Honour by Elif Shafak

Description

“Honour” is a novel written by Turkish-British author Elif Shafak, published in 2012. The book explores themes of family, cultural clash, and the impact of tradition on individual lives. It weaves together multiple narratives and perspectives to create a complex and thought-provoking story.

The novel follows the lives of two Turkish-Kurdish families living in Istanbul: the Topraks and the Keskins. The Toprak family is upended when their eldest daughter, Pembe, flees to London to escape an arranged marriage. The story unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including Pembe’s husband, Adem, and their children, Iskender and Esma. As the narrative switches between past and present, the reader gains insight into the complexities of family relationships, cultural expectations, and the challenges faced by immigrant communities in a foreign land.

“Honour” delves into the theme of honor and its often detrimental impact on the lives of women, particularly within patriarchal societies. The characters grapple with the tension between individual desires and societal norms, highlighting the conflict between personal freedom and the weight of tradition. The novel also explores the immigrant experience, the struggles of assimilation, and the clash between different cultural values.

Elif Shafak’s writing is known for its lyrical and evocative prose, as well as her ability to portray the intricacies of human emotions and relationships. “Honour” continues this trend by examining the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the search for identity within a framework of cultural and social expectations.

Overall, “Honour” is a powerful and emotionally charged novel that delves into the struggles faced by its characters, shedding light on the complex interplay of tradition, modernity, and individual agency in a changing world.