was compelling. Anti-Semitism as practiced first in Turkey, but ramped up considerably in Nazi-occupied Europe. The title refers to the last train load of Jews to escape Paris and certain death, for Istanbul where they were well-received.
I would like to see Kulin address the Armenian holocaust perpetrated by Turks, but then she might ask why I haven’t addressed the U.S.A.’s Native American Holocaust. My response: I can’t write. The aforementioned reviewers, with whom I disagree, might say Kulin can’t either.
I would like to see Kulin address the Armenian holocaust perpetrated by Turks, but then she might ask why I haven’t addressed the U.S.A.’s Native American Holocaust. My response: I can’t write. The aforementioned reviewers, with whom I disagree, might say Kulin can’t either.
August 28, 2015
4+
Još jedan roman iz pera turske autorice Ayse Kulin u kojoj opisuje sudbinu Jevreja u Francuskoj za vrijeme II Svjetskog rata. U centru priče su Selva i Rafo Alfandari koji nakon vjenčanja odlaze iz Turske bježeći od porodica koji ne odobravaju brak između muslimanke i Jevreja. Daleko od porodica započinju novi život, dobivaju sina, a onda počinje rat koji se munjevitom brzinom širi. Moraju da se snalaze i pomažu drugima sa kojimaa se njihove sudbina isprepliću i ostaju povezana do samog kraja. Sa druge strane pratimo situaciju u Turskoj i život Sevlvine sestre Sabihe koja ne može da se pomiri sa odsustvom Selve. Odlično ispričana priča, sa dobrom historijskim činjenicama i dirljivim ljudskim odnosima. Roman koji prikazuje bliskost ljudi koji dijele istu nesreću :)
Još jedan roman iz pera turske autorice Ayse Kulin u kojoj opisuje sudbinu Jevreja u Francuskoj za vrijeme II Svjetskog rata. U centru priče su Selva i Rafo Alfandari koji nakon vjenčanja odlaze iz Turske bježeći od porodica koji ne odobravaju brak između muslimanke i Jevreja. Daleko od porodica započinju novi život, dobivaju sina, a onda počinje rat koji se munjevitom brzinom širi. Moraju da se snalaze i pomažu drugima sa kojimaa se njihove sudbina isprepliću i ostaju povezana do samog kraja. Sa druge strane pratimo situaciju u Turskoj i život Sevlvine sestre Sabihe koja ne može da se pomiri sa odsustvom Selve. Odlično ispričana priča, sa dobrom historijskim činjenicama i dirljivim ljudskim odnosima. Roman koji prikazuje bliskost ljudi koji dijele istu nesreću :)
September 23, 2018
Un roman mediocru, scris destul de superficial, lipsit de substanță.
July 18, 2015
3.5 stars. It was a slow plot, with the synopsis not really starting till the middle, and sounding more adventurous than it was. None of the characters were incredibly likable, but were interesting and dynamic. It was interesting to see this perspective of WWII, especially from a culture so different than my own, and one often left out (unfortunately) of history books/classes (in my experience).
December 2, 2015
4 γεμάτα από εικόνες Βόσπορου και Κωνσταντινούπολης αστεράκια.
Μου άρεσε το βιβλίο περισσότερο από όσο πίστεψα σε κάποια στιγμή. Ξεκινώ έτσι την κριτική μου γιατί για να ειμαι απολύτως ειλικρινής ξεκινώντας το βιβλίο και διαβάζοντας τις πρώτες του σελίδες μου άρεσε μεν αλλά δεν είχα ενθουσιαστεί δε οπότε φυσιολογικά αναρωτιόμουν αν είχα κάνει καλά που είχα προχωρήσει στην αγορά του. Υποθέτω όμως ότι επειδή γενικότερα είμαι πολύ μετρημένη με τις αγορές μου το ένστικτο ευτυχώς για ακόμα μια φορά λειτούργησε σωστά και παρόλο που η αλήθεια είναι είχα φανταστεί στο μυαλό μου μια τελείως διαφορετική ιστορία τελικά η ιστορία αποδείχτηκε ακόμα πιο βαθιά και συγκινητική Διαβάζοντας κανείς την περίληψη περιμένει ότι θα διαβάσει περισσότερο μια ρομαντική ιστορία με τα βάσανα ενός ζευγαριού κυνηγημένου από τον ίδιο του τον κοινωνικό περίγυρο Στην πραγματικότητα ήταν κάτι πολύ παραπάνω. Με αφετηρία την μία εκ των αδερφών η οποία επέλεξε να αφήσει την ήσυχη ζωή της Πόλης και να ζήσει στο Παρίσι μιας και ο πατέρας της την αποκλήρωσε επειδή παντρεύτηκε εβραίο και όχι μουσουλμάν, στην πραγματικότητα γινόμαστε μάρτυρες των ιστοριών μιας ομάδας ανθρώπων διαφορετικής ράτσας και ψυχοσύνθεσης ο καθένας και το αντίκτυπο που είχε πάνω τους ο δεύτερος παγκόσμιος πόλεμος. Γινόμαστε μάρτυρες της πραγματικά τεράστιας και θαρραλέας προσπάθειας των τούρκων διπλωματών να βοηθήσουν την τούρκικη μειονότητα των Εβραίων όπως ήταν ο σύζυγος της ηρωίδας μας και όχι μόνο να αποδράσουν από την υπο κατοχή Γαλλία. Ένα ταξίδι γεμάτο κακουχία, πόνο, δυστυχία και μια γλυκιά προσμονή γι αυτή την ομάδα ανθρώπων που κανείς δε μπορούσε να φανταστεί ότι όντας Εβραίοι θα μπορούσα τότε να ταξιδέψουν διαμέσου της χιτλερικής Γερμανίας μέχρι να έρθει η στιγμή να αντικρίσουν ξανά τα ήρεμα νερά του Βοσπόρου. Ένας πραγματικός φόρος τιμής στους ανθρώπους αυτούς που είχαν την τόλμη να μεταφέρουν κόσμο από την Γαλλία πίσω στην Τουρκία. Ένα βαγόνι στοιβάζει τα όνειρα, τις προσδοκίες και τις αναμνήσεις, Ένα ταξίδι με ένα και μόνο προορισμό την Κωνσταντινούπολη.
