A Strangeness in My Mind

By: Orhan Pamuk

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 21 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

At a family wedding Mevlut catches sight of a girl with whom he falls in love. After a secret courtship of letters passed via his cousin, she agrees to elope with him, and on a dark night the two come together for the first time. As they rush to catch a train to Istanbul, Mevlut realises he has been misled. But the die is cast, and the situation will determine the rest of his days. 

Over the next four decades in Istanbul, Mevlut works various jobs to support his loving wife and family - work that gives him a special perspective on his rapidly changing city and the people who live there. And every evening he walks the streets, selling his wares and dreaming his dreams.

©2015 Orhan Pamuk (P)2018 Faber & Faber Ltd

stunning!!!!

Thank you, Orhan Pamuk
As a native of another country who made her life in Istanbul..you have taught me a social history I wasn’t aware of and at the same time Mevlut, your hero became a close friend
What a magnificent story

Loved it!

Beautifully written and read. Spent some time in Istanbul in eighties and it sounds like it changed.

Sweeping Epic

An unusual sweeping tale of an Istanbul Street Vendor throughout the late 20th century. Pamuk’s sweeping narrative takes the reader through the social changes and attitudes of Turkey, highlighting the differences between the secular and religious elements of society, tradition vs modernity and the ever changing politics of the time.
Of particular note are the sequences wherein the central character observes various leftwing movements, including the Chinese and Soviet Rivalries played out in the local politics.
The book doesn’t seem too eventful, so those expecting action and plot twists may be disappointed, however, this is a book about feeling more than anything else.
The narration by John Lee, is, as always, superb. Anyone who has listened to the Audible performances of Snow or My Name is Red will be happy to hear the familiar voice performing once again.

Enchanting tale of Istanbul and its people

In this tale of Istanbul and its people, Orhan Pamuk skilfully tells the story of Turkish history and traditions through the lense of the boza seller Mevlut and his family.

The astonishing work of a masterly novelist

My headline says it all.
A riveting and unforgettable listen.
Mevlut will stay in my heart forever