Snow
2 journalers for this copy...
Pre-numbered label used for registration.
Reasonably heavy going but intelligent and interesting. I'll TRY and finish so it can come to Brisbane with me. (convention 2005)
Reasonably heavy going but intelligent and interesting. I'll TRY and finish so it can come to Brisbane with me. (convention 2005)
I enjoyed this book immensely.
Kerim Alakusoglu is a poet known to all, including us readers, as Ka.
He visits the small backblocks Turkish town of Kar seeking love and self realisation. He visits under the guise of being a journalist seeking to investigate a recent spate of "scarf girl suicides".
What follows is a thought provoking exploration of (excuse the cliches) east vs west, civilisation/modernity vs tradition, religion vs religion and secularism. This exploration is especially enlightening in respect to the current debate within Turkey and Europe about the former "joining" the latter.
And Pamuk gives some insight into how bored youth can be corrupted by cynical leaders with their (perhaps overstated or pretend) piety into terrorism. Also how a repressive state creates the atmosphere for such corruption.
Although some of the language may be tarnished in the translation I found several quite beautiful and descriptive passages. I particularly enjoyed the names of the various retail institutions around the town....eg "Green Pastures Hall" and "New Life Pastry Shop"
According to the cover the author has "angered Islamists and westernised Turks alike." It is easy to see how.
Highly recommended. A rich and complex read. So many layers and things to think about. I cannot cover even a small percentage of it in this review.
Lent to a non Bookcrossing friend...Julia.
John wants it after
Kerim Alakusoglu is a poet known to all, including us readers, as Ka.
He visits the small backblocks Turkish town of Kar seeking love and self realisation. He visits under the guise of being a journalist seeking to investigate a recent spate of "scarf girl suicides".
What follows is a thought provoking exploration of (excuse the cliches) east vs west, civilisation/modernity vs tradition, religion vs religion and secularism. This exploration is especially enlightening in respect to the current debate within Turkey and Europe about the former "joining" the latter.
And Pamuk gives some insight into how bored youth can be corrupted by cynical leaders with their (perhaps overstated or pretend) piety into terrorism. Also how a repressive state creates the atmosphere for such corruption.
Although some of the language may be tarnished in the translation I found several quite beautiful and descriptive passages. I particularly enjoyed the names of the various retail institutions around the town....eg "Green Pastures Hall" and "New Life Pastry Shop"
According to the cover the author has "angered Islamists and westernised Turks alike." It is easy to see how.
Highly recommended. A rich and complex read. So many layers and things to think about. I cannot cover even a small percentage of it in this review.
Lent to a non Bookcrossing friend...Julia.
John wants it after
Neither were able to finish it. So to be offered as a RABCK
Quizzical has it
Given to me by newk last night.
Hope I do better than Julia.
Hope I do better than Julia.
