I've been sent a copy of THE LAST ISLAND by Zülfü Livaneli, to be published June 21st. I'd not heard of this author, prior to now.
A Turkish writer, it was written in 2008 as a condemnation of the Turkish regime, but it Istanbul's political protests of 2013, and is quite timely with Russia invading Ukraine.
It is a political allegory that illustrates how capitalism and authoritarianism harms us, animals, and the environment. There are many countries with dictators, although the people of these countries don't always recognize this. You will recognize how easily dictators gaslight their people, and suck them into their world views.
It is set on an idyllic island, and the descriptions of nature are amazing. The interactions between humans, animals and nature are poignant in the light of Climate Change.
Coincidentally, I came across this Tweet:
The Pandemic Has Made Island Life Even More Appealing: https://t.co/fJboKJibYb via @NYTimes #IslandLife
— Heather Greenwood Davis (@ByHeatherGD) April 29, 2022
About the author
Zülfü Livaneli is Turkey’s bestselling author, a celebrated composer and film director, and a political activist. Widely considered one of the most important Turkish cultural figures of our time, he is known for his novels that interweave diverse social and historical backgrounds, figures, and incidents, including the critically acclaimed Bliss (winner of the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award), Serenade for Nadia (Other Press, 2020), Disquiet (Other Press, 2021), Leyla’s House, and My Brother’s Story, which have been translated into thirty-seven languages, won numerous international literary prizes, and been turned into movies, stage plays, and operas.
Click icon for more
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy
book review blogs
@Barrie Summy
7 comments:
...unknown to me.
Don't think I have read a book set in Turkey.
A nice book review. Sad, but I can see how my own country has been torn apart by lies, deceit, and fraud. I can see how this could be a book that is relevant to today's situation in the world.
Thanks for introducing me to a new author! It does sound like a timely book.
Wow, Jenn. Turkey's bestselling author?! That you for introducing us to this book and to it author!
Unknown to me too.
Nice to get a sneak peek. You read some profound books. - Margy
Post a Comment