The Bastard of Istanbul

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.