Snow by Orhan Pamuk Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Snow
Book Review: A Political Novel Done Right
Summary: 4 Stars
I don't know what exactly a good political novel is, but I know what I like and know when political threads are deflty and masterfully (and maybe most importantly, relevantly) inserted into a novel. As first, while reading Pamuk's "Snow," I found myself rolling my eyes and wondering whether or not this novel was yet another example as to why the Nobel Prize has become a formulaic award, one more often than not, granted to writers who champion a particular cause or spend their lives explaining and delving into the psyches of those troubled by major world events. I thought that the protagonist Ka was merely a cookie-cutter character meant to act as a vehicle with which Pamuk could explain the political backdrop and tension existing in Kars (all meant to be a small representation of the turmoil in Turkey as a whole). Well, after having finished the novel, I must say that it is indeed a chance to explain and explore these things, but at the same time, as you read more and more, you realize how authentic the story itself is and the way that the political tableau is an intricate part of the story. When this type of fiction is done badly (in my opinion, Rushdie is the worst offender of them all), the work comes across as heavy handed, yet this novel reminds me of the successful authors, such as Kenzaburo Oe and Zakes Mda, who are able to blend these kinds of social issues with a greater tale.
Ka's tale starts as a simple one in that he is returning as an exile to his hometown under the guise of being a journalist reporting a series of suicides amongst a group of Islamic girls. And of course, there is a love story, since what would a grand tale of fiction be without one. Over the course of the story, we watch Ka become enmeshed in all of the political intrigue concerning in the town, including a coup as well as a number of deaths. What amazes me is the beauty of Pamuk's language and the pacing. He never seems to be rushed at any moment and dwells just long enough on a scene that you get everything you need from it. The way he breaks up time is also well done, and does nothing to disrupt the flow of the novel.
This novel is an astounding success and one that truly exemplifies the kind of work that I think someone needs to produce to earn the Nobel. I am very excited to tackle some more of his work.
Book Review: A Snippit in Time from Turkey
Summary: 4 Stars
Fastpaced, rich in detail, and seemingly an allegory within an allegory - Snow is a beautiful and suspenseful read. My test for all fiction is whether or not I give a damn about the characters and Snow does not disappoint. I was intrigued by the way Pamuk weaves political/religious and east/west threads through the story while at the same time speaking to indivdual self-doubt, love, loss, death... Look forward to reading more by this author.Book Review: A Tiny World of Its Own
Summary: 4 Stars
I visited the city of Kars in the Southeastern area of Turkey several years ago, well before I read this interesting and complicated novel. It may be one of the last places I would have expected such a deep and detailed story to be set. This is the part of the country where Turkish subcultures conflict with one another most dramatically and where Turkey is probably least settled. Nonetheless, the story takes place during one cold winter and revolves around a single character in a skillful way that holds ones interest for the most part. Occasionally, I found the details a bit drawn out but, at no time, did I find Orhan Pamuk, the Nobel Prize winning author, lacking for imagination or words.
This book is not only a fine and suspenseful tale in itself but also provides the reader the opportunity to become acquainted with the unique, interesting history of a rather little known part of the world. The radicals, the autocrats, the poets and the lovers who populate these pages hold our attention effectively and they instruct us significantly about life and relationships, about courage and caring. It is a worthwhile undertaking for the serious reader and for one who wishes to explore a not very familiar place and learn a bit more about his world.
Stanley C. Diamond, Author of What's an American Doing Here?: Reflections on Travel in the Third World.
Book Review: A Whole Lotta Snow
Summary: 4 Stars
Snow is a political novel by Orhan Pamuk based in the small Turkish town of Kars. The main plot of the book revolves around a poet named Ka, and his changing perspectives on politics and religion after he moves to Kars. Two separate stories, one about Ka's persona life, and one about the social climate of Turkey, and woven together seamlessly.
The translation from Turkish by Maureen Freely is simple and concise. The dialogue struck me as blunt and simple and very realistic. Pamuk's sparing description and lack of emotion in the prose allows the events of the story to set the tenor of the book. Even as the pace quickens in the final chapters, Pamuk sticks with his style and the slow paced writing creates a sense of urgency in the reader that more descriptive authors seem unable to duplicate.
Pamuk was also able to keep my interest by using an unusual point of view. He narrates the book himself, but the word "I" is used only a handful of times throughout most of the book. Instead the book is written about his friend Ka, whose feelings he can delve into through Ka's notebooks. Only at the end does Pamuk himself enter the story in full force.
I would rate Snow four out of five stars. I felt as if the story was saved by the conclusion, because the powerful message the ending invokes is offset by the slow pace of the first half of the book. Coupled with the complexity of the plot, a difficult and slow read awaits. To some extent, Pamuk is able to combat this effect with simple characters who become unforgettable as the chapters crawl past.
However, in the end it seems as if only readers genuinely interested in the political motives of the book will continue reading. Those who do manage to escape the first few chapters are in for a bluntly honest and endearing story with an ending that touches close to home.
Book Review: A fascinating read
Summary: 4 Stars
Realy enjoyed reading this. Although not as strong as Pamuk's My Name is Red, it is still a great novel and a thrilling journey through a town in Turkey. Pamuk is a brave writer and does not shy away from truth. I urge you to read this novel.