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Turquoise: A Love Story
Set against transcendent love, unrelenting hatred and loyalties to friends and family, Turquoise is the story of an enduring and passionate love affair between Yasmin and Renan, which spans two decades, two marriages and three continents. Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul. Years later they run into each other, and Ani introduces Renan, her husband, to Yasmin. At that moment under the blazing autumn skies, as Yasmin locks eyes with Renan, she knows that she has come upon her destiny. But political tensions in their land soon force Renan, her secret love, and his family to immigrate to Sydney. A few years on, Yasmin’s diplomat father is appointed as the Turkish Consul General to Los Angeles where the family faces a devastating tragedy that will impact their lives in ways unfathomable. She is now forced to make a choice between passion that defines her and reason that guides her. When so much is stacked against Yasmin and Renan, how can love possibly triumph? This is a big, powerful novel of love, angst, political unrest and ethnic hatred. The author has skilfully penned these pages so that the characters are raw and real, their emotions searing, their plight palpable. An engrossing work. Look out for the sequel, Emerald, which is currently underway. —Wendy O’Hanlon, Acres Australia Turquoise is not a simple romance but a tale of passion and love – the love of a child, a job, two countries and a man. —Dot Whittington, The Weekender With characters who come across as completely flawed and human, you will be pulled into this well-written novel that runs the full gamut of emotions and relationships. —John Morrow’s Pick of the Week
- GenresRomance
441 pages, Paperback
First published January 31, 2012
About the author
Ayshe Talay-Ongan
5 books6 followersHaving lived in Istanbul, New York City, San Francisco, Paris, Florence and Sydney, Ayshe Talay-Ongan is a true citizen of the world. Turkish by birth, American by citizenship and Australian by residence, Talay-Ongan has called Sydney home since 1989.
A psychologist (M.S., Ph.D., Columbia University), and emeritus academic, Talay-Ongan has three published textbooks in developmental psychology and dozens of research articles in academic journals.
Turquoise – A Love Story is her debut novel. The book captures the saga a love that spans two decades, three continents and two marriages, and is inspired by Talay-Ongan’s own life experiences. Its sequel, Emerald, is currently underway.
Talay-Ongan lives in Sydney, Australia with her family and Burmese cat Simba, who likes sleeping on her head.
You may also 'like' Turquoise-A Love Story on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/turquoisealov...
A psychologist (M.S., Ph.D., Columbia University), and emeritus academic, Talay-Ongan has three published textbooks in developmental psychology and dozens of research articles in academic journals.
Turquoise – A Love Story is her debut novel. The book captures the saga a love that spans two decades, three continents and two marriages, and is inspired by Talay-Ongan’s own life experiences. Its sequel, Emerald, is currently underway.
Talay-Ongan lives in Sydney, Australia with her family and Burmese cat Simba, who likes sleeping on her head.
You may also 'like' Turquoise-A Love Story on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/turquoisealov...
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May 22, 2012REVIEWS IN THE MEDIA:
This is a big, powerful novel of love, angst, political unrest and ethnic hatred. The author has skilfully penned these pages so that the characters are raw and real, their emotions searing, their plight palpable. An engrossing work. Look out for the sequel, Emerald, which is currently underway.
WENDY O'HANLON, ACRES AUSTRALIA
Readers sympathise with Yasmin’s tough decisions and come to respect her determination. The greatest question Talay-Ongan poses to readers is, how long can you go on living with second best when your heart is already bound? Turquoise is not a simple romance but a tale of passion and love - the love of a child, a job, two countries and a man.
DOT WHITTINGTON, THE WEEKENDER
With characters who come across as completely flawed and human, you will be pulled into this novel that runs the full gamut of emotions and relationships. I will be eagerly waiting for the sequel to this novel, Emerald, as I have a feeling that there is much more to come from this bright and shining new author.
JOHN MORROW’S PICK OF THE WEEK
Turquoise is a beautifully written novel: an unconventional love story set partially in Turkey and partially in the USA. (Australia gets a few brief mentions but doesn't feature in it.) Turquoise was published through Sid Harta, but is well-written enough to be published conventionally, and I'm surprised that it wasn't.
CHRIS BROADRIBB, NSW Writers Centre Newsletter
This is a big, powerful novel of love, angst, political unrest and ethnic hatred. The author has skilfully penned these pages so that the characters are raw and real, their emotions searing, their plight palpable. An engrossing work. Look out for the sequel, Emerald, which is currently underway.
