This was an extremely complex story. It had numerous characters who were developed within short chapters. The characters were intertwined, and so was the timeline. However, I didn't find it overly difficult to follow.

"Destiny caresses the few, but molests the many, and finally every sheep will hang by its own foot on the butcher's hook, just as every grain of wheat arrives at the millstone, no matter where it grew." (p.6)

The time period was at the end of the great European empires, the beginning of WWI, and the dawn of the Turkish nation. The life of a simple village was buffeted by events and people beyond its control. It was a cataclysmic era in history.

"This was the age when everyone wanted an empire and felt entitled to one, days of innocence perhaps, before the world realized, if it yet has, that empires are pointless and expensive, and their subject peoples rancorous and ungrateful." (p.256)

The lives of the villagers encapsulated a swirl of emotions, ideas, and to a lesser degree, ethnic and religious feelings. The main villain, I believe, is mob psychology. People fail to take personal responsibility for their actions and instead hide behind religion, ethnicity, nation, and in the name of these, act wrongly.

"The triple contagions of nationalism, utopianism, and religious absolutism effervesce together into an acid that corrodes the moral metal of a race, and it shamelessly and even proudly performs deeds that it would deem vile if they were done by any other."

The worst part of the book was the textbook-like chapters on the life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the gratuitous, negative comments about Lloyd George. Ataturk was a semi-developed character, and I didn't feel any investment in his life. These chapters seemed like little chunks of undigested non-fiction. Lloyd George was just a name dropped without context. There was also some repetition that a good editor could have eliminated.

However, the overall impact of the book on me was massive. Big ideas were made concrete through the events in the lives of characters I could identify with and care about. I knew nothing about these peoples, their history, or their way of life before reading this. I would be interested in reading something similar about the Balkan nations and other nations in the Middle East. My life and education have been overly Anglo-centered.

I leave you with a sentiment that should hold great sway in the world today. Georgio P. Theodorou, a Greek merchant from Turkish Smyrna, said, "If I ever get to meet God In Person I shall suggest quite forcefully that He impartially abolish their" [Greek Christian and Turkish Muslim:] "religions, and then they shall be friends forever." (p. 454)

A wonderful novel full of great meanings

The author, in a magnificent manner, portrayed the fictional town of Eskibahçe (located in South West Asia Minor near the famous city of İzmir) as a standard sample of religious and ethnic coexistence throughout the centuries of the cosmopolitan, multi-ethnic, multi-religious Ottoman Empire history.

In this town, Greek Christians, Armenian Christians, and Turkish-speaking Muslims all live side by side in peace and harmony, leading their simple lives. However, this peace and harmony is to be disturbed by the invading storm of war, bringing with it nationalism and religious hatred, where the innocent population of this town are to pay the price regardless of age, gender, religion, or ethnicity.

The author starts his story around the turn of the twentieth century, with the Ottoman Empire living its final couple of decades, going into WW1, then defeat and collapse, sparking the Turkish War of Independence, and finally the establishment of the modern republic of Turkey. In these historical events, the author, with talent, pictures the many scenes of love and hatred, of friendship, of social and cultural diversity, horrors of war, of ruthless politics where the strong and mighty powers plan the future and misery of the simple and innocent.

The story, in my opinion, is fit to be turned into a movie with its loads of drama and meanings. It is a strong recommendation to readers interested in coexistence, late Ottoman empire, great war drama, and fiction.

I would like to share some of the quotes I managed to note down while reading this novel.