Παρόλο που το βιβλίο μάλλον τα πρόσωπα της ιστορίας δεν είναι υπαρκτά αλλά προϊόν της φαντασίας της συγγραφέως κατάφερε να με αγγίξει γιατί βασίστηκε σε αληθινά γεγονότα που αποτελούν και για μας λίγο σαν ένα μάθημα ιστορίας. Ξέρετε ως Ελληνες έχουμε μάθει, μάλλον μας μεγάλωσαν λίγο με τη λογική του 1821. Μνήμες επανάστασης, αβάσταχτης σκλαβιάς και πράγματι έτσι είναι και κανείς δεν τα ξεχνάει θα μείνουν πάντα στη μνήμη μας και ας μην τα ζήσαμε εμείς. Όμως η ζωή προχώρησε, νέες δοκιμασίες, οδύνη, πόνος. Ένας παγκόσμιος πόλεμος που ήρθε να σαρώσει τα πάντα στο πέρασμα του. Κάνω αυτή την εισαγωγή γιατί μου ήταν τρομερά ενδιαφέρον ακριβως ως Ελληνίδα να σκαλίσω λίγο ένα κομμάτι από την τούρκικη ιστορία κατά τη διάρκεια του Παγκοσμίου πολέμου. Ο πόλεμος δε διαχωρίζει τους ανθρώπους, χριστιανοί, μουσουλμάνοι, εβραίοι είμαστε όλοι ίδιοι , όλοι είμαστε επιβάτες στο ίδιο τρένο, στο ίδιο βαγόνι με μοναδικό και αδιαπραγμάτευτο προορισμό την ελευθερία.
April 26, 2016
I loved this book! It takes place in the beginning in Istanbul at the start of WWII. There are two sisters living with very traditional parents. When the older sister marries a Turkish diplomat, the parents are thrilled. The older sister, however, feels totally neglected by her husband. He is busy night and day at the embassy, trying to figure out with his peers and head administration who to side with during the war. (This is extremely historical and interesting)! The younger sister falls in love with a Turkish Jew, and when they marry, the father disowns her. The younger sister and husband leave for France, unknowing that Hitler will take over and the Vichy government will not support the Jews because France feels Hitler will destroy Paris if they protect Jews. The Turkish government always supported Jewish people, hundreds of years in the past, and during WWII. Many, many Jews depended upon the Turkish government to help them escape as Hitler continued to move Jews across Europe to the death camps. The reader will get to know many characters and their stories. This book is historical and so interesting!!!!! A must read!
March 23, 2016
The historical aspects covered by this novel makes reading this book worthwhile. I was not aware that the Ottoman empire based in Turkey opened her doors to the Spanish Jews in the 15th century so they could escape the persecution of the Catholic King Ferdinand II. Then in WWII Turkey was again instrumental in helping many Jews escape the persecution of Hitler's genocidal policies.
The culmination of the book is the escape of a 100 or so people on a train from Paris to Istanbul. The story just lacked characters to warm too nor was it able to build any drama or suspense.
The culmination of the book is the escape of a 100 or so people on a train from Paris to Istanbul. The story just lacked characters to warm too nor was it able to build any drama or suspense.
March 28, 2016
Mi fermo alle tre stelle per vari motivi. Il romanzo mi è piaciuto, parla di un episodio storico poco conosciuto, la fuga di un gruppo di ebrei turchi (e non solo) verso Istanbul da Parigi attraversando la Germania e molti altri territori occupati durante la seconda guerra mondiale. Non lo conoscevo ed è stato una scoperta interessante, così come il focus sulla posizione della Turchia nel conflitto, e anche sulle conseguenze che questa porterà in seguito (si vede un accenno alle prime basi americane sul territorio che vent'anni dopo saranno un argomento che condurrà alla crisi della Baia dei Porci), un punto di vista originale e di certo poco battuto dai romanzieri. Ciò che non mi è piaciuto riguarda lo stile - l'ho trovato un po' freddo, molto attento a descrivere ma poco coinvolto - e i pochi riferimenti storici al di fuori degli avvenimenti che coinvolgono i turchi. Per capirci, molti capitoli sono concentrati sulla situazione di Parigi nel 1942, ma non c'è un riferimento uno al rastrellamento del velodromo d'inverno, il peggior episodio di deportazione di massa per la Francia durante la guerra. Anche se non avesse coinvolto neanche un ebreo turco, che nessuno ci pensi, lo richiami alla mente... Boh, mi è sembrata una mancanza grave, parlando di un evento in cui furono raccolte e portate via da Parigi più di 13.000 persone in due giorni.