WENDY O'HANLON, ACRES AUSTRALIA
Readers sympathise with Yasmin’s tough decisions and come to respect her determination. The greatest question Talay-Ongan poses to readers is, how long can you go on living with second best when your heart is already bound? Turquoise is not a simple romance but a tale of passion and love - the love of a child, a job, two countries and a man.
DOT WHITTINGTON, THE WEEKENDER
With characters who come across as completely flawed and human, you will be pulled into this novel that runs the full gamut of emotions and relationships. I will be eagerly waiting for the sequel to this novel, Emerald, as I have a feeling that there is much more to come from this bright and shining new author.
JOHN MORROW’S PICK OF THE WEEK
Turquoise is a beautifully written novel: an unconventional love story set partially in Turkey and partially in the USA. (Australia gets a few brief mentions but doesn't feature in it.) Turquoise was published through Sid Harta, but is well-written enough to be published conventionally, and I'm surprised that it wasn't.
CHRIS BROADRIBB, NSW Writers Centre Newsletter
June 18, 2012
THIS REVIEW ON B'S BOOK BLOG!
A digital copy of this book was provided by JKS Communications for review and blog tour.
Let me begin by just saying I did not like this book. I honestly don't know why I was interested in it, because reading the provided summary just now, I realized that it's not the kind of book that I would normally read. I have no one to blame but myself for this part. Lessen learned. Always make sure the book is something you really want to read before committing yourself to it.
In this review I'm going to be brutally honest. There are a lot of things I didn't like about this book, and sadly, none I liked. While this book neither enraged me nor bored me, reading it was a bad experience for me, and I didn't think the book was even well-written, so I had to give this book a lonely one star. It simply isn't my kind of book.
First of all the problems I had with Turquoise is this: the narration. I didn't like the way the book is narrated in the present tense when it really sounds more like a recount of the past. I found that maybe the past tense might be more fitting. This annoyed me a little bit.
The biggest problem is the undeniable fact that I didn't like the story. It touches on Turkish politics, which is always a sensitive subject. I normally don't enjoy books involving politics to begin with. It also didn't help that I have no background information about Turkish politics. It just failed to interest me. The love story isn't even interesting. Love at first sight? Alright. Constant obsession? Understandable. But that love is requited? I didn't buy it. And all these fusses about marriage and love affair? They exhausted me. This book did.
There was also a problem with the characters. Honestly, I didn't like any of the characters. I can't even try to tell you about them or even the main characters because I really had no idea what they're like. I didn't know them. Plus, there are simply too many characters to keep up with. I finished the book not remembering anyone but a few main characters. The other characters are just names without faces, who come in here and there to keep the story going, coming to visit, only to disappear and come back almost a hundred pages later or something like that. The way the author tells us about them doesn't make them at all memorable. They're flat and lifeless. And there are just too many characters. Much more than I find necessary in a novel.
Not only did an excess of characters prevent me from enjoying the book, but also the constant switching of places. It seems the characters in this book are always going from somewhere to another. From this house to that, this city to that, this country to that. They move all the time and I found this very confusing. I didn't know where they are most of the time, and at one point, I decided I didn't care anymore.
And the length. My God, the length! 456 pages is no joke. I think I wouldn't have picked it up had I known it is this long. (Lesson learned!) I had been reading this book thoroughly and attentively until I was around 64% of the book, then I just lost my patient and skimmed all the way through until the end. I have to say I saw the "resolution" coming. Waiting for your partner to screw up (when you've been secretly misbehaving all the time) and using it as an excuse to end your marriage and then flee. As if your misconducts have been justified. Classic.
To sum it all up: I didn't like this book. I wish I hadn't read it at all. It's not for me.
A digital copy of this book was provided by JKS Communications for review and blog tour.
Let me begin by just saying I did not like this book. I honestly don't know why I was interested in it, because reading the provided summary just now, I realized that it's not the kind of book that I would normally read. I have no one to blame but myself for this part. Lessen learned. Always make sure the book is something you really want to read before committing yourself to it.
In this review I'm going to be brutally honest. There are a lot of things I didn't like about this book, and sadly, none I liked. While this book neither enraged me nor bored me, reading it was a bad experience for me, and I didn't think the book was even well-written, so I had to give this book a lonely one star. It simply isn't my kind of book.
First of all the problems I had with Turquoise is this: the narration. I didn't like the way the book is narrated in the present tense when it really sounds more like a recount of the past. I found that maybe the past tense might be more fitting. This annoyed me a little bit.
