Three Daughters of Eve by Elif Shafak

“Three Daughters of Eve” is a novel written by Turkish-British author Elif Shafak. The book was published in 2016. Known for her rich storytelling and exploration of complex themes, Shafak weaves a narrative that spans different time periods and continents.

The novel primarily revolves around the life of Peri, a wealthy and educated Turkish woman. The story is set in Istanbul, and it unfolds during a dinner party where Peri is forced to confront her past, her beliefs, and her relationships. The narrative alternates between Peri’s university years in Istanbul and the present day, exploring her friendships, personal struggles, and ideological conflicts.

The title, “Three Daughters of Eve,” refers to three women Peri encounters at Oxford University: Shirin, a rebellious Iranian; Mona, an Egyptian-American who is devoutly religious; and Peri herself, the Turkish protagonist. Each woman represents a different aspect of faith, feminism, and modernity, and their interactions shape Peri’s worldview.

Elif Shafak delves into themes such as religion, identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity in “Three Daughters of Eve.” The novel is celebrated for its nuanced exploration of complex characters and its vivid portrayal of Istanbul’s cultural landscape. Shafak’s storytelling and the thought-provoking nature of the narrative contribute to the novel’s critical acclaim.