Book of the Day: A Strangeness in My Mind by Orhan Pamuk

Blogoratti July 24, 2017

Quote of the day: 

My father always said, 'Never trust anyone whose TV is bigger than their book shelf' - so I make sure I read. -Emilia Clarke

BLOGORATTI -Book review of Orhan Pamuk's A Strangeness in My Mind


This week's book reading is titled 'A Strangeness in My Mind' written by Orhan Pamuk -a Turkish novelist , screenwriter and the recipient of the 2006 Novel Prize in Literature. He is one of Turkey's most prominent novelists with his work achieving both critical and commercial success in Turkey and beyond.

Translated from the Turkish by Ekin Oklap, A Strangeness in My Mind tells the story and adventures of Mevlut Karataş, a seller of yogurt and boza (Turkish drink of fermented wheat), his family, friends and also depicts a portrait of life in Turkey between 1969 and 2012. Born in a poor Anatolian village 700 miles from Istanbul, the story is told in different parts (from adulthood to childhood) starting from when Mevlut who had left for Istanbul at age 12, returns to the province of his birth to begin a rather strange affair with a woman  whom he had fallen in love with at a family wedding, but all is not as it seems as he would soon find out,after a secret courtship of love letters passed via his cousin that lasted for 3 years.

The situation that he found himself in would go on to determine the rest of his days, and the environment he lives in. It is an adventure of dreaming dreams, about life, struggles, hope, love, lost pleasures, determination and disappointment -all against the backdrop of social change sweeping across Turkey during that time.

Orhan Pamuk really knows how to weave a story and get the reader submerged in a different world and time. This novel is written with warmth and sentiment, be prepared to be enthralled by the adventure. If you enjoy long reads then this is for you -it is 734 pages long. However, the story flows very well and you may finish it faster than you think. But surely it is a must read and a delightful one to add to your personal collection.

What book are you reading at the moment?
Peace. Love. Light* 
Current Listen: John Coltrane -Giant Steps


Blogoratti

Posted by Blogoratti

Love the smell of rain, white clouds turning gray. Have a thing for poetry, music,art and design.. I take each day as it comes. let me take you on this journey. It's your ideas that matter. For collaborations: blogoratti@gmail.com

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47 Comments

  1. Catarina23 July 2017 at 02:11

    The only book I read by this author was "Istanbul: Memories and the City". I have just requested this one from the library. Thanks!

    I am now reading a spy novel, the latest by Daniel Silva: House of Spies. And "The Art of Happiness" by Dalai Lama.
    : )

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:40

      Catarina, this is my first book by the author and I'd definitely check out his other works. This is a good read, so you have made the right choice of requesting it!
      Thanks for sharing your books, I hope you enjoy reading them. Nice of you to visit!

      Delete
  2. Jimmy23 July 2017 at 03:39

    I haven't read anything by this author, but this one does sound interesting.

    Right now I'm reading Cole Dust by Micheal Maxwell.

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:41

      Jimmy, It sure is interesting and a delight to read.
      Thanks for sharing your book, and many thanks for stopping by again!

      Delete
  3. Elephant's Child23 July 2017 at 05:52

    I have A Strangenss in my Mind in my unread towers. At the moment I am reading 'A Carpet Ride to Khiva' by Christopher Alexander. I am finding it fascinating as he talks about the seven years he spent on the Silk Road.

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:43

      Elephant's Child, That does sound interesting, I always enjoy a good story on journeys made. Thank you for sharing your book, and for visiting!

      Delete
  4. Rajesh23 July 2017 at 10:34

    Interesting book.

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:52

      Rajesh, Indeed it is. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  5. Oksana Zolotukhina23 July 2017 at 11:28

    Very true words - Never trust anyone whose TV is bigger than their book shelf!!!
    Thanks for recommendation.

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:53

      Оксана Золотухина, I am glad you agree. Thanks for visiting and warm greetings to you!