Inoltre, il packaging voluto dall'editore italiano staglia il personaggio di Selva come un'eroina che torreggia su tutti gli altri, mentre il romanzo si rivela ben diverso. Selva è una figura positiva, che si sposa per amore e in contrasto con la famiglia per problemi religiosi (lei musulmana, lui ebreo): la coppia si trasferisce inizialmente a Parigi sperando di poter vivere senza problemi... appena qualche tempo prima dell'invasione tedesca. Anche la grande storia d'amore in realtà è molto meno tragggica e più realistica di quanto non prometta la quarta di copertina: sicuramente si amano, tuttavia, una volta senza la loro rete di sostegno, la coppia si deve confrontare con le difficoltà date dalle differenze culturali e dalla guerra. Selva potrebbe tornare nel paese in quanto musulmana, e non avendo fatto circoncidere il figlio portarlo via con sé (cosa che crea problemi a Rafo: ha deciso lui di non seguire il rituale della sua fede per non mettere il bambino in pericolo, e tuttavia la cosa gli crea problemi), ma si fa registrare il nuovo passaporto come moglie di ebreo per orgoglio, determinata a non abbandonare il marito, ancora forse non consapevole del pericolo a cui si sta esponendo. Quando poi, più conscia, si mette in moto per salvare quanti più conoscenti e vicini può (insegnando la lingua turca per spacciarli per connazionali), il marito si dimostra più egoista... Ma oddio, si può dire? Rafo probabilmente è più consapevole sempre dei pericoli che corrono, tuttavia l'atteggiamento di Selva e la sua caparbietà a non abbandonare nessuno sono ammirevoli. E mentre sono in viaggio ormai per Istanbul, si capisce che dovranno rivedere il loro rapporto, una volta al sicuro. Mi piace che l'amore "ideale" e romantico si scontri con la realtà e con i problemi ed entri forse in una fase più matura e consapevole, lo trovo molto più gradevole (anche se incerto per il futuro) delle coppie stereotipate che si dichiarano il grande ammmore ogni due per tre. Anche la presentazione di Selva con un ruolo quasi "principesco" (figlia dell'ultimo Pashà, ci dicono) secondo me è ingannevole, perché si creano aspettative che non saranno poi soddisfatte.
Sono contenta invece che abbiano mantenuto la copertina inglese, perché mi ha colpito all'istante, l'ho trovata molto figa.
Inoltre, il packaging voluto dall'editore italiano staglia il personaggio di Selva come un'eroina che torreggia su tutti gli altri, mentre il romanzo si rivela ben diverso. Selva è una figura positiva, che si sposa per amore e in contrasto con la famiglia per problemi religiosi (lei musulmana, lui ebreo): la coppia si trasferisce inizialmente a Parigi sperando di poter vivere senza problemi... appena qualche tempo prima dell'invasione tedesca. Anche la grande storia d'amore in realtà è molto meno tragggica e più realistica di quanto non prometta la quarta di copertina: sicuramente si amano, tuttavia, una volta senza la loro rete di sostegno, la coppia si deve confrontare con le difficoltà date dalle differenze culturali e dalla guerra. Selva potrebbe tornare nel paese in quanto musulmana, e non avendo fatto circoncidere il figlio portarlo via con sé (cosa che crea problemi a Rafo: ha deciso lui di non seguire il rituale della sua fede per non mettere il bambino in pericolo, e tuttavia la cosa gli crea problemi), ma si fa registrare il nuovo passaporto come moglie di ebreo per orgoglio, determinata a non abbandonare il marito, ancora forse non consapevole del pericolo a cui si sta esponendo. Quando poi, più conscia, si mette in moto per salvare quanti più conoscenti e vicini può (insegnando la lingua turca per spacciarli per connazionali), il marito si dimostra più egoista... Ma oddio, si può dire? Rafo probabilmente è più consapevole sempre dei pericoli che corrono, tuttavia l'atteggiamento di Selva e la sua caparbietà a non abbandonare nessuno sono ammirevoli. E mentre sono in viaggio ormai per Istanbul, si capisce che dovranno rivedere il loro rapporto, una volta al sicuro. Mi piace che l'amore "ideale" e romantico si scontri con la realtà e con i problemi ed entri forse in una fase più matura e consapevole, lo trovo molto più gradevole (anche se incerto per il futuro) delle coppie stereotipate che si dichiarano il grande ammmore ogni due per tre. Anche la presentazione di Selva con un ruolo quasi "principesco" (figlia dell'ultimo Pashà, ci dicono) secondo me è ingannevole, perché si creano aspettative che non saranno poi soddisfatte.
Sono contenta invece che abbiano mantenuto la copertina inglese, perché mi ha colpito all'istante, l'ho trovata molto figa.
October 24, 2017
1.75/5.00 stars
I really liked the subject of the novel. But this fact alone was not enough for me to give more than 1.75 stars. I have several reasons for my decision:
1. The translation. I haven't read a book with such a bad translation in a very long time! Knowing Turkish (albeit not good enough to read a whole novel) I usually could guess at the original sentence and this knowledge made the mistakes in translation seem more obvious to me. It appears that the translator has not a very good grasp of some of the subtleties of the Turkish language.
For example: Twice one of the characters referred to another as "a friend for forty years". This is a common saying in Turkish that doesn't mean that the friendship existed for forty year but it's simply a way to refer to a very long friendship. This mistake is so notable because earlier in the novel it was mentioned that both characters are very young - between 25-30 years old.
Apart from that there were various mistakes - grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc. - that made reading this book a chore sometimes.
Now you can say that this is all the translator's fault and the author should not be responsible for it. That's true. But even if I'd ignore this fact and simply concentrate on the novel there are a lot of things that bothered me. So, here we are:
2. The characters are flat. Or rather: They are types: You have the beautiful and accomplished young woman, the bored married woman, the neglected child, the man who works too much, the staunch and rigid patriarch, the dutiful diplomat, his merry sidekick, etc. etc.
