Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
34(34%)
4 stars
24(24%)
3 stars
42(42%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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A journey of Galib in search of a vision is actually his journey in search of himself, which he doesn't find until the end of the story. A full of mystery story makes us think a lot about ourselves and who we are. Are we really what we are or are we a picture of what we want to be or a picture of what others want from us?

In his journey in search of a vision, Galib was actually searching for Jalal, whom he had been trying to fathom since childhood without realizing it. And despite his discovery that Jalal was not himself, in the end, he came to the point where he became Jalal. This is evident to us from the change in the narrative from "he" (Galib) to "I" which Jalal uses alone until the last quarter of the story. It took me much more time than expected to read and a lot of headaches. There are still some mysterious things, especially related to religion, that I haven't understood their essence yet and I don't think I will think about their essence at least for now. Certainly, I won't read Pamuk for a few months. I think I've had my share of headaches.
July 15,2025
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The Black Book is a captivating and thought-provoking piece of work. It delves into various aspects of life, exploring themes that are both profound and relevant.



The author, Shuhan Rizwan, has crafted a narrative that draws readers in from the very beginning. The story unfolds in a unique and engaging way, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.



One of the most interesting features of The Black Book is its ability to make readers reflect on their own lives and beliefs. It challenges conventional thinking and encourages us to look at the world from different perspectives.



Whether you are a fan of literature or simply looking for something new and exciting to read, The Black Book is definitely worth checking out. You can find it at https://shuhanrizwan.com/2019/07/16/b....
July 15,2025
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When it comes to enjoying books written in another language, the role of the translator is often neglected. This is truly a pity.

For instance, the recent translations of Zola's magnificent Rougon-Macquart series infuse Zola's writing with a vividness and immediacy that makes these novels far more enjoyable than English-language books from the same era.

While translating from French to English is already quite challenging, just envision how difficult it is to render Turkish into English. Turkish, for example, lacks a verb "to be" and there is no equivalent for "to have". Moreover, there is only one word for "he", "she" and "it".

No wonder I've found some other works by Pamuk to be lacking in rhythm and narrative drive. How refreshing, then, to come across Maureen Freely's sinuous translation of The Black Book.

It conveys some of the arresting beauty of Pamuk's ornate language. I've finally grasped his allure as a writer. The Black Book is an intriguing, beguiling mystery like no other.

Pamuk weaves together ancient stories, snippets of obscure mysticism and meditations on identity. It took me a long time to read it, but it was all the more rewarding for compelling a slower, more thoughtful pace.
July 15,2025
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In one word, masterpiece!

This simple yet powerful statement holds a world of meaning. A masterpiece is something that is truly extraordinary, a work of art or creation that stands out from the rest.

It is a piece that evokes a sense of wonder and admiration, leaving the viewer or reader in awe.

With its many wonderful qualities at the end, this particular piece is sure to be a hit.

It likely showcases精湛的技艺,独特的创意, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

Whether it's a painting, a novel, a piece of music, or any other form of art, a masterpiece has the power to touch our hearts and souls and leave a lasting impression.

So, when we say "masterpiece" with many wonderful things at the end, we are truly expressing our highest level of praise and appreciation for something truly remarkable.

July 15,2025
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I don't think I can fully understand this book no matter how many times I read it. Just for this reason alone, I love this book.

This book has a certain charm that keeps attracting me. Each time I pick it up, I hope to discover something new and gain a deeper understanding. However, it seems that there is always something more to explore.

Maybe it's the complexity of the story, or the profound thoughts and emotions it conveys. Whatever the reason, this book has become a special part of my life.

I will continue to read it, hoping that one day, I will be able to truly understand its essence.
July 15,2025
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My Name Is Red shows that there is no other writer like Orhan Pamuk. Orhan Pamuk is a unique writer with his novel structure, plot, and his intense and complex narration (complex in a good sense). I realized this when I read My Name Is Red, and now I'm sure of it. While reading the book, I got lost in its rich knowledge and thoughts. It is truly a book that shows how much the author knows, and it examines human identity and existence very well, forcing the reader to think and, in a sense, to do philosophy at the end of each chapter.


Due to some reasons, I had to take a break for about a week, so my reading took a bit longer. However, you should continue reading while your ideas are still fresh, regardless of how long it takes. It is not only one of the masterpieces of Turkish literature but also of world literature in the postmodern era.

July 15,2025
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I read this book for the first time during the corona pandemic, but I couldn't establish any connection with it at all. However, this time I didn't close my eyes and headed towards it. I did some research on it, read the reviews, and got to know what the structure of the book was like. And this time, I was able to establish a better connection with it.


I don't know how to write a review for such a book because I haven't read anything of this magnitude in my life. Maybe the stories of One Thousand and One Nights or the Mathnawi of Rumi are similar to it, but none of them are in the form of a novel. The book has thousands of layers, is complex and intertwined. There are many details that seem to have no importance for following the main plot of the story, but in the end, you realize that there is no main plot at all and there is no specific story at work. The book is actually just those intertwined narratives and writings.