The biggest problem is the undeniable fact that I didn't like the story. It touches on Turkish politics, which is always a sensitive subject. I normally don't enjoy books involving politics to begin with. It also didn't help that I have no background information about Turkish politics. It just failed to interest me. The love story isn't even interesting. Love at first sight? Alright. Constant obsession? Understandable. But that love is requited? I didn't buy it. And all these fusses about marriage and love affair? They exhausted me. This book did.
There was also a problem with the characters. Honestly, I didn't like any of the characters. I can't even try to tell you about them or even the main characters because I really had no idea what they're like. I didn't know them. Plus, there are simply too many characters to keep up with. I finished the book not remembering anyone but a few main characters. The other characters are just names without faces, who come in here and there to keep the story going, coming to visit, only to disappear and come back almost a hundred pages later or something like that. The way the author tells us about them doesn't make them at all memorable. They're flat and lifeless. And there are just too many characters. Much more than I find necessary in a novel.
Not only did an excess of characters prevent me from enjoying the book, but also the constant switching of places. It seems the characters in this book are always going from somewhere to another. From this house to that, this city to that, this country to that. They move all the time and I found this very confusing. I didn't know where they are most of the time, and at one point, I decided I didn't care anymore.
And the length. My God, the length! 456 pages is no joke. I think I wouldn't have picked it up had I known it is this long. (Lesson learned!) I had been reading this book thoroughly and attentively until I was around 64% of the book, then I just lost my patient and skimmed all the way through until the end. I have to say I saw the "resolution" coming. Waiting for your partner to screw up (when you've been secretly misbehaving all the time) and using it as an excuse to end your marriage and then flee. As if your misconducts have been justified. Classic.
To sum it all up: I didn't like this book. I wish I hadn't read it at all. It's not for me.
May 22, 2012
I rarely read fiction, but my wife felt that this was one book that would be worth my time. She was right; although there were times I could not relate to to the narrative because us blokes don't think or feel this frankly or openly, by and large I liked storyline and the tenacity of the characters. For me it was a page turner, because I wanted to know the score! I also liked the easy reading style and it all sounded real to me. Go on guys, listen to your women!
May 22, 2012
Talay-Ongan is a fantastic storyteller. This book is full of guts, and passion. Yasmin has a big heart in this story. In the beginning, you are unsure of where her lover is in her life, but it is good anyways. I just fell into the city of Istanbul, the home of San Francisco and her heart, which was in Sydney. It was a great read.
May 15, 2012
These are by far some of the most arrogant and self-centered characters I've ever read. They go around saying things like "Bad girl, you!" calling people "champ" and feeling "giddy." Dinner parties consist of sitting around telling stories about how they are wonderful, unique individuals with such high intelligence and creativity and how they are above the bigotry that the world directs at them. Then they proceed to lump all Americans together as idiots with no knowledge of geography or religion. It didn't offend me so much as the arrogance of it: don't lump me in with everyone from Turkey but hey, all you Americans are the same. Just idiotic. This purports to be a love story but, in fact, from the very first chapter it's obviously a story of ridiculous obsession. The MC is unredeemable in her use of her best friend so reading anything from her point of view is annoying and irritating as she goes about saying things to herself like "Dear God, let him be jealous of me!" as her obsession deepens for the best friend's husband. The character goes off on rambling tangents as she analyzes herself (not surprising since the author is in the mental health field) and comes to conclusions such as this:
It is not because I would wilfully (sic) deny myself the joy of a ripping orgasm - I am a child of the roaring women's lib, after all- but because I was perfectly self-sufficient and I truly could not be bothered teaching him how my body worked.
Or, this:
Times after the end of a relationship should be used as an opportunity to listen to one's self, to register the authentic voices that spring from the solar plexus. To seek one's pat to genuine wholesomeness towards a deep-seated sense of being at home with one's self. What have you done instead? Your best remedy when you were rejected by one man was to seek another without examining the rubble left behind. Tennis club to the rescue!
No, I didn't make that up. It's really there. So, unless you enjoy pages upon pages of such vapid introspection, unredeeming characters and dialogue such as "Oh, some Turkish coffee would be just grand, darling!" then I'd advise you to skip this one.
ARC Galley Proof
It is not because I would wilfully (sic) deny myself the joy of a ripping orgasm - I am a child of the roaring women's lib, after all- but because I was perfectly self-sufficient and I truly could not be bothered teaching him how my body worked.
