Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Why haven't I read Elif Shafak?
Woman's voice on BBC Radio today. Mid discussion. I can't quite place her accent. Thoughtful, lucid, bold, principled.
I listen some more, and the pieces begin to fall into place. A writer in English and Turkish. She and her family now live in London.
And, Yes. I have heard her name before. Now I've heard her voice and some of her views.
I look up the titles of her books; nearly every one intrigues me. Anyone on HoL likes and reads her?
Which book should I buy first?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Alison M on
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I've read one of hers - "The Island of Missing Trees" which I enjoyed a lot, but can't remember very well now (it was a library book so can't refresh my memory). A good story, well told, and I learnt a lot (at the time) about Cyprus and its difficult history. Unfortunately the details have slipped past my aging brain, but I would recommend it.
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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Thanks Alison, I'll look out for the Missing Trees.
I was especially curious about another listed title. "The Forty Rules of Love".So I watched Elif Shafak interviewed about this book. The conversation is in a YouTube video where she gives generous responses to what seemed deeply felt questions.
Here's the link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CPHpaBcg2o
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Permalink Reply by Annie McDonald
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Fantastic book 📚
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Admin for testingPermalink Reply by Hugh on -
I've read The Architect's Apprentice and There are Rivers in the Sky. I preferred Architect, but I think others prefer Rivers.
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Enjoy reading her - agree Missing Trees is splendid (and very relevant to Haringey in its coverage of dispossession.) There are Rivers in the Sky is equally enjoyable . Perhaps read Honour as first introduction to her work - she is a wonderful writer. How lovely to be starting on her works
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Thanks, Hugh and Kate, and everyone else thinking of recommending their favourites.
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An interview with her in Guardian three days ago
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Thanks for pasting the Guardian link, Kate.
And for the doubly curious here's the link to the previous Ted Talk mentioned:
"https://www.ted.com/talks/elif_shafak_the_politics_of_fiction"Which I'm looking forward to watching and listening again. With my finger hovering over the mouse to pause and think about the humour and insights that made me smile.
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Permalink Reply by Julie Richards
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She's a fabulous writer. Can't recommend her enough
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I have loved Elif Shafak for many years. She is a wonderful writer and if ever you get a chance to see her live l would recommend. I love all her books but seeing as you live in the area maybe start with The Island of Missing Trees. I originally started with The Bastard of Istanbul and have read every other book since. She cannot return to Istanbul as she will be arrested! The government object to her books. She also has a wonderful Substack which is well worth reading. Enjoy 😊
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