They don't live, they don't act but are simple mouthpieces for the author's opinions and views.
3. There is no real structure in the novel. Oftentimes I was a bit confused because the flow of the plot seemed weird. You thought that a few days were gone but in reality it was two months. There were not enough signs to indicate the time that passed.
4. Something that is related to 2.: Like I said before: The types did not only exist for the individuals but also for the larger groups represented in the novel: The French are weak, the Germans evil, the Turks noble, modern and humane, the Jews helpless and passive, etc. Everything is black and white. This is something that really makes reading tedious because no matter how good a story is such cliches ruin the joy one feels during reading.
As a conclusion I can say that the idea of the books was inventive and gripping but the realization of it was simply disappointing.
I really liked the subject of the novel. But this fact alone was not enough for me to give more than 1.75 stars. I have several reasons for my decision:
1. The translation. I haven't read a book with such a bad translation in a very long time! Knowing Turkish (albeit not good enough to read a whole novel) I usually could guess at the original sentence and this knowledge made the mistakes in translation seem more obvious to me. It appears that the translator has not a very good grasp of some of the subtleties of the Turkish language.
For example: Twice one of the characters referred to another as "a friend for forty years". This is a common saying in Turkish that doesn't mean that the friendship existed for forty year but it's simply a way to refer to a very long friendship. This mistake is so notable because earlier in the novel it was mentioned that both characters are very young - between 25-30 years old.
Apart from that there were various mistakes - grammar, spelling, sentence structure, etc. - that made reading this book a chore sometimes.
Now you can say that this is all the translator's fault and the author should not be responsible for it. That's true. But even if I'd ignore this fact and simply concentrate on the novel there are a lot of things that bothered me. So, here we are:
2. The characters are flat. Or rather: They are types: You have the beautiful and accomplished young woman, the bored married woman, the neglected child, the man who works too much, the staunch and rigid patriarch, the dutiful diplomat, his merry sidekick, etc. etc.
They don't live, they don't act but are simple mouthpieces for the author's opinions and views.
3. There is no real structure in the novel. Oftentimes I was a bit confused because the flow of the plot seemed weird. You thought that a few days were gone but in reality it was two months. There were not enough signs to indicate the time that passed.
4. Something that is related to 2.: Like I said before: The types did not only exist for the individuals but also for the larger groups represented in the novel: The French are weak, the Germans evil, the Turks noble, modern and humane, the Jews helpless and passive, etc. Everything is black and white. This is something that really makes reading tedious because no matter how good a story is such cliches ruin the joy one feels during reading.
As a conclusion I can say that the idea of the books was inventive and gripping but the realization of it was simply disappointing.
April 17, 2018
A wonderful read! The novel is set in World War II period when Jews suffered under Hitler's reign. The story starts in Istanbul with two sisters, siblings rivalry/jealousy, their aspirations, and insecurities. When Selva, the younger sister, decided to marry a Jew, family is rift apart and Sabiha, the older sister, is torn apart with guiltiness affecting her marriage life. Story then shift to Paris where Jews fall victims to the war atrocities. Fearing for Selva's husband's life, the family decided to board last train to Istanbul carrying people, Turkish and non-Turkish, with Turkish passports revealing the humanity across nation and religion.
July 26, 2023
3,5
Nos encontramos con una novela diferente, o quizá no tan habitual. Normalmente cuando te hablan de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, te vienen a la cabeza los países mas comunes, Alemania, Polonia, Eslovaquia, Francia, Reino Unido, Rusia� pero nunca pensamos en otros países que también estuvieron afectados, quizá de forma diferente pero ahí estuvieron, y esta novela se centra sobre todo en Turquía.
En un primer momento, nos encontramos en Turquía, los personajes principales serán las dos hermanas, muy diferentes que desde pequeñas tienen un tira y afloja entre ellas pero que tampoco pueden estar la una sin la otra.
Selva, conocera a un chico judío con el que se casará, como esto está completamente mal visto por ambas familias, deciden irse a París, una ciudad la cuál esta siendo ocupada por los nazis, lo que les traerá consecuencias�
Por otro lado, la otra hermana quedara en Ankara, con su familia, y su marido, ministro y un alto cargo que sabe como está la situación de la guerra en todo momento.
Es verdad que esta historia tiene algo de romance, pero también es verdad que este romance es el hilo conductor de toda la novela, gracias a la unión de una musulmana y un judío, conoceremos ambas culturas, conoceremos como un país como Turquía se enfrenta a la guerra, y todo lo que luchó su gobierno para ser neutrales, para ayudar aquellos judíos que se llevaron a los campos de concentración.
Un país como Turquía, con gran cantidad de razas y de religiones se acerca a ese pensamiento que tanto tenemos los occidentales, la autora nos muestra como en situaciones extremas muchas personas (que no todas ) sacan su lado mas humano para poder salvar a otros, y el lado mas oscuro, como los gobiernos hacen lo que sea para conseguir apoyo de los países neutrales.
Un libro que deja muchas cosas para reflexionar, la religión, la política, las relaciones con los padres, con los hijos, en general ha sido una lectura que me ha sorprendido para bien, si tengo que ponerle algún, pero, alguna situación amorosa me ha sobrado por completo y el final me ha parecido algo precipitado, pero por lo general, creo que es una novela que hay que leer, para conocer un poco mas lo que es desconocido.
Nos encontramos con una novela diferente, o quizá no tan habitual. Normalmente cuando te hablan de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, te vienen a la cabeza los países mas comunes, Alemania, Polonia, Eslovaquia, Francia, Reino Unido, Rusia� pero nunca pensamos en otros países que también estuvieron afectados, quizá de forma diferente pero ahí estuvieron, y esta novela se centra sobre todo en Turquía.