“There comes a point in life where each one of us who survives begins to feel like a ghost that has forgotten to die at the right time, and certainly most of us were more amusing when we were young. It seems that age folds the heart in on itself. Some of us walk detached, dreaming on the past, and some of us realize that we have lost the trick of standing in the sun. For many of us the thought of the future is a cause for irritation rather than optimism, as if we had enough of new things, and wish only for the long sleep that rounds the edges of our lives. I feel this weariness myself.” (P.1)

“They say that, for a madman, every day is a holiday, but they also say that insanity has seventy gates.” (P.3)

“Destiny caresses the few, but molests the many, and finally every sheep will hang by its own foot on the butcher's hook, just as every grain of wheat arrives at the millstone, no matter where it grew.” (P.5)

“Since those times of whirlwind the world has learned over and over again that the wounds of the ancestors make the children bleed. I do not know if anyone will ever be forgiven, or if the harm that was done will ever be undone. Enough of this, however. The story begins, and he who slaps his own face should not cry out.” (P.6)

“When you are old your memory plays tricks with you.” (P.19)

“To forget the bad things is good. That is obvious, but sometimes one should also forget the things that were wonderful and beautiful, because if you remember them, then you have to endure the sadness of knowing that they have gone.” (P.24)

“Man is a bird without wings, and a bird is a man without sorrows.” (P.48)

“If you can't be raving mad when you're a child, when else will you get the chance?” (P.122)

“Righteousness is good morality, but it is also that what about the soul feels tranquil and the heart feels tranquil.” (P. 279)

“One of the odd things about being at war is that you are exposed to all sorts of miracles.” (P.382)

“I can't convey to you the relief, the sheer pleasure, of abandoning the impossible struggle, the moment when one realizes that it is less horrifying to die than to continue to struggle for life.” (P.506)

“Fate depends on the smallest things.” (P.550)

This book was recommended to me by my friend Chris.

The story is set in a small, impoverished town in the Anatolia region of Turkey, covering the time before, during, and after WWI, as well as including the Turkish war for independence. I had little prior knowledge of this era or region. The author presented a wealth of historical narrative, which was both frustrating and beneficial.

Essentially, there were chapters that detailed government actions, troop movements, wars, death marches, and so on that were taking place all around the region during that time. Meanwhile, the story focused on the inhabitants of this community - what they did, how they interacted, their aspirations, and the catastrophe that ensued when the Ottoman Empire vanished.

The book explores the labels people apply in their personal lives and the consequences that follow. For example, a man was asked what would happen to his Christian daughter when she married a Muslim, and the answer was that she would become a Christian-Muslim. At the same time, they were aware and cautious of the differences among them, which were long-standing. The Christians were descendants of Greeks who had settled there, and although they no longer knew Greek, they spoke Turkish. The curious aspect of this town was that those who could write did so using Greek letters but in the Turkish language, which perplexed people in other areas.

However, the differences had severe consequences outside the town. The story described how children grew up and then fulfilled their duty as citizens of the Ottoman Empire to join the holy war that was WWI. Numerous contradictions emerged. The loyal Christian Ottomans wanted to fight but were rejected because it was a holy war against Christians. The Muslim boys who joined this Muslim fatwa discovered that their major ally was Germany, which was Christian. Meanwhile, the Christian boys who were turned down as soldiers were taken into labor battalions to support the troops, but it turned out that these were slave labor camps.

Basically, these were the horrors that preceded the horror of WWII. When Hitler justified his treatment of Jews, Gypsies, and Slavs, he did so by pointing out that no one remembered the holocausts of WWI - Turks on Armenians, Greeks on Turks, Turks on Greek Christians. People were uprooted and sent to new villages based on their religions. Communities lost their skilled people. Christians speaking Turkish were taken to Greece, and Muslims speaking Greek were taken to Turkey, often having to walk. Some of them managed to make it.

I know this may seem like a jumble, but I liked the writing and the descriptions of the people. I know Australians who have told me about Gallipoli, and this book presents the other side. If anything, this account is worse as it describes the insanity of trench warfare on the peninsula, which was much more than just idiotic charges ordered by British officers to ANZAC troops into machine guns.

I am still reflecting on the book. The story is sad and profound. A side story is told about Mustafa, the founder of the Turkish State. He rose through the military and wanted to create a secular Turkish/Muslim state. As the Ottoman Empire was fading, he used nationalism and religion as the most effective tools to replace it. And the counterpoint is this village that was in the process of evolving away from those narrow views. Could it have been done differently? Maybe not.

The last chapter of the book describes a modern village in Anatolia that is very civil, but there are no Greek descendants, just as there are no Muslim descendants in Greece. People are happy, but it is not really restoration; it is loss.