Or, this:
Times after the end of a relationship should be used as an opportunity to listen to one's self, to register the authentic voices that spring from the solar plexus. To seek one's pat to genuine wholesomeness towards a deep-seated sense of being at home with one's self. What have you done instead? Your best remedy when you were rejected by one man was to seek another without examining the rubble left behind. Tennis club to the rescue!
No, I didn't make that up. It's really there. So, unless you enjoy pages upon pages of such vapid introspection, unredeeming characters and dialogue such as "Oh, some Turkish coffee would be just grand, darling!" then I'd advise you to skip this one.
ARC Galley Proof
July 10, 2012
My review:
This book confused me on so many levels, that I do not even know where to begin. Turquoise by Ayshe Talay-Ongan is a strange book with a strange story.
The author introduces you to Yasmin and follows her life through the decades. The story is not so much about love between Yasmin and Renat, but about Yasmin's life.
In one way I was drawn to this novel. There were moments, when I wanted to put it away and not read to the end of it, but I just couldn't. I was annoyed when I was reading and yet I wanted to know how the story ends.
What were the things which I was annoyed about? I have very mixed feelings about the protagonist of the book - Yasmine. I did not understand her overbearing and clinging love to Renan because it was so naive and so wrong in my eyes. I know there is saying that you can't help whom you love, and that was not the problem for me. The problem was the way she loved him. The reason might be cultural for me, but for me personally, wanting and loving your best friend's husband is just not right and the way she put him on to the pedestal, having daydreams about him was too far from any type of comprehension. I wanted to shake her and tell her to get her own life! I felt sorry for Yasmine, because for me she put her own life aside for many years and lived through her dream of Renan. I don't think that's love, at least it is not for me.
Then there was a Yasmin, who I liked - independent, educated, smart and with lots of willpower. I liked the American Yasmine.
Other parts of the book, I enjoyed a lot. I enjoyed the parts where the author took us to meet Yasmin's family, the traditions, religion, the conflicts between people. The author raised a lot of interesting topics through the story and for me, that saved the story. If it would have been only love story, I would have been disappointed, but the side stories and characters gave some interesting reading for me.
3 stars.
This book confused me on so many levels, that I do not even know where to begin. Turquoise by Ayshe Talay-Ongan is a strange book with a strange story.
The author introduces you to Yasmin and follows her life through the decades. The story is not so much about love between Yasmin and Renat, but about Yasmin's life.
In one way I was drawn to this novel. There were moments, when I wanted to put it away and not read to the end of it, but I just couldn't. I was annoyed when I was reading and yet I wanted to know how the story ends.
What were the things which I was annoyed about? I have very mixed feelings about the protagonist of the book - Yasmine. I did not understand her overbearing and clinging love to Renan because it was so naive and so wrong in my eyes. I know there is saying that you can't help whom you love, and that was not the problem for me. The problem was the way she loved him. The reason might be cultural for me, but for me personally, wanting and loving your best friend's husband is just not right and the way she put him on to the pedestal, having daydreams about him was too far from any type of comprehension. I wanted to shake her and tell her to get her own life! I felt sorry for Yasmine, because for me she put her own life aside for many years and lived through her dream of Renan. I don't think that's love, at least it is not for me.
Then there was a Yasmin, who I liked - independent, educated, smart and with lots of willpower. I liked the American Yasmine.
Other parts of the book, I enjoyed a lot. I enjoyed the parts where the author took us to meet Yasmin's family, the traditions, religion, the conflicts between people. The author raised a lot of interesting topics through the story and for me, that saved the story. If it would have been only love story, I would have been disappointed, but the side stories and characters gave some interesting reading for me.
3 stars.
July 2, 2012
OMG! Don't you just LOVE this cover?? I think it is amazing! Okay ~ big breathe ~ I got that out of my system ~ now on to the book.
As I read the short bio of the author, I realized that she wrote a lot of her own life into this story. Turquoise takes place all over the world; Istanbul, Paris, New York, Sydney, San Francisco ~ all places that Ayshe has lived. Write what you know, right? So this story has a very international flavor to it. I loved reading about all the varied settings and customs.
I started this story expecting a troubled love story between a man and a woman. The reader does get that but there really is so much more here. I couldn't help thinking about all the other love stories within the story and wondering if the author was giving the title a double meaning?
