Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel

by Ayse Kulin

John W Baker (Translator)

An international bestseller by one of Turkey’s most beloved authors.

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 and begin rounding up Jews, 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.

• ISBN10: 1477807616
• ISBN13: 9781477807613
• Publish Date: 8 October 2013 (first published 1 August 2010)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Amazon Publishing
• Imprint: AmazonCrossing
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 396
• Language: English

Reviews

[Lianne]

Last Train to Istanbul was a fascinating read. It was interesting to see Turkey’s perspective as World War Two builds up and explodes across Europe. This novel interplays the personal drama of Selva and her family and the obstacles they face with the political situation and the actual figures involved in the diplomatic efforts. The events of World War Two and the treatment of the European Jews fit in with Selva’s personal story and her disagreements with her father and her family over the subject of religion.

The character drama nonetheless was very interesting, especially as the reader learns more about what motivates most of the characters and what they are going through. I wish more time was spent on Selva and Sabiha’s father as he is a focal character to why Selva moved away. It also seemed as though Sabiha’s storyline was a little removed compared to everyone else, more contained than everyone else.

While Last Train to Istanbul was an interesting read, I did find it a little startling and disappointing that the story ended very abruptly at the end. Nonetheless, readers who enjoy reading historical fiction set during World War Two and/or are looking to check out some Turkish titles may want to check this novel out.

You can read this review in its entirety over at caffeinatedlife.net: http://www.caffeinatedlife.net/blog/2013/10/01/review-last-train-to-istanbul/