A Strangeness in My Mind

Name: A Strangeness in My Mind
ISBN: 9780571275984

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Book Summary

From one of our greatest, a panoramic new novel, his first since Museum of Innocence, bringing us into Istanbul’s underground through the eyes of a struggling street vendor.
آ آ آ آ آ Mevlut, an Istanbul street vendor, has spent his whole life selling a local alcoholic drink. It is the 1990s, and although there were once thousands of boza vendors walking the frozen streets of the city, Mevlut now cuts a lonely figure on snowy winter nights. Falling deeply into debt, and desperate to marry off his incompetent son and satisfy his mistress, Mevlut turns to his old friend Ferhat, who collects payments on electric bills. The partners traverse the back streets of middle class neighbourhoods and shantytowns, venture into flats, shops and restaurants of the poor, relishing their power to punish cheaters and collect bribes. The dangers of Instanbul’s underbelly eventually catch up with Mevlut, and he is attacked by a pack of dogs, hospitalized, robbed by bandits and beaten and threatened at every turn. Istanbul is exposed as a city with a rich and dynamic underground culture which seeps into its secular business centres and mainstream society. Mevlut serves as a flighty guide, occasionally attuned to the city’s nuances, but with a wild imagination and insticts tainted by desperation.

Language: English
Publisher: Faber & Faber Fiction
ISBN-10: 0571275982
ISBN-13: 9780571275984
Genre: Popular Fiction
Size: 15.1 cm x 23.4 cm
Shipping Weight: 79 grams
Condition: New

Out of stock

SKU: 9780571275984 Categories: English Books, Literature & Fiction Author: Orhan Pamuk

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A Strangeness in My Mind

A Strangeness in My Mind Book Description

From one of Turkey’s most celebrated writers comes A Strangeness in My Mind, his first novel since Museum of Innocence. The story follows Mevlut, a boza vendor who spends his days wandering the icy streets of 1990s Istanbul. He sells the traditional fermented drink to strangers, while his own life becomes a tangled web of debt, family pressure, and hidden desires. When Mevlut asks his old friend Ferhat, a collector of electric‑bill payments, for help, the two men plunge into the city’s shadowy back alleys, shantytowns, and modest apartments. Their mission is simple: collect what is owed, punish cheaters, and survive the harsh underworld that surrounds them.

Readers will feel the cold wind of winter nights as Mevlut faces relentless challenges—dog attacks, hospital stays, robberies, and constant threats. Meanwhile, the novel paints Istanbul as a city of contrast, where a vibrant underground culture seeps into respectable business districts and everyday life. Moreover, Mevlut’s perspective offers a raw, humorous, and sometimes desperate view of a world few outsiders ever see. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate Orhan Pamuk’s skillful blend of humor, tragedy, and social observation.

Key Features of A Strangeness in My Mind

Inside this book, readers can explore a richly detailed portrait of Istanbul. The author uses simple language to show bustling markets, cramped apartments, and quiet cafés, making each scene feel immediate and alive. Additionally, the novel tackles universal themes such as poverty, ambition, love, and the struggle to belong. The narrative also highlights the importance of community, even when it forms around illegal or dubious activities. Because of its vivid storytelling, the book feels like a guided tour through the city’s hidden corners.

Furthermore, the novel offers a fresh look at a traditional profession—boza vending—turning it into a symbol of resilience and survival. The author’s humor shines through Mevlut’s witty remarks and sarcastic observations, providing relief amid the darker moments. Meanwhile, the pacing remains steady; each chapter ends with a small cliff‑hanger that encourages readers to keep turning pages.

Why Read This Book?

Many readers will love how A Strangeness in My Mind balances gritty realism with lyrical description. The protagonist’s journey reveals how ordinary people can become both victims and masters of their destiny. Moreover, the book invites readers to reflect on their own city’s unseen layers, prompting a deeper appreciation for the lives that move just out of sight. Fans of Orhan Pamuk’s earlier works will recognize his signature attention to detail and his ability to turn a single street vendor’s life into a universal story.

Additionally, the novel’s themes are relevant today. Economic hardship, family expectations, and the search for identity resonate across cultures. Therefore, this book offers both an entertaining narrative and a thoughtful commentary on modern urban life. Readers can also enjoy a touch of humor, which lifts the mood without diminishing the seriousness of the setting.

About This Book

Language: English
Publisher: Faber & Faber Fiction
ISBN‑10: 0571275982
ISBN‑13: 9780571275984
Genre: Popular Fiction
Size: 15.1 cm × 23.4 cm
Shipping Weight: 79 g
Condition: New

For more details about the book and its author, visit the Goodreads page. Discover additional English titles in our store via the English Books collection.