There is the deep love between Yasmin and Renan, of course, but there are also so many other people in Yasmin's life that she loves; her family, of course, her good friend, Ani, but most of all, her beautiful daughter. I felt that their love was the deepest and purest love of all.
I have to admit that the story took a little bit for me to get into but then something clicked and I became totally engrossed in the book and didn't want to stop reading. Ayshe is working on the sequel to Turquoise and I am anxious to see what happens to Yasmin and Renan.
As I read the short bio of the author, I realized that she wrote a lot of her own life into this story. Turquoise takes place all over the world; Istanbul, Paris, New York, Sydney, San Francisco ~ all places that Ayshe has lived. Write what you know, right? So this story has a very international flavor to it. I loved reading about all the varied settings and customs.
I started this story expecting a troubled love story between a man and a woman. The reader does get that but there really is so much more here. I couldn't help thinking about all the other love stories within the story and wondering if the author was giving the title a double meaning?
There is the deep love between Yasmin and Renan, of course, but there are also so many other people in Yasmin's life that she loves; her family, of course, her good friend, Ani, but most of all, her beautiful daughter. I felt that their love was the deepest and purest love of all.
I have to admit that the story took a little bit for me to get into but then something clicked and I became totally engrossed in the book and didn't want to stop reading. Ayshe is working on the sequel to Turquoise and I am anxious to see what happens to Yasmin and Renan.
May 7, 2012
Wonderful! I just finished this book and absolutely loved it! Hit home pretty hard on a few things (particularly one 'friendship/relationship' i've had with a man for nearly a decade now and did, in fact, fall at first site). Turquoise presents the question 'how can love succeed with so many obstacles, 'and Ayshe Taley-Ongan answers that so eloquently: when it's real/true and you know it - it's simple - despite all of the confusing feelings and outside situations involved.
Ayshe accurately depicts the exact thoughts that go on in such a relationship - it's always nice to know you're not alone in your thoughts/feelings. I loved the writing style.
Ayshe accurately depicts the exact thoughts that go on in such a relationship - it's always nice to know you're not alone in your thoughts/feelings. I loved the writing style.
July 16, 2012
If you love The Great Gatsby, then this will be a book that sophisticated people with an international view of the world will recognize as a struggle of the values, heart and aging mind of a woman coming to terms with a life not lived as expected as the years float by. For readers who skim or are challenged to look beyond the surface, this novel will be perplexing. This is not a one-dimensional book for the simple intellect. If you are looking to experience a different psychological perspective and world than your own, most likely, try this book. I was glad to be introduced to Ayshe Talay-Ongan's work.
May 22, 2012
I am a 25 year old single woman who has fallen in love with this book. It doesn't matter how old you are or from where you are to be inspired by this book - love, pain, family, living life, suffereing, loss - it's all the same language. You relate to Yasmin in one way or another. If I can never concieve, I'll consider adopting after this book because genetics is love, not DNA. Love endures but does not harm others in this book. The words of this author will guide my life if I'm faced in similar situations.
Want to Read
September 14, 2012ARC
September 1, 2016
At last, some reviewers who felt as I did about this book.
I was sent a free Kindle version of this book through NetGalley and out of respect to them, the publishers and the author, I forced myself to read all 450 pages. In my opinion this was not a well written book and I struggled to finish it. Although my review is not favourable, I feel I owe it to future readers to report honestly and without bias so that they can make their own decisions.
So, why did I dislike this book so much? Well, it was extremely wordy, over 150 pages too long, and incredibly self indulgent. A lot of the conversation I found quite immature and the endless ranting about the main character's 'one and only true Love' (with a capital L) was almost impossible to read. She pined after him for endless pages, especially in the last third of the book. I hate to skim read but at times I could do little else.
"My eighteen hours with him...skin on skin, breath in breath. Pristine and ordained. Brimming, Hieros Gamos, sacred union of the beloveds. Our bodies feel like a Homecoming with one another, like a cherished poem remembered verse and line. A sense of deep familiarity, of knowing and awaiting for from a time immemorial." Grammar and punctuation accurately copied.
The story begins in the early 1980s, although it is not until 100 pages into the book that we discover this.
