Elif Shafak on 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World

'One of the best writers in the world today' Hanif Kureishi

'Haunting, moving, beautifully written - and based by an extraordinary cast of characters who capture the diversity of modern Turkey. A masterpiece' Peter Frankopan

'In the first minute following her death, Tequila Leila's consciousness began to ebb, slowly and steadily, like a tide receding from the shore. Her brain cells, having run out of blood, were now completely deprived of oxygen. But they did not shut down. Not right away...'

For Leila, each minute after her death brings a sensuous memory: the taste of spiced goat stew, sacrificed by her father to celebrate the long-awaited birth of a son; the sight of bubbling vats of lemon and sugar which the women use to wax their legs while the men attend mosque; the scent of cardamom coffee that Leila shares with a handsome student in the brothel where she works. Each memory, too, recalls the friends she made at each key moment in her life - friends who are now desperately trying to find her. . .

'Simply magnificent, a truly captivating work of immense power and beauty, on the essence of life and its end.' Philippe Sands

'One of the most important writers at work today' Independent

'A vivid carnival of life and death, cruelty and kindness, love, politics and deep humanity. This is only possible in the hands of a consummate storyteller. Elif Shafak's lyrical command of language and narrative is breathtaking. Brilliant!' Helena Kennedy

'Elif Shafak brings into the written realm what so many others want to leave outside. Spend more than ten minutes and 38 seconds in this world of the estranged. Shafak makes a new home for us in words' Colum McCann

'Elif Shafak's extraordinary 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in this Strange World is a work of brutal beauty and consummate tenderness' Simon Schama

'A rich, sensual novel... This is a novel that gives voice to the invisible, the untouchable, the abused and the damaged, weaving their painful songs into a thing of beauty.' Financial Times

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[s.m.]

She is just on another level, I love her books so much! It is captivating every time and it takes me away to places and lives as a silent observer. She is not preaching, yet I learn so much :)

[tinaugarkovic]

Currently finishing this book - so sad, mesmerizing, and touching. And Elif is such an amazing writer and an inspiring person.

[mariyammari]

She is such an amazing and eloquent writer. She grabs the attention of the readers till the last word. She is a great inspiration for me. I really want to write like her. GoD bless her!

[rebeccaa]

She seems like such a tranquil, peaceful person. And then she says she listens to metal... Lol!
Such a shock! Maybe this is the secret to achieving calm.

[justanotherperson]

Finished reading this book 2 days ago and I still can't get over it..I cried yesterday and I'm crying even now... it's so difficult to explain what I am feeling after reading this book because it's really complicated..and I believe someone who has read this book can only understand what's happening to me right now..I have read four of Elif Shafak's novel but the impact this one has had on me is really different..

[keetz]

This book was my first Elif Shafak read and I loved the book. A fiction based on such a scientific fact is first of its kind that I have encountered with. A lot of emotions instilled in me while reading the book. Definitely recommend it especially if you are strong to take up. More power to Elif Shafak.

[lenchantee]

My English is not good... But when I'm listening to her it's sounds like my native language 🎶❤️✨
And when I read her, I feel at home.
A gift to us. 🌠

[chakirmahfoud]

This woman is amazing. I wish she could write a new book every single month.

[Nada_fr]

For me she is literally the face of Turkey every thing about her is like a journey to Istanbul
I could listen to her talk for hours 😂😂

[joyfun]

I you!!! I read your “the Bastard of Istanbul”. It became my favorite book of 2020!!! Then I ordered your another book “Three daughters of Eve”; it arrived today. I’m so thankful to you for writing about armenian genocide!

[shahirabdulsalam]

I love the way elif shafak speaks❤
Clear and crystal like a waterfall .

[h.yigitdegirmenci]

It's hard to believe that this beauty really exists and belongs to our planet. I m proud as a turkish reader to share the same nationality with her and also sad that she has been greatly valued everywhere but in her own country.

[ahmadfaisalazizi]

She is my all-time favorite novel writer. Lots of Love and Respect from Afghanistan <3

[fahmidalutfullah]

I love her books! "Forty rules of love" was one of them and I read it over and over...underlining parts that I wanted to come back to. She sounds like such a fascinating person too! Wow! I can't wait to get my hands on this book!

[ayinhaaffrdhee]

“ to give more voice to the voiceless “ is what this book is about. Love her and her Novels ❤

[lucybell]

Such an incredible and interesting woman. A powerful & eloquent storyteller. I love her books and the way she describes her thought processes behind her stories and characters. Beautiful!

[imaneout]

Elif shafak, the best author and storyteller . I cry every time I read your books and I fell very very impressed and close to you through your characters .
Your novels are really a beautiful space where I love and I accept all the imperfections of this world including mines .

[sarahalsaeedi]

The best author out there! And this novel was spectacular and a must read!

[rukhsanaiqbal]

I carry Rumi and Hafiz 's words in my Kindle reader, and also " The forty rules of love ", One cannot appreciate and thank ELIF SHAFAQ enough for introducing us to Sufi thought in such a brilliant and conversational style . Iam a great great admirer and reading her had been a life changing experience !

[mernamuhammad_nk]

Her voice is so relaxing, her passion, personality and work. I like her!! Imagine listening to her work in her voice