Through one man’s journeys around a vibrant city, Orhan Pamuk asks what matters more in life: what we wish for, or what fate has in store? Translated by Ekin Oklap.

At a wedding, Mevlut catches sight of a girl and promptly falls in love. After a secret courtship of letters, they elope to Istanbul. Almost immediately, Mevlut realises he has made a mistake. But it’s too late now. Over the next four decades, he works various jobs on the city streets, witnessing all of the transformative moments, political clashes, and military coups that shape the country. And every evening he sells his wares on the streets, part of the city but always a stranger in his mind.

Shortlisted
The Man Booker International Prize 2016
Published by
Faber & Faber
Publication date

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Orhan Pamuk

Orhan Pamuk

About the Author

Orhan Pamuk is the author of many celebrated books, including The White Castle, Black Book, Istanbul and Snow.
More about Orhan Pamuk
Ekin Oklap

Ekin Oklap

About the Translator

Ekin Oklap was born in Izmir, Turkey, and grew up in Italy.

More about Ekin Oklap