Passion on the Bosphorous
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak (Viking Penguin) makes a bold attempt to admit and examine the persecution of Armenians, a topic which puts most Turks in an immediate denial mode. Another commendable feature that recommends the book is a strong underlying feminist theme in the entire narrative, which is presented entirely through the eyes of women. It is basically the story of Zeliha Kagazci and her illegitimate daughter Asya; the novel begins with Zeliha’s failed attempt to get an abortion. A modern, educated and headstrong woman, she refuses to tell her family about the father of the child in her womb.This book is a compelling read for all feminists – men and women – and those interested in understanding the various nuances of conflict and conflict resolution. The frustrations and bitterness that can dominate and overpower the lives of educated, intelligent, fiercely independent and slightly crazy women unfold rather strikingly in Shafak’s writing. After all, all of us have our crazy side, don’t we?