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463
Novel • Fiction
Kars, Turkey • 1990s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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
48,436 ratings
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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.
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.
48,436 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
İpek Hanım
İpek is a beautiful and enigmatic woman in Kars, whom Ka becomes infatuated with during his short stay in the town.
Blue
Blue is a charismatic Islamist militant leader in Kars, known for his storytelling ability and contentious relationship with Ka.
Kadife Hanım
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
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.
463
Novel • Fiction
Kars, Turkey • 1990s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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