In the beginning of the book, one of the villagers makes up or remembers a proverb: "A man without a soul is like a bird without wings." Birds feature throughout the book in various ways. But at the end of the book, one of the characters ponders the birds, as he had done as a child with his friends, thinking about how nice it would be to be a bird and fly, to be free, to soar, and to see everything from the sky. He thinks that birds without wings would be sorry creatures, colorful but hopping on the ground, going nowhere, and vulnerable.

At the same time, the birds in the book have unfortunate fates. They are admired, but in admiration, they are caged, tamed, hunted, or imperfectly copied through whistles or airplanes.

Clearly, I have not finished thinking about this book. It is a time and place that I am not familiar with, but unfortunately, the story is a familiar one in history. However, the charming description of the people and the town will stay in my memory for a long time. I recommend this book. The people are charming, there are friendships, romances, quirky characters, and a fair amount of historical fiction. But it is not a light read.

Ughh.

This book is truly beautiful. The descriptions are so vivid that it feels like you are actually there in that former Ottoman town.

It is also rich in detail, covering various aspects of the town's history and culture. The colourful characters bring the story to life, each with their own unique personalities and quirks.

What I love most about this book is its honesty. It doesn't shy away from the darker sides of history, but rather presents them in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, this book is an excellent illustration of the peculiarities of history through the stories of a former Ottoman town. It is undoubtedly one of the best fiction books I've read, and easily one of the best historical fiction books as well. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story with depth and substance.

I can't quite recall the exact place where I purchased this book. Nor can I remember precisely how long it has been sitting there on my shelves, gathering dust. But oh, what a wonderful and unexpected surprise it turned out to be!

There was not a single synopsis or description on the cover. So, truly, I delved into its pages with absolutely no prior knowledge.

It is a breathtakingly beautiful story that revolves around the end of the Ottoman Empire. It vividly描绘s the lives of the people in a small village located in the countryside as they try to navigate through these momentous and earth-shattering changes.

It is an amazing tale that explores the themes of humanity, humor, and love. It takes the reader on a journey through the joys and sorrows, the hopes and dreams of the characters, making them feel as if they are right there in that village, experiencing it all firsthand.

Once again, author Louis de Bernières has crafted a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel in "Birds Without Wings". In this historical work, he delves into the lives of the people in a small seaside town in Southern Anatolia during the waning days of the Ottoman Empire.

\\t\\tThe story is told from the perspectives of multiple characters, each with their own unique voice and story. Through their eyes, we witness the terrible effects of war on the average person, as well as the triumph of human compassion in the face of great adversity.

\\t\\tOne of the most powerful aspects of the novel is de Bernières' exploration of the concept of nationality and identity. In a time of intense nationalism, he questions the origins of such labels and shows how they can lead to prejudice and conflict.

\\t\\tThe writing style in "Birds Without Wings" is rich and evocative, with short chapters that add to the overall rhythm and pace of the story. The characters are well-developed and believable, and their relationships with each other are both heartwarming and tragic.

\\t\\tOverall, "Birds Without Wings" is a beautiful and poignant novel that offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in history. It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or the human condition.

A really beautifully written book set in Turkey against the backdrop of the first world war. The story unfolds in a vivid and detailed manner, painting a picture of a war-torn country and the lives of its people. There is not a lot of happiness to be found in the pages of this book, but as the reader delves deeper, they grow to love all the characters and their stories.

The author has done an excellent job of creating complex and multi-dimensional characters, each with their own hopes, dreams, and fears. Through their eyes, we see the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the difficult circumstances, there are moments of kindness, love, and sacrifice that shine through.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history, war, or simply a well-written story. It will transport you to a different time and place and leave you with a greater understanding and appreciation of the people who lived through the first world war.

Four and a half stars, truly.

It is a beautifully crafted pastiche of Turkey in the early 20th century. This was a time of great flux, as the country transitioned from the Ottoman Empire to Ataturk's independent secular nation, both before, during, and after World War I.

