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Snow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Orhan Pamuk

Snow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

463

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kars, Turkey • 1990s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Snow by Orhan Pamuk tells the story of Ka, a Turkish poet and political exile, who returns to the city of Kars under the guise of investigating a rise in suicides among young Muslim women, but his true motive is to win the love of İpek Hanim. As a blizzard isolates the city, Ka becomes entangled in political turmoil, including a violent coup led by Sunay Zaim, while grappling with his own conflicting beliefs and love for İpek. The narrative interweaves personal, political, and theological struggles, ultimately leading to Ka's tragic end and the reflections of his friend, who attempts to uncover the mystery surrounding Ka's death and lost poetry. The novel examines themes of love, faith, and political conflict. This book contains discussions of suicide.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.8

48,436 ratings

58%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Orhan Pamuk's Snow is praised for its rich, atmospheric narrative and deep exploration of political and religious conflicts in Turkey. Critics admire Pamuk's intricate prose and character development. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot convoluted. Overall, it is a thought-provoking novel that offers significant cultural insights but may challenge some readers with its complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Snow?

Readers who appreciate Snow by Orhan Pamuk often enjoy rich, atmospheric narratives that explore political, cultural, and personal conflicts. Fans of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini or A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry will find similar thematic depth and complexity in Pamuk’s work. This novel appeals to those interested in contemporary history, identity, and philosophical introspections.

3.8

48,436 ratings

58%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Character List

Kerim Alakusoglu (Ka)

Ka is a Turkish poet and exile who visits the town of Kars, where he becomes embroiled in events surrounding a military coup and falls in love with İpek.

İpek is a beautiful and enigmatic woman in Kars, whom Ka becomes infatuated with during his short stay in the town.

Blue is a charismatic Islamist militant leader in Kars, known for his storytelling ability and contentious relationship with Ka.

Kadife is İpek's younger sister and a strong-willed leader of the "head-scarf girls," who becomes involved in the political turmoil in Kars.

Necip is a teenage student from the religious high school in Kars who forms a brief but significant bond with Ka, introducing themes of faith and idealism.

Book Details
Pages

463

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Kars, Turkey • 1990s

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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