62 pages • 2 hours read
The Bastard of Istanbul
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Book Brief
366
Novel • Fiction
Istanbul, Turkey • 2000s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak intricately links the lives of the Turkish Kazanci family and the Armenian-American Tchakhmakchian family through a series of historical and contemporary events, highlighting their complex and intertwined histories. The story revolves around Asya Kazanci and Armanoush Tchakhmakchian as they navigate their family secrets and cultural identities, ultimately confronting the painful legacy of the 1915 Armenian Genocide. Topics include rape and genocide.
Emotional
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
61,453 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak is praised for its rich, multi-generational storytelling, cultural depth, and vibrant character portrayals. Readers appreciate its exploration of identity and heritage. However, some find the narrative occasionally convoluted and feel that it grapples with too many themes at once. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and evocative read.
Who Should Read The Bastard of Istanbul?
Readers who enjoy multigenerational family sagas, cultural exploration, and rich storytelling will be captivated by Elif Shafak’s The Bastard of Istanbul. Fans of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner or Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits will appreciate its intricate plot and deep dive into themes of identity and heritage.
61,453 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
366
Novel • Fiction
Istanbul, Turkey • 2000s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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