Yasmin (who calls herself Yas when she talks *a lot* to herself), is a Turkish national who moved to the US with her parents to study in an American university. Her father is the Turkish Consul General and the family settle in Los Angeles. Her brother, Memo, stays in America but Yasmin eventually returns to Turkey to work as a child psychologist. She runs into an old school friend, Ani, and her husband, Renan. From this moment on she is smitten with Renan. Ani and Renan are Turkish Armenian and she is Turkish. This was never a problem when they were in school, but as adults, resentments become more apparent. Although the initial introduction to this conflict was little more than a weak conversation, it did develop into an interesting aspect of the narrative.
I have to say I liked Derya, the adopted daughter, who I couldn't help but fall for, but none of the other characters grabbed me in the slightest.
Apparently there is to be a sequel, entitled Emerald, but unfortunately, I think Turquoise is enough for me.
I was sent a free Kindle version of this book through NetGalley and out of respect to them, the publishers and the author, I forced myself to read all 450 pages. In my opinion this was not a well written book and I struggled to finish it. Although my review is not favourable, I feel I owe it to future readers to report honestly and without bias so that they can make their own decisions.
So, why did I dislike this book so much? Well, it was extremely wordy, over 150 pages too long, and incredibly self indulgent. A lot of the conversation I found quite immature and the endless ranting about the main character's 'one and only true Love' (with a capital L) was almost impossible to read. She pined after him for endless pages, especially in the last third of the book. I hate to skim read but at times I could do little else.
"My eighteen hours with him...skin on skin, breath in breath. Pristine and ordained. Brimming, Hieros Gamos, sacred union of the beloveds. Our bodies feel like a Homecoming with one another, like a cherished poem remembered verse and line. A sense of deep familiarity, of knowing and awaiting for from a time immemorial." Grammar and punctuation accurately copied.
The story begins in the early 1980s, although it is not until 100 pages into the book that we discover this.
Yasmin (who calls herself Yas when she talks *a lot* to herself), is a Turkish national who moved to the US with her parents to study in an American university. Her father is the Turkish Consul General and the family settle in Los Angeles. Her brother, Memo, stays in America but Yasmin eventually returns to Turkey to work as a child psychologist. She runs into an old school friend, Ani, and her husband, Renan. From this moment on she is smitten with Renan. Ani and Renan are Turkish Armenian and she is Turkish. This was never a problem when they were in school, but as adults, resentments become more apparent. Although the initial introduction to this conflict was little more than a weak conversation, it did develop into an interesting aspect of the narrative.
I have to say I liked Derya, the adopted daughter, who I couldn't help but fall for, but none of the other characters grabbed me in the slightest.
Apparently there is to be a sequel, entitled Emerald, but unfortunately, I think Turquoise is enough for me.
July 25, 2012
During the summer months, in particular, I am drawn to romantic and/or adventure pieces that can take me to a different part of the world, make me escape in a relationship and simply entertain me. Turquoise – A Love Story was recommended to me as a novel that would do just that. About two chapters in, I was hooked on wanting to see if “love at first sight” and/or “true love” really exist. Upon reading more about the unique, intelligent and strong protagonist - Yasmin I found that the underlying love story was really just one level of this multi-faceted book.
The relationships Yasmin forges from her lifelong schoolmate Ani to her dear friends she develops along her professional career as a Psychology Professor such as Carol to her strong family ties between her beloved parents and tenacious brother, Memo add a rich complexity to the story. Other areas explored is the political unrest of decades between Armenia and Turkey which brings the turmoil very close to home in California in the 80’s - an animosity and vendetta (s) that I was not fully aware of prior to reading Turquoise; as well as motherhood and infertility challenges. The protagonist does enter into tenuous territories with infidelity and breastfeeding adopted children which made me actually like the character even more as she is so willing to share her vulnerabilities - making her quite human. The frankness and openness in which the author writes and portrays the lives of the characters makes you feel “as if “ you really just might “know” them.
With abundant curiosity and doing more research on the author, Ayshe Talay-Ongan, I found that this story was actually based on her life which makes this novel that much more compelling and quite literally fascinating. Upon reading the last paragraph, I am left with wanting to know more about Yasmin and “her” Renan and how the rest of their years unfold.
Janet Shapiro
Mag NUM Inc.
The relationships Yasmin forges from her lifelong schoolmate Ani to her dear friends she develops along her professional career as a Psychology Professor such as Carol to her strong family ties between her beloved parents and tenacious brother, Memo add a rich complexity to the story. Other areas explored is the political unrest of decades between Armenia and Turkey which brings the turmoil very close to home in California in the 80’s - an animosity and vendetta (s) that I was not fully aware of prior to reading Turquoise; as well as motherhood and infertility challenges. The protagonist does enter into tenuous territories with infidelity and breastfeeding adopted children which made me actually like the character even more as she is so willing to share her vulnerabilities - making her quite human. The frankness and openness in which the author writes and portrays the lives of the characters makes you feel “as if “ you really just might “know” them.