En un primer momento, nos encontramos en Turquía, los personajes principales serán las dos hermanas, muy diferentes que desde pequeñas tienen un tira y afloja entre ellas pero que tampoco pueden estar la una sin la otra.
Selva, conocera a un chico judío con el que se casará, como esto está completamente mal visto por ambas familias, deciden irse a París, una ciudad la cuál esta siendo ocupada por los nazis, lo que les traerá consecuencias�
Por otro lado, la otra hermana quedara en Ankara, con su familia, y su marido, ministro y un alto cargo que sabe como está la situación de la guerra en todo momento.
Es verdad que esta historia tiene algo de romance, pero también es verdad que este romance es el hilo conductor de toda la novela, gracias a la unión de una musulmana y un judío, conoceremos ambas culturas, conoceremos como un país como Turquía se enfrenta a la guerra, y todo lo que luchó su gobierno para ser neutrales, para ayudar aquellos judíos que se llevaron a los campos de concentración.
Un país como Turquía, con gran cantidad de razas y de religiones se acerca a ese pensamiento que tanto tenemos los occidentales, la autora nos muestra como en situaciones extremas muchas personas (que no todas ) sacan su lado mas humano para poder salvar a otros, y el lado mas oscuro, como los gobiernos hacen lo que sea para conseguir apoyo de los países neutrales.
Un libro que deja muchas cosas para reflexionar, la religión, la política, las relaciones con los padres, con los hijos, en general ha sido una lectura que me ha sorprendido para bien, si tengo que ponerle algún, pero, alguna situación amorosa me ha sobrado por completo y el final me ha parecido algo precipitado, pero por lo general, creo que es una novela que hay que leer, para conocer un poco mas lo que es desconocido.
April 28, 2019
BOOK 10 - Around the World Read - Turkey
Given today's headlines concerning immigration, I thought Ayse Kulin's international, award-winning best-seller deserved a second read. In my original review in 2017, I stated I thought extended political conversations interrupted the flow of the novel. But now, today, that's what I want most to understand: the political implications of immigration, etc.
SUMMARY
Turkish Jews, with assistance from the Turkish embassy in Paris, attempt to escape France and return to Turkey.
UPDATE REVIEW
There is background/historical information here that I found more influential to the plot of the book upon this second reading. In 15th Century Spain, King Ferdinand expelled all Jews from his country. With nowhere to go, the Sultan of Turkey accepted 250,000 Jews who would have otherwise been homeless and without a country and the additional expertise, etc., did help with the growth of the Ottoman Empire. In my original review, I mentioned that I felt there were too many characters, and I still feel that way, but one side-character, Rifka, refuses to escape to Spain with her daughter, Constance and Marcel, Rifka's son-in-law. I could understand that clearly this time around. There are many side-characters here and while it's true they all have great stories, by the time we get toward the end of the book, we have about 100 people on a train heading back to Turkey. For me, that still lowered the tension and added a level of confusion. I felt the 2 main characters, Sabiha and her sister Selva, had stories strong enough to carry the entire book. And this time around, I found the over-abundance of '!' in the opening pages to be distracting: "Life was just gray!" and "Time will tell!" and "You could take me with you, you know!" are all within the first 25 pages. This could be a translation issue, but still it's an issue that detracted me. But, 2 years after my first read, all of the original review remains true to me, and I'll stick with my 3-star rating. And I'd love to visit Istanbul as the author does a great job of presenting to readers a fascinating, unique city.
ORIGINAL 2017 REVIEW:
The premise is great: during WW2, an escape by train from Paris, through Germany, and on to Istanbul is planned. And the first half of this book is excellent: we get to know and care very much about a small group of characters. But as our emotional involvement ramps up, the story jumps track. Suddenly, we are in Cairo with a number of politicians to whom we've not been introduced. Granted, the underlying story is one of politics, but the author smartly chooses, during the first half of the book, to inform us of only what we need to know about the history of immigration/religion and about how and why these Turkish citizens are now in France and want to leave. But the author then, inexplicably, piles on more politics, then introduces more new characters. Toward the end, I wasn't sure who was who except for the original main characters. Eventually, though, we do get back on track: the story fulfills its original premise as the train ride is intense and full of surprises. The edition I read was 382 pages, but this story isn't a 382-page story. At 250 pages, with characters we like and an exciting premise, this book would have been so much better. Perhaps this issue is one of translation, but still some heavy editing would have come in handy. Overall, I enjoyed it, hence my 3-star rating.
Given today's headlines concerning immigration, I thought Ayse Kulin's international, award-winning best-seller deserved a second read. In my original review in 2017, I stated I thought extended political conversations interrupted the flow of the novel. But now, today, that's what I want most to understand: the political implications of immigration, etc.
SUMMARY
Turkish Jews, with assistance from the Turkish embassy in Paris, attempt to escape France and return to Turkey.
