The Bastard of Istanbul Audiobook

" I would have given this book three stars but I gave it an extra one just for making me learn about something (Armenian genocide, history of Turkey) that I wasn't familiar with. "

" A great story about a family of women, all with a different story and destiny. In a family where men die young they have to find their own way. Very interesting characters and superbly written as well. Amazing twists and storytelling. "

" I loved this. Not sure Emily did. I'll have to ask her. "

" Novel of the tensions between Armenians and Turks that persist and affect a young girl wanting to marry. "

" This book ended up being way below my expectations. Elif Shafal will not tell you a lot about Armenian genocide nor the Turkish identity pre and post Ataturk. It is more a pop chick flick/soap opera sort of a book. My two stars go for being not bad as a beach book. "

" Looking forward to discussing this one at book group! "

" I loved this book. the writing is wonderful. The ending is a surprise. the history is enlightening. I learned alot about young women in Turkey. Try it. "

" It reads very much like chick lit, and I was expecting a little bit more. Also, the story feels a little contrived. "

" If you like books were combines history with fiction this is it. one of the best ways to learn some Turkish-Armenean history but fall in love which each character. one of my favorites books. "

" I am enjoying this so far . . . and, now that I'm done, I do recommend it. "

" absolutely brilliant! who knew Turks could pen such amazing literature! "

" This was a great book, you could really tell how in love the author is with the city of Istanbul. I had a hard time following the complicated family ties, but once the basics were down it was really great. "

" Extremely bold and raggedly beautiful! "

" Her descriptions of Istanbul and evocation of Turkish life I really enjoyed - however, the characters and story I found trite and irritating and although the central political arguement was interesting, her manner of conveying it just bored me "

" Slow to begin, awkward to get into, I'm glad I stuck with the story, for the insight into imperfect lives and into an intriguing world where east meets west meets genocide meets history and the fog of forgetting. "

" Lots of ins and outs. I got a tad confused among Middle Eastern names, and didn't think it was as good as her later book, but good enough. "

" I enjoyed this glimpse into a new culture. For most of this book the author has such a light almost whimsical touch, the ending comes as a bit of a shock. A rich story. "

" Could never quite figure out where it was going. I kept going as I regularly had the impressino that it was going somewhere. "

" Shafak explores Turkey's denial of the Armenian holocaust in this story of three generations of women who live in Istanbul. When a distant relative, an Armenian American girl, visits, family secrets are revealed and Turkish history is questioned. "

" Not compelling enough for me to finish the book. "

" One of the best novels I've read. Very well written and has an amazing storyline that was intricately woven to have you transeffered in place and time. Read it! "