Introduction:
Thanks Kindle.Overview:
As the daughter of one of Turkey’s last Ottoman pashas, Selva could
win the heart of any man in Ankara. Yet the spirited young beauty only
has eyes for Rafael Alfandari, the handsome Jewish son of an esteemed
court physician. In defiance of their families, they marry, fleeing to
Paris to build a new life.
But when the Nazis invade France, the exiled lovers will learn that nothing—not war, not politics, not even religion—can break the bonds of family. For after they learn that Selva is but one of their fellow citizens trapped in France, a handful of brave Turkish diplomats hatch a plan to spirit the Alfandaris and hundreds of innocents, many of whom are Jewish, to safety. Together, they must traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in a desperate bid for freedom. From Ankara to Paris, Cairo, and Berlin, Last Train to Istanbul is an uplifting tale of love and adventure from Turkey’s beloved bestselling novelist Ayşe Kulin.
But when the Nazis invade France, the exiled lovers will learn that nothing—not war, not politics, not even religion—can break the bonds of family. For after they learn that Selva is but one of their fellow citizens trapped in France, a handful of brave Turkish diplomats hatch a plan to spirit the Alfandaris and hundreds of innocents, many of whom are Jewish, to safety. Together, they must traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in a desperate bid for freedom. From Ankara to Paris, Cairo, and Berlin, Last Train to Istanbul is an uplifting tale of love and adventure from Turkey’s beloved bestselling novelist Ayşe Kulin.
Book Details:
Paperback: 397 pagesPublisher: AmazonCrossing; Reprint edition (October 8, 2013)
ISBN-10: 1477807616
ISBN13: 978-1477807613
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AmazonQuestions:
- did you relate to any of the characters or family dynamics?
- have you or your family ever been in a unsafe situation? how did you cope? did any family dynamics change because of the situation?
- who has responsibility in war- the country housing people or country of citizenship?
do you think it was wise for Selva and Rafo to move to France? - is it better to be transparent about family turmoil and/or a war situation with children or wait until they are an older age?
- the children in the story were vivid characters in this book and lived really abnormal lives compared to modern day US. How do you think this has shaped the character of the kids?
- although macit clearly loved his family and was a thoughtful parent/spouse, he had work burdens that made it impossible for him to be present for his family. How might the world be different without these sacrifices from public servants? does love or loyalty to one's country trump family?
- the perceptions of different generations of Turkish people were different, re: government, religion, etc. Which do you relate to and why?
- did you find the writing style to be captivating? why or why not?
Discussion:
- simple writing style
- happy ending, predictable
- learned about Turkish history, culture, and WWII from Turkish perspective
- war and effects on family
- family history
- family dynamics
Moral:
#1/3 bears liked this book
