Last Train to Istanbul, Ayse Kulin
Last Train to Istanbul, Ayse Kulin
List: $42.99 | Sale: $30.10
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Last Train to Istanbul
A Novel

Author: Ayşe Kulin, John W. Baker

Narrator: Sanjiv Jhaveri

Unabridged: 10 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook (DRM Protected)

Published: 10/08/2013

Synopsis

An international bestseller by one of Turkey’s most beloved authors.As the daughter of one of Turkey’s last Ottoman pashas, Selva could win the heart of any man in Ankara. Yet the spirited young beauty only has eyes for Rafael Alfandari, the handsome Jewish son of an esteemed court physician. In defiance of their families, they marry, fleeing to Paris to build a new life.But when the Nazis invade France and begin rounding up Jews, the exiled lovers will learn that nothing—not war, not politics, not even religion—can break the bonds of family. For after they learn that Selva is but one of their fellow citizens trapped in France, a handful of brave Turkish diplomats hatch a plan to spirit the Alfandaris and hundreds of innocents, many of whom are Jewish, to safety. Together, they must traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in a desperate bid for freedom. From Ankara to Paris, Cairo, and Berlin, Last Train to Istanbul is an uplifting tale of love and adventure from Turkey’s beloved bestselling novelist Ayşe Kulin.

About Ayse Kulin

One of Turkey’s most beloved authors, with more than ten million copies of her books sold, Ayşe Kulin is known for captivating stories about human endurance. In addition to penning internationally bestselling novels, she has also worked as a producer, cinematographer, and screenwriter for numerous television shows and films. Last Train to Istanbul, winner of the European Council Jewish Community Best Novel Award and the Premio Roma in Italy, has been translated into twenty-three languages.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Natalia Pì on January 16, 2011

Finished. Finally! I say finally because it took me too long due to a busy period... It also took me long because, well, it's a very interesting story, but I must also say, it's not very well written. Or maybe it's a matter of translation? I can't read Turkish, so I'll never find out. I must say, tho......more

Goodreads review by Brianna on February 10, 2017

It's hard to review this book. The synopsis is rather incorrect because it misleads you to believe that this is mainly the story about a couple. But it's not. It's more a collection of stories about Turkish people and how WW2 and the Holocaust affected them. It's a different view that most Americans......more

Goodreads review by Cititoare Calatoare on August 27, 2023

Aceasta fictiune istorica ne tine in alerta pana la final. Prin multe incercari or sa treaca Selva si Rafo, dar vor reusi sa scape de nazisti? Familia Selvei o va ierta pentru ca a indraznit sa se marite cu un evreu? Isi va mai vedea familia? Mi-a placut si nu, aceasta carte. Subiectul este foarte i......more

Goodreads review by Michelle on April 07, 2024

I didn't get on with this book. To be honest I think it's the translator rather than the book. It just felt very dry which prevented me from connecting. Two stars.......more

Goodreads review by Celia on February 17, 2019

A wonderful book with lots of characters I cared for. Will discuss at Book Club tonight. Last Train to Istanbul by Ayşe Kulin takes place prior to and during the first two years of WWII. It is a very informative historical fiction relating the empathy of Turkey to the Jews in this very dark period o......more

Quotes

“Kulin, a bestselling Turkish author, has penned this brilliant novel using the techniques of historical fiction. Her narrative with numerous characters and a number of subplots is handled deftly…The story is compelling up to the end and deserves a film adaptation. Highly recommended.” —Historical Novel Review“Ayse Kulin is a clever writer. She draws the reader into the story of the life and loves of a Turkish family in wartime and by the time the reader realizes that she has also cranked up the tension with a rescue plot, it is too late to put the book down unfinished. For aficionados of wartime novels as well as for anyone glued to his or her seat watching the film Argo, this is a must-read.” —Helen Bryan, bestselling author of War Brides and The Sisterhood 

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