Last Train To Istanbul: A Novel (2002) - Plot & Excerpts
I've definitely become something of WWII-ophile when it comes to the novels I read. So if I'm skimming through books, glancing at their subjects, if it even tangentially involves WWII, odds are that I will toss it in the to-read pile no matter the angle.In the case of "Last Train to Istanbul," I'm very pleased that I did. As the title suggests, this book is told from a Turkish perspective, a pretty unusual vantage point for World War II, as Turkey managed to keep itself clear of most of the war. However, given Turkey's unique history, where it welcomed thousands of persecuted Jews a few centuries earlier into its borders alongside of its typically Muslim population, it had a special interest in the Nazi persecution of Jews in France, many of whom were of Turkish heritage, and may even have Turkish passports. And also because of Turkey's stance as a neutral party with a non-aggression pact with the Germans after 1941, the Turkish government had a surprising amount of sway with the Nazi regime as far as keeping its own expats safe.This story is told from several perspectives in Istanbul, Ankara, Paris, and Marseilles, all of whom are interconnected, as an effort is undertaken to remove as many transplanted Turks as possible from France, and even some non-Turks of interest if at all possible. Every time I think I've got a grip on the extent to which WWII affected Europe, I find another story that tells me something new.I enjoyed this novel, although the writing style was a little unevocative for me. I didn't feel like I knew the characters well, they seemed rather 2D and the story had the potential to pack a big emoitional punch but somehow didn't. Interesting reading nonetheless.
What do You think about Last Train To Istanbul: A Novel (2002)?
A bit slow to get into then I couldn't put it down. I look forward to someone making in to a film!
—marinatsoneva
WW II books always fascinate me. I learned things about Turkey's involvement that I did not know.
—wellieno
Tedious. The train was faster than I could get myself to continue reading.
—stephanie_leong1996