UPDATE REVIEW
There is background/historical information here that I found more influential to the plot of the book upon this second reading. In 15th Century Spain, King Ferdinand expelled all Jews from his country. With nowhere to go, the Sultan of Turkey accepted 250,000 Jews who would have otherwise been homeless and without a country and the additional expertise, etc., did help with the growth of the Ottoman Empire. In my original review, I mentioned that I felt there were too many characters, and I still feel that way, but one side-character, Rifka, refuses to escape to Spain with her daughter, Constance and Marcel, Rifka's son-in-law. I could understand that clearly this time around. There are many side-characters here and while it's true they all have great stories, by the time we get toward the end of the book, we have about 100 people on a train heading back to Turkey. For me, that still lowered the tension and added a level of confusion. I felt the 2 main characters, Sabiha and her sister Selva, had stories strong enough to carry the entire book. And this time around, I found the over-abundance of '!' in the opening pages to be distracting: "Life was just gray!" and "Time will tell!" and "You could take me with you, you know!" are all within the first 25 pages. This could be a translation issue, but still it's an issue that detracted me. But, 2 years after my first read, all of the original review remains true to me, and I'll stick with my 3-star rating. And I'd love to visit Istanbul as the author does a great job of presenting to readers a fascinating, unique city.
ORIGINAL 2017 REVIEW:
The premise is great: during WW2, an escape by train from Paris, through Germany, and on to Istanbul is planned. And the first half of this book is excellent: we get to know and care very much about a small group of characters. But as our emotional involvement ramps up, the story jumps track. Suddenly, we are in Cairo with a number of politicians to whom we've not been introduced. Granted, the underlying story is one of politics, but the author smartly chooses, during the first half of the book, to inform us of only what we need to know about the history of immigration/religion and about how and why these Turkish citizens are now in France and want to leave. But the author then, inexplicably, piles on more politics, then introduces more new characters. Toward the end, I wasn't sure who was who except for the original main characters. Eventually, though, we do get back on track: the story fulfills its original premise as the train ride is intense and full of surprises. The edition I read was 382 pages, but this story isn't a 382-page story. At 250 pages, with characters we like and an exciting premise, this book would have been so much better. Perhaps this issue is one of translation, but still some heavy editing would have come in handy. Overall, I enjoyed it, hence my 3-star rating.
May 13, 2018
by is a family drama set in Turkey and France during World War II. The drama involves two sisters, Sabiha and Selva from a wealthy Muslim family. Sabiha remains in Ankara, Turkey with her husband Macit a career diplomat while Selva who has been disowned lives France with her Jewish husband, Rafael or Rafo.
As one can easily imagine things become ominous for Selva and her family. In this book we learn of the extraordinary measures which Turkey took to protect all of their citizens regardless of religion. Diplomacy was key in remaining neutral, and in protecting the interest of the country and their citizens at home and abroad. I found this fascinating as I was really unaware of Turkey's role in World War II.
The family drama part of this book is good but takes a very long time to lay out and I found myself drifting at the beginning of the book and unwilling to read more than a few pages at a time. Once this book gets rolling and it really does get rolling, I finished it in one fell swoop.
A criticism, I had of the book as did many others is the translation at times is a bit clunky, but if the story is good, I can ignore that. I also found Sabiha a bit over the top in her high drama, but that may be just me.
This is one of the Read the World books from Amazon and given the cost, I feel it is deserving of its high marks.
As one can easily imagine things become ominous for Selva and her family. In this book we learn of the extraordinary measures which Turkey took to protect all of their citizens regardless of religion. Diplomacy was key in remaining neutral, and in protecting the interest of the country and their citizens at home and abroad. I found this fascinating as I was really unaware of Turkey's role in World War II.
The family drama part of this book is good but takes a very long time to lay out and I found myself drifting at the beginning of the book and unwilling to read more than a few pages at a time. Once this book gets rolling and it really does get rolling, I finished it in one fell swoop.
A criticism, I had of the book as did many others is the translation at times is a bit clunky, but if the story is good, I can ignore that. I also found Sabiha a bit over the top in her high drama, but that may be just me.
This is one of the Read the World books from Amazon and given the cost, I feel it is deserving of its high marks.
April 26, 2019
Good Read
I recommend the book to all readers. The book read almost like a collection of short stories. Some stories I liked and some I did not like. The book lacked cohesion due to the style of writing. I did not like the main character, Silva. She was a foolish girl who grew into a foolish woman. I thought the author tried to portray her as a saint doing good deed after good deed for divergent people. Rafo, a Jew, married Silva, a Muslim, both citizens of Istanbul, during the early years of World War Two. Since both families objected to the marriage, the couple moved to then unoccupied France. The gist of the main story is how this couple and other people escaped France, with Hitler on their tails, to return to Istanbul and other eastern countries. Allow me to say a few good words about the book, which I liked. It held my interest because I was reading about the war and people from a point of few about which I knew very little. Leon Uris could turn a book in much the same way. That is high praise, indeed.
Thank you, Ms. Kulin, for a good read.
I recommend the book to all readers. The book read almost like a collection of short stories. Some stories I liked and some I did not like. The book lacked cohesion due to the style of writing. I did not like the main character, Silva. She was a foolish girl who grew into a foolish woman. I thought the author tried to portray her as a saint doing good deed after good deed for divergent people. Rafo, a Jew, married Silva, a Muslim, both citizens of Istanbul, during the early years of World War Two. Since both families objected to the marriage, the couple moved to then unoccupied France. The gist of the main story is how this couple and other people escaped France, with Hitler on their tails, to return to Istanbul and other eastern countries. Allow me to say a few good words about the book, which I liked. It held my interest because I was reading about the war and people from a point of few about which I knew very little. Leon Uris could turn a book in much the same way. That is high praise, indeed.
Thank you, Ms. Kulin, for a good read.
August 13, 2024
Este o carte interesantă despre oamenii nevinovați, afectați de război, care străbat un continent măcinat de violențe, riscă foarte mult în căutarea libertății.
Un tren către libertate și pace, care unește personaje curajoase sub semnul semilunii.
Un roman captivant despre acțiunile țărilor neutre în al Doilea Război Mondial. Despre atitudinea crudă și inumană a germanilor față de evrei.