In short, I think this book is for professional readers, that is, you have to have read a lot of things and then go after this.

July 15,2025
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This is a writer imprisoned in Istanbul. The veins, streets, history, present, and past of Istanbul flow through him. Every time he reads his novels, he feels as if he is reading Istanbul, seeing it, and strolling through its veins with the heroes of the story. "The Black Book" is a novel that is like no other. In it, the splendor of Galal with his articles and the events with Galal's articles that become the main driving force of the events are intertwined, but it should not bear the responsibility for everything. The poor people of Galal who were waiting for the pure hero did not catch the call to action, and when what they wanted did not come true, they began to shift the blame to Galal instead of striving for action and ceasing to wait. This novel hides the word that gives meaning to life and makes things gain their value. That is, to be yourself is the most attractive call in the novel, which is a call for Istanbul to regain its identity in the face of the issue of the city's dual eastern and western identities, an issue that Pamuk almost tackles in all his novels. Istanbul should be itself, speak its language, tell its stories, regain its history, and embrace its future that resembles it. Orhan Pamuk is a great storyteller. I can read a thousand pages of his stories that he tells with the passion of a reader and a writer who loves books.

He has a unique way of presenting the complex and multi-faceted nature of Istanbul, making the reader feel as if they are part of the city's rich tapestry. His works are not just novels but also a reflection of the city's soul and its people.

Through his writing, Pamuk invites us to explore the hidden corners of Istanbul, to discover its secrets, and to understand its struggles. He shows us that Istanbul is a city that is constantly evolving, yet still holds onto its traditions and history.

In conclusion, Orhan Pamuk's novels are a must-read for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and complexity of Istanbul. His writing is a testament to the power of literature to transport us to another world and make us fall in love with it.
July 15,2025
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Kurgu harikası.

It is truly a wonderful story.

Besides some sentences that are elongated for the sake of length, the language is extremely beautiful and delicious.

Apart from the intertwined pattern, the originality of the events and stories that make up this pattern and the effect of the mystery or lack of mystery (look what I'm doing! :) according to what they say or imply on the whole is in its right place.

Overall, it gave the feeling that nothing was written in vain.

Modern classic.

This work can be considered a modern classic. It combines the best of both worlds, with a unique narrative style that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

The story unfolds in a series of interconnected events, each one adding to the overall mystery and depth of the plot.

The characters are well-developed and complex, with their own motives and desires that drive the story forward.

Whether you are a fan of mystery, adventure, or simply a good story, this is one that is sure to please.

It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling.
July 15,2025
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The story is set within a rather uncomplicated framework - a man in search of his missing wife and uncle. From this point on, matters become a touch more intricate... The story (or rather, many of them) is complex and extremely dense on all levels. The author employs a rich, vivid, and detailed language to paint an atmosphere brimming with sadness and melancholy, both in individuals and in the city of Istanbul (which emerges as a completely independent character).

All of them are engaged in a ceaseless search for identity - personal, and through the individuals, the identity of the city and, more broadly, of states. The metaphysical questions and searches of an individual are deepened within a broader context through stories (presented in the form of columns) that capture history, religion, politics, nationality, and, of course, the collision of the East with the West.

The story features a highly dynamic and easy-to-follow structure - the narration of the abandoned man alternating with the columns penned by the disappeared uncle, which enables a fluid (and clear) transition between the present and the past. However, due to the richness and density of the ideas, this book demands a dedicated reader in an excellent reading state.
July 15,2025
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One day, as I was casually browsing through my bookshelf, I happened to pick up this particular book. Little did I know that this simple act would have such a profound impact on my life.

As I delved into the pages, I was immediately drawn into a world that was completely different from my own. The story was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down.

Before I knew it, hours had passed, and I found myself completely engrossed in the narrative. My life, which had been relatively balanced up until that point, suddenly felt lopsided.

I was neglecting my other responsibilities, such as work and household chores, as my mind was constantly occupied with the events unfolding in the book.

But despite this, I couldn't bring myself to stop reading. The book had cast a spell on me, and I was eager to see how the story would end.

And so, my life continued to be lopsided for a while, with my focus solely on this one book. But in the end, it was a journey that I wouldn't trade for anything.
July 15,2025
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In this remarkable tour de force, Orhan Pamuk delves deep into the realms of language, writing, and the profound meaning of identity. Set against a backdrop of a captivating story filled with love and mystery, it is truly a masterpiece.

Having already read his previous works, "My Name is Red" and "Snow", this third book of his has left me in absolute awe of his storytelling prowess. His narrative agility is simply astonishing, much like the enchanting tales within tales within tales found in "1001 Nights".

I was particularly enamored with the famous story of "When the Bosphorus Dried Up" and the one about the mural and the mirror. The history of Hurufism mentioned in the book piqued my curiosity, leading me to conduct research on Wikipedia into this arcane yet fascinating offshoot of Sufism.

This book will undoubtedly linger in my thoughts for a long time, with its numerous meanings and messages continuing to resonate. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all lovers of literature.
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