De Bernieres creates a village on the Mediterranean Coast and uses the lives and adventures of its inhabitants to shed light on the cultural, religious, and political conflicts of that era. His characters are highly memorable, his historical knowledge is extensive, and his writing style is impeccable.

Full disclosure: I have visited this part of Turkey, so I may be biased in favor of this book. However, even without that personal connection, Birds Without Wings compares favorably to de Berniere's wonderful Corelli's Mandolin. This alone is a sufficient reason to read it.

Be cautioned: this was a harsh and brutal period in a turbulent country, and de Bernieres does not shy away from describing it clearly and graphically. The Gallipoli scenes are especially moving. But the inherent humanity and dignity of his characters serve as a counterbalance to this desolation, and the overall result is a nuanced portrayal of the time.

I really enjoyed reading this book.

It is filled with detailed descriptions of a Turkish village both before and during World War I. The vivid and detailed account makes me feel as if I were actually there, experiencing everything firsthand.

The book also includes a graphic and detailed portrayal of the horrors of life in the trenches during the war. Louis is truly a great storyteller. He has perfectly described the characters and their mentalities during that time period.

However, I'm only a little disappointed with the love story of Philotei. After reading the first chapter, I got the impression that the focus of the book would be on her and her love story. Instead, it was more about the political situation, Rustem Bey, and the war horrors.

The end was tragic for most of the characters, but it was also realistic because life is indeed cruel during times of war. We must learn from the mistakes of history and also take a lesson about coexistence.

All in all, it was an interesting book, rich in details that provided a fascinating look into a bygone era.

The characters presented in this work are extraordinarily rich, making it truly worth the effort to understand them thoroughly. They offer a profound exploration of various aspects, from the complex tapestry of multiculturalism to the harrowing realities of war and the divisive nature of politics.

By delving into these characters, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures and experiences that coexist in our world. The portrayal of the horrors of war serves as a stark reminder of the destruction and suffering that it brings, while the examination of political division highlights the challenges and conflicts that arise when different ideologies clash.

This work is an absolute must-read for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of these important themes. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can broaden our horizons and enhance our empathy for others. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with these rich and thought-provoking characters.

Tbh it took me a really long time to get into this book. I was actually advised to read it as I was about to go for a tour to Türkiye.

I read it electronically, and I truly wished that it included a map. That way, geographically, I could have easily followed the story.

It was extremely fortunate that I was visiting Gallipoli just as I was reading about the intense fighting there during WW1. It was such an emotional time seeing the trenches that still remain there today. The story vividly regales the numerous difficulties of war, not only for the ANZACs but also for the Turks. There were many detailed descriptions of how the two sides got along. There was a mutual respect, which was clearly portrayed when a ceasefire was arranged in the trenches so that the decaying bodies could be returned to their appropriate camps. There were also some comical aspects of fighting in the trenches.

My initial thought was that "birds without wings" referred to the pottery birds that were used by the two boys - Karatavuk and Mehmetcik. This was revisited towards the end of the book when the two meet up again with their pottery birds.

However, the epilogue suggests that birds with wings can fly anywhere without being hindered by borders. In contrast, birds without wings often struggle and are always confined to the earth.

Overall, it was an incredibly insightful read!

I was tired, yet I truly did try. I had a strong desire to like and fully immerse myself in this book. However, it turned out to be nothing but self-indulgent rubbish. Maybe de Berniers, while writing this, was completely enveloped by the small world he was constructing, with its so-called “subtle” political and religious humor that was always tempered and measured.

But I just couldn't help but become extremely irritated with the pretentiousness of it all. Iskander The Potter and all that nonsense. Chapters with titles like "Karatuvuk Remembers (3)" - it was all wank. It was a waste of my holiday time. But still, I can't help but think that perhaps I should give it one more chance to see if there is something that I might have missed. After all, maybe my initial impression was too hasty and there could be some hidden gems within the pages that I failed to notice the first time around.

So, despite my frustration and disappointment, I'm considering giving this book another shot, hoping that I'll have a different experience and be able to appreciate it for what it truly is.