10 Minute and 38 second in this Strange World by Elif Shafak

About the Author: Elif Shafak 

Elif Shafak is an acclaimed Turkish-British author, essayist, storyteller, and academic. Known for her activism in women's rights and freedom of speech, Shafak writes in both Turkish and English, often publishing under the anglicized version of her name. With 17 books to her credit, including 11 novels such as 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, The Bastard of Istanbul, The Forty Rules of Love, and Three Daughters of Eve, her work has been translated into 53 languages. She was also honored as a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. 

As a global public speaker and two-time TED Global speaker, Shafak addresses key issues like cultural politics, democracy, and minority rights. Recognized by Politico in 2017 as one of 12 influential figures, Shafak is also a founding member of the European Council on Foreign Relations and has served on the Weforum Global Agenda Council on Creative Economy.

Book Summary: 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

Elif Shafak's 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World invites readers on a journey through Istanbul, a city filled with landmarks such as the Intercontinental Hotel, the Cemetery of the Companionless, and the Bosphorus Bridge, all given fresh meaning through Shafak’s evocative prose. 

The novel tells the story of Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, who reflects on her life in the 10 minutes and 38 seconds after her murder. Shafak's storytelling is deeply sensory, drawing readers into Leila’s life, from her conservative upbringing to the bustling streets where she worked. Each minute of Leila's fading consciousness is marked by vivid memories, filled with scents, tastes, and emotions, as she reflects on moments of love, friendship, and hardship.

The novel explores Leila's deep bonds with her chosen "water family" of five close friends, each outcast in their own way—Nalan, a transgender woman; Humeyra, a runaway; Jameelah, a trafficked Somali woman; Zaynab122, a woman with dwarfism; and Sinan, a man leading a double life. Together, they offer Leila the support her biological family never did, culminating in an emotional second half of the novel where they fight to give her a dignified farewell.

This stunning narrative was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and showcases Shafak’s signature style: a mix of bold, compassionate storytelling with intricate attention to cultural and political themes.

Personal Opinion

Elif Shafak's 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World is a masterpiece. Her unique writing style keeps you thinking long after the final page. The novel’s dedication, "To the women of Istanbul, and the city of Istanbul, which is, and has always been, a she-city," perfectly captures the spirit of the book.

Shafak’s exploration of friendship is heartwarming. Her characters' deep connection, despite being societal outcasts, illustrates that family is often the one we choose, not just the one we’re born into. Leila’s "water family" displays loyalty, bravery, and love, offering a poignant reflection on human relationships.

This story also highlights the struggles faced by women and marginalized groups, shining a light on the injustices inflicted by a patriarchal society. Yet, amid the darkness, there is hope, love, and a celebration of life.

Shafak’s writing is vivid and immersive—you can almost feel the heat of the Istanbul sun, smell the spices, and hear the sounds of the city. It’s a beautifully crafted book that balances the melancholy of loss with the joy of human connection.

For a free copy of this remarkable book, DM me on Instagram: @shashwata__

Written by: Shashwata Samanta

Instagram: @shashwata__