      Delete
  6. Couture Carrie23 July 2017 at 11:38

    Fab review and quote! I'm reading a book about running and meditation.

    xoxox,
    CC

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:51

      Couture Carrie, Why thank you very much for that. And thanks for sharing your book reading, hope its enjoyable. Warm greetings to you and nice of you to visit!

      Delete
  7. Marie Smith23 July 2017 at 12:11

    Our book club read My Name Is Red by Pamuk. The book is about miniaturists in the Ottoman empire. Most members didn't finish it. I would not read any other books byy this author having read this one.

    I am currently reading Yiddish for Pirates by Gary Barwin.

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:47

      Marie Smith, as this is my first read by the author and which I found intriguing, I will be checking out his other works. I understand that your first interaction with the author may not have been his best work-so that has put you off his other works-it happens to us all, the last novel I read (I gave up after 6 chapters) by John Grisham, although not his first book I read, put me off other current works by him.

      Thank you for your sincerity and for sharing your book reading!

      Delete
  8. Elizabeth Edwards23 July 2017 at 12:41

    love the quote by Emilia ... had to share! i had gone during school where i didn't read as much 'cause i hated being told what i had to read, or actually was MADE to read, no cool when you make kids do that! i like doing my own thing, i truly wonder how folks can judge a book to other books? different author different, writing style, nothing is similar. maybe subject matter, but??! ... now i read daily ,... trying to think if i've gone a day in a long time where i don't read ... no matter what i read i feel it is exercising my mind and eyes. ( ;

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:50

      ElizrdbthSpeaks, I agree that it is never cool to tell kids what to read as they all have different tastes -or none at all. I like this idea of yours of exercising the mind and eyes with reading :)
      Great thoughts and appreciate your visit!

      Delete
  9. Simone23 July 2017 at 12:53

    This book sounds intriguing! I have a few books lined up to read at the moment. I am struggling a bit with James Joyce's Dubliners but am determined to finish the book! :)

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:54

      Simone, it sure is intriguing. Good to know you have a few lined up to read, and more power to you as you aim to finish what you started :)
      Thank you for sharing your book, and great of you to stop by!

      Delete
  10. Kay G.23 July 2017 at 13:06

    I love that quote! Your book sounds very good but I have several on the go at the moment! Here they are: Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose, The Wright Brothers by David McCullough and In The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson.
    I am almost finished with The Wright Brothers...and I highly recommend it! The Wright Brothers should have their story known by everyone. What magnificent men they were!
    (I have read many other books by Stephen Ambrose and he is one of my favorite authors.)
    Peace, love and light to YOU!

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    1. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:58

      Kay G, It is a thoughtful quote indeed. Yes the book is really interesting.
      The story of the Wright brothers is an incredible one, no doubt about that. I see you have several books in your list, which is great. I just searched for Stephen Ambrose as I am unaware of this author, I will surely check out his works.

      Thanks so much for sharing your books, and appreciate your visit and comment!

      Delete
  11. Ela23 July 2017 at 13:10

    It looks like an interesting book to read!
    I do not know if there is a Polish publication ..!
    Thank you for the information !
    Happy Sunday !

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  12. Yorkshire Pudding23 July 2017 at 15:07

    Thanks for the review Mr B. It sounds like the kind of book I would certainly enjoy.

    Currently reading "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead

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  13. Sandee23 July 2017 at 15:11

    I'm happy to say I have way more bookcases than my television. My television is small and I have two very large bookcases. Love that quote.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

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  14. My name is Erika.23 July 2017 at 15:39

    This book sounds like something I would like to read. I've added it to my Amazon wishlist. Thanks for sharing. Its always good to get book ideas from other people.:) Erika

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  15. Marcie23 July 2017 at 16:22

    Oh, this sounds so interesting. Our family was joined by a Turkish exchange student for a year and she became a part of our family. Turkish culture has become so fascinating to me since that time. Thank you for sharing. I am between books at the moment, and ought to be editing a new book of my own, rather than reading! lol

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  16. Kelly23 July 2017 at 17:00

    I don't read many books translated from other languages (and the ones I do are usually Scandinavian), but this one sounds quite good.