With abundant curiosity and doing more research on the author, Ayshe Talay-Ongan, I found that this story was actually based on her life which makes this novel that much more compelling and quite literally fascinating. Upon reading the last paragraph, I am left with wanting to know more about Yasmin and “her” Renan and how the rest of their years unfold.
Janet Shapiro
Mag NUM Inc.
May 22, 2012
What a powerful yet very relate-able story about love, life and loss. Can't wait to see what else this author has in store.
May 29, 2012
Title: Turquoise: A Love Story
Author: Ayshe Talay-Ongan
Rating: 2/5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Sid Harta Publishers , via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. I thank the publisher for this opportunity.
Summary: Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul. Years later they run into each other, and Ani introduces Renan, her husband, to Yasmin. At that moment under the blazing autumn skies, as Yasmin locks eyes with Renan, she knows that she has come upon her destiny. But political tensions in their land soon force Renan, her secret love, and his family to immigrate to Sydney.
A few years on, Yasmin's diplomat father is appointed as the Turkish Consul General to Los Angeles where the family faces a devastating tragedy that will impact their lives in ways unfathomable. She is now forced to make a choice between passion that defines her and reason that guides her. (Taken from goodreads.com)
Review: This book didn’t sit well with me. The characters were vapid, annoying and otherwise not all that interesting. The self-centered attitudes of all the characters made this book difficult to finish, but I did finish it (still don’t know how I managed it). This story is more of one of obsession, because the main character merely wants to covet her best friend’s husband. She is in love with the idea of him, not so much in love with him, with the attraction not the person. It is nauseating.
To have a character that is so empty and shallow that they go around saying things like “Dear God, let him be jealous of me!” makes me ill. Yasmin, the MC is unredeemable in her use of her best friend in my mind. The way she analyzes herself is mindboggling and does show that the author does have a background in the mental health field, but we get stunning gems like this:
Or, this:
I’m not sure I’d read this again, or to whom I would recommend it to. Again, not a favorite, and I’d say it was a grand adventure, but then I’d sound vapid.
If you have any questions, comments or recommendations you can contact me at simplicity.kindreth@gmail.com
My reviews can be found here:
Confessions of a Bibliophile
Idle Musings and Random Things
Cae's Smashwords Reviews
Author: Ayshe Talay-Ongan
Rating: 2/5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Sid Harta Publishers , via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. I thank the publisher for this opportunity.
Summary: Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul. Years later they run into each other, and Ani introduces Renan, her husband, to Yasmin. At that moment under the blazing autumn skies, as Yasmin locks eyes with Renan, she knows that she has come upon her destiny. But political tensions in their land soon force Renan, her secret love, and his family to immigrate to Sydney.
A few years on, Yasmin's diplomat father is appointed as the Turkish Consul General to Los Angeles where the family faces a devastating tragedy that will impact their lives in ways unfathomable. She is now forced to make a choice between passion that defines her and reason that guides her. (Taken from goodreads.com)
Review: This book didn’t sit well with me. The characters were vapid, annoying and otherwise not all that interesting. The self-centered attitudes of all the characters made this book difficult to finish, but I did finish it (still don’t know how I managed it). This story is more of one of obsession, because the main character merely wants to covet her best friend’s husband. She is in love with the idea of him, not so much in love with him, with the attraction not the person. It is nauseating.
To have a character that is so empty and shallow that they go around saying things like “Dear God, let him be jealous of me!” makes me ill. Yasmin, the MC is unredeemable in her use of her best friend in my mind. The way she analyzes herself is mindboggling and does show that the author does have a background in the mental health field, but we get stunning gems like this:
It is not because I would wilfully (sic) deny myself the joy of a ripping orgasm - I am a child of the roaring women's lib, after all- but because I was perfectly self-sufficient and I truly could not be bothered teaching him how my body worked.
Or, this:
Times after the end of a relationship should be used as an opportunity to listen to one's self, to register the authentic voices that spring from the solar plexus. To seek one's pat to genuine wholesomeness towards a deep-seated sense of being at home with one's self. What have you done instead? Your best remedy when you were rejected by one man was to seek another without examining the rubble left behind. Tennis club to the rescue!