Despre turcii plini de compasiune care își riscau viața pentru a salva evreii din mâinile Gestapoului.
"Viața merită trăită numai dacă facem lucruri de onoare cât timp suntem pe pământ".
Un tren către libertate și pace, care unește personaje curajoase sub semnul semilunii.
Un roman captivant despre acțiunile țărilor neutre în al Doilea Război Mondial. Despre atitudinea crudă și inumană a germanilor față de evrei.
Despre turcii plini de compasiune care își riscau viața pentru a salva evreii din mâinile Gestapoului.
"Viața merită trăită numai dacă facem lucruri de onoare cât timp suntem pe pământ".
October 13, 2017
Love this book. Set during World War II, this book describes the obstacles Jews had to overcome during the war and the graciousness of one nation and its citizens who tried to save them, interwoven with long traditions and beautiful love stories. Highly recommend to anyone who likes historical fiction.
August 5, 2022
***3.5 stars***
Quello che mi è piaciuto del romanzo è stato conoscere un aspetto del secondo conflitto mondiale che ignoravo. Infatti nella maggior parte dei romanzi sull'argomento ho letto delle posizioni di nazioni come la Germania, l'Italia, l'Inghilterra, ma mai avevo letto della persecuzione degli ebrei raccontata da un punto di vista inedito e cioè di una nazione neutrale al conflitto come lo era la Turchia. La cosa più interessante è stata proprio questa, capire come l'ombra di Hitler sia arrivata lontana come, anche se di striscio, abbia interessato paesi molto distanti geograficamente.
Quello che invece non mi ha entusiasmata è stato come sono state trattate le vicende personali dei protagonisti: molto superficiali, quasi asettiche in determinati passaggi e non sono riuscita a entrare in empatia con essi. Sono tante le storie che si intrecciano e che l'autrice vuole portare avanti e forse questo ha limitato il coinvolgimento.
Quello che mi è piaciuto del romanzo è stato conoscere un aspetto del secondo conflitto mondiale che ignoravo. Infatti nella maggior parte dei romanzi sull'argomento ho letto delle posizioni di nazioni come la Germania, l'Italia, l'Inghilterra, ma mai avevo letto della persecuzione degli ebrei raccontata da un punto di vista inedito e cioè di una nazione neutrale al conflitto come lo era la Turchia. La cosa più interessante è stata proprio questa, capire come l'ombra di Hitler sia arrivata lontana come, anche se di striscio, abbia interessato paesi molto distanti geograficamente.
Quello che invece non mi ha entusiasmata è stato come sono state trattate le vicende personali dei protagonisti: molto superficiali, quasi asettiche in determinati passaggi e non sono riuscita a entrare in empatia con essi. Sono tante le storie che si intrecciano e che l'autrice vuole portare avanti e forse questo ha limitato il coinvolgimento.
June 16, 2023
Ayse Kulin, la autora, nos acerca a los horrores de la Segunda Guerra Mundial y cómo se vivió desde los ojos turcos. Al igual que habla sobre la intolerancia de algunas personas frente a los que profesan una diferente religión, cultura, raza, etc., en contraposición con la empatía de otras personas.
En cuanto el lector se adentra en las primeras páginas de la novela se da cuenta de que no es otra historia más sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial, sino que son una serie de historias diferentes, pero unidas y entrelazadas a través de diversos hilos. Desde aspectos políticos hasta otros familiares. Dentro de los motivos políticos que trata la novela se encuentra la situación en que Turquía se enfrenta a la guerra, y el trabajo que sus diplomáticos realizaron para ser neutrales y poder ayudar a salvar de los campos de concentración nazis a los judíos turcos. Igualmente, nosotros como lectores veremos cómo una sociedad multirracial y multi-religiosa con una gran tradición e Historia, intenta acercarse al pensamiento occidental y su forma de hacer política, enfrentando pensamientos tradicionales y conservadores con otros más modernos y aperturistas.
En conjunción con esto se sitúa otra de las sub-tramas que desarrolla la novela, el Amor sin importar nada más que el cariño de la pareja frente a las relaciones de pareja por conveniencia política y social, donde es impensable la unión de personas de diferente religión. Incluyendo aquí las relaciones familiares, en las cuales se intuye o se puede intuir los diversos traumas que causan los celos entre hermanos y hermanas, y las habladurías de la gente. Llevando a tener depresiones y complejos varios.
Por otro lado, observamos cómo ante situaciones de especial crudeza sale el lado más humano de casi la mayoría de las personas para salvar a los demás. Asimismo, durante la lectura nos enseña cómo hubo diplomáticos y personas de toda condición que ayudaron a salvar la vida de aquellos y aquellas personas perseguidas por razón de su religión, raza, identidad sexual, etc. Y lo egoístas que podían llegar a ser las naciones combatientes para conseguir apoyos de los países neutrales.
Y hablando de egoísmo y orgullo, la intrahistoria de la relación paterno filial entre dos de los protagonistas nos hace pensar en lo complicado que es a veces mostrar el sentimiento de amor y cariño cuando se intenta proteger a la familia.
En definitiva, y bajo mi punto de vista, esta novela hace que nos volvamos a congraciar con la Humanidad. En ella, después de retrotraernos a los años más duros de la Segunda Guerra Mundial (1940-1943), veremos saciada nuestra empatía. Además, a los futuros lectores se la recomiendo muchísimo porque es un canto a la humanidad y la cooperación, así como muy instructiva.
