Super Short Summary

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak tells the story of Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, whose brain remains active for 10 minutes and 38 seconds after her murder, during which she recalls significant moments in her life and the friends who meant the most to her. Her friends, defying societal norms, attempt to honor her by reclaiming her body and giving her a proper funeral. The book discusses death, murder, miscarriage, childhood sexual assault, domestic violence, ableism, and other sensitive subjects.