    I'm currently reading A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

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  17. Unknown23 July 2017 at 17:15

    WOW this book sounds fab. i must admit i've stopped reading but i really should start!

    Missy
    TheFashionFusion

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  18. Cloudia23 July 2017 at 17:18

    Flow is the essence of good writing! Thank you

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  19. SRC23 July 2017 at 18:09

    That Quote was just awesome...

    Hope this book will be good.
    Have a nice day..

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  20. Pat Hatt23 July 2017 at 19:35

    Having a story flow well even when longer than most, shows good writing indeed.

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  21. Draffin Bears23 July 2017 at 19:57

    Thank you for sharing the book review.
    Love that quote also - with what is screened on television here, reading books is a better deal.
    Have a great week
    Carolyn

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  22. Bill23 July 2017 at 20:02

    Sounds like an interesting book. I will look it up at our library and check it out. Currently I am reading: Women’s Stories from the North of Ireland by Silvia Calamati.

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  23. Martha Jane Orlando23 July 2017 at 20:56

    I'm always looking for a new read, and this one sounds absolutely intriguing. I don't mind the long read, either. In fact, I prefer it sometimes.
    Blessings!

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  24. Beauty Unearthly23 July 2017 at 22:27

    Lovely post dear! Have a great week!

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  25. Anonymous23 July 2017 at 23:50

    The only problem: could the book be as good as your review. Thank you.

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  26. Carina Kikelomo Jacob24 July 2017 at 00:29

    734 pages. Wow!
    Sounds like a very interesting story.
    I wish you a blessed and wonderful week Ratti.

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  27. Miguel Gouveia24 July 2017 at 07:29

    Thanks a lot :D

    sounds super interesting my friend. I'm curious to read.

    NEW REVIEW POST | WHAT’S IN MY SUMMER NECESSAIRE?
    Instagram ∫ Facebook Official Page ∫ Miguel Gouveia / Blog Pieces Of Me :D

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  28. Hilary Melton-Butcher24 July 2017 at 09:01

    Hi Blogoratti - this sounds fascinating ... as I love reading about life in other countries and I've added it to my wish list - with your review. As usual - I have to settle to read ... at the moment there's no book on the go - but lots around here! Cheers Hilary

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  29. sepatuholig-Grace Njio24 July 2017 at 09:19

    My current read is The Rossie Effect. This one sounds really interesting! I have a long line of hoarding and clicking (kindle) so let me think about this one!
    Thank you for sharing dear.....
    http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com/
    instagram @grace_njio

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  30. Blogoratti24 July 2017 at 09:39

    Hello and you are welcome, its always nice to have first time visitors. I thank you for stopping by, greetings and warm wishes!

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  31. Lee24 July 2017 at 10:20

    Thank you for this review. It sounds like an intriguing story. I'll have to keep my eye out for the book.

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  32. RO24 July 2017 at 10:48

    I totally adore that quote, and it makes so much sense. (lol) This novel sounds truly thought-provoking. Hugs...

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  33. Saba24 July 2017 at 11:58

    I really enjoyed reading your thoughtful and eloquently written book review. Thank you for bringing this book to my attention! I love to read during my train journeys, so I'll be adding this book to my list!

    p.s - Thanks so much for your positive comment on my blog.

    Saba

    www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com

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  34. Nancy Chan24 July 2017 at 12:03

    I haven't read any book by this author. Good review. Have a good day!

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  35. Ijenna Osuji25 July 2017 at 13:07

    This book sounds delightful! By the end of your summary/briefing,i was smiling.

    I just finished "Just one day" by Gayle Foreman and I'm sightly shook.

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  36. Katiana | sissi-design.de27 July 2017 at 10:49

    Hallo, Ich mag das Buch, das du in deinem Artikel geschrieben hast. Danke, ich werde es nochmal lesen.

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    ReplyDelete

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