En cuanto el lector se adentra en las primeras páginas de la novela se da cuenta de que no es otra historia más sobre la Segunda Guerra Mundial, sino que son una serie de historias diferentes, pero unidas y entrelazadas a través de diversos hilos. Desde aspectos políticos hasta otros familiares. Dentro de los motivos políticos que trata la novela se encuentra la situación en que Turquía se enfrenta a la guerra, y el trabajo que sus diplomáticos realizaron para ser neutrales y poder ayudar a salvar de los campos de concentración nazis a los judíos turcos. Igualmente, nosotros como lectores veremos cómo una sociedad multirracial y multi-religiosa con una gran tradición e Historia, intenta acercarse al pensamiento occidental y su forma de hacer política, enfrentando pensamientos tradicionales y conservadores con otros más modernos y aperturistas.
En conjunción con esto se sitúa otra de las sub-tramas que desarrolla la novela, el Amor sin importar nada más que el cariño de la pareja frente a las relaciones de pareja por conveniencia política y social, donde es impensable la unión de personas de diferente religión. Incluyendo aquí las relaciones familiares, en las cuales se intuye o se puede intuir los diversos traumas que causan los celos entre hermanos y hermanas, y las habladurías de la gente. Llevando a tener depresiones y complejos varios.
Por otro lado, observamos cómo ante situaciones de especial crudeza sale el lado más humano de casi la mayoría de las personas para salvar a los demás. Asimismo, durante la lectura nos enseña cómo hubo diplomáticos y personas de toda condición que ayudaron a salvar la vida de aquellos y aquellas personas perseguidas por razón de su religión, raza, identidad sexual, etc. Y lo egoístas que podían llegar a ser las naciones combatientes para conseguir apoyos de los países neutrales.
Y hablando de egoísmo y orgullo, la intrahistoria de la relación paterno filial entre dos de los protagonistas nos hace pensar en lo complicado que es a veces mostrar el sentimiento de amor y cariño cuando se intenta proteger a la familia.
En definitiva, y bajo mi punto de vista, esta novela hace que nos volvamos a congraciar con la Humanidad. En ella, después de retrotraernos a los años más duros de la Segunda Guerra Mundial (1940-1943), veremos saciada nuestra empatía. Además, a los futuros lectores se la recomiendo muchísimo porque es un canto a la humanidad y la cooperación, así como muy instructiva.
January 8, 2015
Today, I finally finished this book. I swear, I feel like I started this book forever ago and right now, I’m just glad that it’s over. The only reason I continued through it is because it was an audiobook and I needed something to listen to on my commute.
Anyway, I selected the book because of the ŷ description. I felt like it was going to be a gentle love story with touches of war related drama. Instead, it was a disjointed semi-love story involving what I considered to be a somewhat dysfunctional family. Really, there wasn’t much love in the story at all. Essentially, there are a bunch of different characters, all of whom want to escape France and go to Istanbul. At one point, one person is headed to a New Year’s Eve party and is taken to a concentration camp by the Nazis. It was like a mini story within the story and completely confused me.
Generally, I understood what the story was about: A family separated � one sister in France, the other in Istanbul with her parents. War starts and the need to get back home is clear. The sister in France, along with hundreds of other Turkish nationals (and a few who aren’t but are traveling on fake passports) seek to escape the war by traveling on a train from Paris to Istanbul over the course of ten days or so. The last third of the book follows the actual trip and the fear they all face in that journey.
I think what tipped me over the edge was the narration. When it comes to audiobooks, my biggest pet peeve is poor narration. And this book was horribly narrated. Now, I don’t know what a Turkish accent should sound like, but I have a general idea of a French and German accent. Every single accent in this book sounded like amateur acting. Or a cartoon. Or a bad SyFy movie. It turned me off from the beginning and I was really hoping the story would make up for it. Well, it didn’t.
Many of the other readers of this book thought it was pretty good and some suspected that the difficulty of the story may have been due to the fact that it was translated from Turkish to English. Of course, when a document is translated, especially a work of fiction, many of the nuances of language that make the document special can be lost. I agree that the translation may have made this book much more disjointed than it was actually meant to be.
Anyway, I selected the book because of the ŷ description. I felt like it was going to be a gentle love story with touches of war related drama. Instead, it was a disjointed semi-love story involving what I considered to be a somewhat dysfunctional family. Really, there wasn’t much love in the story at all. Essentially, there are a bunch of different characters, all of whom want to escape France and go to Istanbul. At one point, one person is headed to a New Year’s Eve party and is taken to a concentration camp by the Nazis. It was like a mini story within the story and completely confused me.
Generally, I understood what the story was about: A family separated � one sister in France, the other in Istanbul with her parents. War starts and the need to get back home is clear. The sister in France, along with hundreds of other Turkish nationals (and a few who aren’t but are traveling on fake passports) seek to escape the war by traveling on a train from Paris to Istanbul over the course of ten days or so. The last third of the book follows the actual trip and the fear they all face in that journey.
I think what tipped me over the edge was the narration. When it comes to audiobooks, my biggest pet peeve is poor narration. And this book was horribly narrated. Now, I don’t know what a Turkish accent should sound like, but I have a general idea of a French and German accent. Every single accent in this book sounded like amateur acting. Or a cartoon. Or a bad SyFy movie. It turned me off from the beginning and I was really hoping the story would make up for it. Well, it didn’t.
Many of the other readers of this book thought it was pretty good and some suspected that the difficulty of the story may have been due to the fact that it was translated from Turkish to English. Of course, when a document is translated, especially a work of fiction, many of the nuances of language that make the document special can be lost. I agree that the translation may have made this book much more disjointed than it was actually meant to be.
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