10 MINUTES 38 SECONDS IN THIS STRANGE WORLD BY ELIF SHAFAK

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BOOK NAME: 10 MINUTES 38 SECONDS IN THIS STRANGE WORLD  

AUTHOR NAME: ELIF SHAFAK

GENRE: CONTEMPORARY FICTION

PUBLISHER: PENGUIN BOOKS

BOOK BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.in/Minutes-Seconds-this-Strange-World-ebook/dp/B07N3663SF


BOOK COVER IMAGE




BOOK REVIEW

Elite, elegant, and chic - three words that I would choose to describe Elif Shafak's world and her writing.


The story starts with the final moments of the protagonist - Tequila Leila, and her recollection of the best moments of her life. There is no spoiler here, as the story is largely about the concept of death and life. Tequila Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, had fled away from her home at a young age after facing abuse. She left her house with dreams and aspirations, but she was accidentally caught in the world of trafficking and into a business she barely wanted to do. Later, she adapts to the world that she lives in and becomes stronger. Though her bloodline outcasts her, her five friends stand by her like a pillar throughout. 


How did Leila die? Was it a theft attempt, or was there more to it? Did her being a sex worker play any role in her death? Elif Shafak's poignant and powerful story dives into this mystery and the painful lives of sex workers in Istanbul.


Who decides who gets to go to heaven and who gets doomed to hell? Who predicts who is destined for heaven after life - a sex worker or someone who is a self-proclaimed God's child? What makes someone a good person, and does it even consider their inner turmoil and struggles? This hard-hitting story of Leila and her five friends answers them brilliantly, which is beyond the concept of clear-cut good and evil. Though the book is heavy and melancholic, the characters are solid and straightforward. Except for the slightly dragged ending, I absolutely loved wafting through the pages of the book. The portrayal of Istanbul and the local culture was astounding. I am sure to go hunting for her other works because her writing feels like a lullaby to the soul.


MY REVIEW: 4/5 

This post is a part of Blogchatter’s #TBRchallenge

#penbooksandscalpel

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