The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

Description

“The Bastard of Istanbul” is a novel written by Elif Shafak, a Turkish-British author, and it was first published in 2006. The novel is a work of fiction that weaves together the stories of two families, one in Istanbul, Turkey, and the other in Arizona, USA.

The story primarily revolves around two main characters, Asya Kazancı and Armanoush Tchakhmakhchian. Asya is a young woman living in Istanbul with her unconventional and boisterous family, while Armanoush is an Armenian-American woman who travels to Istanbul to learn more about her family’s history and roots. The novel explores themes of identity, family, history, and cultural heritage.

The title of the novel, “The Bastard of Istanbul,” refers to Asya, who is considered the illegitimate child of her mother, Zeliha, and this fact is central to the family’s dynamics and secrets. As the two families’ stories unfold, the novel delves into issues of ethnic and cultural identity, as well as the historical events, such as the Armenian Genocide, that have shaped the lives of the characters.

Elif Shafak is known for her rich storytelling and her ability to blend multiple narratives and voices into her novels. “The Bastard of Istanbul” is a complex and engaging story that explores the interconnectedness of lives across generations and cultures, and it offers a nuanced perspective on the history and conflicts of Turkey and the Armenian diaspora.