The Bastard of Istanbul was most definitely the most interesting and enjoyable form of literature that we have read thus far in class. The novel was able to outline what it means to be a woman in Armenian or Turkish society through characters that were easy to follow. The novel had its way of keeping the reader wanting more while still informing the reader of the situations that really did occur during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The Armenian Genocide was a brutal slaying of Armenian intellect and citizens, as shown through Armanoush's family and their stories of suffering. It is also true that present day Turks do not associate themselves with the Turks who were responsible for the genocide, just as was shown was Asya and her family.
The Bastard of Istanbul further enriched my knowledge of Turkish society and is a great accopanyment to learning the lessons in class.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I thought "The Bastard of Istanbul" was defenitely a good way to show people what the feelings are like between the Turks and Armenians. It was interesting to see how Armanoush felt when she first arrived in Istanbul. Not enough people know about the genocide and this novel is a great introduction to understanding the view points of both cultures.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I agree with both of you. "The Bastard of Istanbul" allowed the reader to understand two different cultures simultaneously unlike in Zayni Barakat where one chapter would be one speaker and the next chapter another. Like Lauren said, this novel was definitely a good way to introduce the Armenian genocide especially to many people, like myself, who really had not heard of the conflict in such great detail.
ReplyDeleteThe book not only educated me on Turkish and Armenian society, but also raised many questions about my own heritage. I agree that the books really was more enjoyable and informative giving really well written accounts from both cultures. I would have extremely disliked the book if it had been from only one side, either the Turks or the Armenians.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your blog. I too defiantly enjoyed reading the Bastard of Istanbul especially over reading Zayni Barakat because it was a lot easier and more enjoyable to read. The book painted a picture for the reader of what life was like in Armenian and Turkey, when Zayni Barakat was very long, dry and confusion. It was very hard to put down the BofI because it had flow and involved family values in which our generation can relate too.
ReplyDelete