I’m not sure I’d read this again, or to whom I would recommend it to. Again, not a favorite, and I’d say it was a grand adventure, but then I’d sound vapid.
If you have any questions, comments or recommendations you can contact me at simplicity.kindreth@gmail.com
My reviews can be found here:
Confessions of a Bibliophile
Idle Musings and Random Things
Cae's Smashwords Reviews
July 14, 2012
TURQUOISE A Love Story
By Ayshe Talay-Ongon
Paperback, 441 pages
Published February 2012 by Sid Harta Publishers
ISBN
1921829060
edition language
English
Note: A copy of this novel was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for purpose of review.
Turquoise: A Love Story by Ayshe Talay-Ongon is a love story with a very cosmopolitan flair. While the central focus is Turkey, the events in this novel take place in countries spanning the globe. The story is set in the 1970’s and 1980’s; a very tumultuous time for relations between those from Turkey and Armenia resulting in acts of violence and bloodshed. Our heroine, Yasmin, is a very confident, highly educated and independent person full of resilience to the difficult conditions and situations surrounding her; quite reminiscent of today’s “modern woman”. She has grown up in Turkey, and lived in New York City as well.
Yasmin is prone to superfluous relationships and one night stands; in her never ending quest to find “Mr. Right”. Through a chance encounter, she runs into a friend from school days and her husband. She immediately feels as if she has met her soulmate; albeit an unattainable one who happens to be married to one of her best friends. The three develop a very close relationship in which Yasmin spends much of her time with the couple and their young son. The fact that they are Armenians poses no obstacle to their friendship, despite hate crimes and strife between the two nationalities at that point in time. Yasmin and her friend never even gave those prejudices a thought back in their school days; nor do they now.
When her close friends move back to Australia for better employment opportunities; Yasmin has much soul searching to do. Her flings grow ever more self destructive, in her attempts to forget the man her heart belongs to; who belongs to another. As her parents and brother have moved back to the United States; her father being a Turkish diplomat; Yasmin decides to give California a try and see if she can find those ever elusive roots she is yearning to put down. She becomes caught up in a desperate, yet futile search for a sense of fulfillment, of belonging while knowing all the while that it eludes her; that her soul mate is unattainable.
She establishes a place for herself in California; and experiences triumphs and tragedies. At last, she propels herself into a loveless marriage, for the sake of security. In an attempt to fill the ever aching void within her; she adopts a baby girl from her home country of Turkey. Life in California falls into a stable yet emotionally tormenting routine for Yasmine. Her daughter becomes the focus of her life and they develop a very strong mother daughter bond; much like that which Yasmine and her own mother share.
Eventually the stress of living a lie starts to take its toll on Yasmine and her soul mate, whose marriage is none too happy, either. Truth has to be faced and life-changing decisions must be made.
This book has the feel of a “reality tv soap opera” both in conversation and detail, but that should appeal to today’s audience, I believe.
December 21, 2015
http://www.owltellyouaboutit.com/posts/turquoise/
I was approached about reading this book b the publicist and decided to give it a go because I enjoy love stories. I will say I was surprised by how long it was, but the story mostly makes up for that. It also took me a little while to realize that this book was not set in the present. That detail could have been something I simply overlooked. I had a hard time getting my feelings in order by the end of the book, but I’ll come back to that later. I can say that it made me feel a huge range of emotions, but I was mostly sad or frustrated.
I immediately loved Yasmin. I’m not sure what about her drew me in, but I loved her character. There were definitely things that she went through that hit home with me, so maybe I felt some sort of bond with her through those. As the book progressed, she made some questionable decisions, but I never hated her for them. In fact, I think they made her character more complex and real. I wish I had been able to learn more about who Renan is. Because the book is told from Yasmin’s perspective, I only loved him because she did. He always seemed like a great man on the surface, but that was it. He was a surface character. Most of the supporting characters felt that way to me, with the exception of Yasmin’s mother.
The plot is definitely engaging, but it’s not a page-turner. It’s a long, slow account of Yasmin’s life and love affair with Renan. There are parts, during their respective marriages, when Renan is barely present. Those were the parts I struggled with. I went into this wanting my love story, and this is a frustrating one. Yasmin and Renan spend years dancing around their love for each other because they feel an obligation to their families. I had to sometimes remind myself that this was more than a love story. There was a lot concerning Yasmin’s family and that was just as engaging as her love with Renan. The part I had the most trouble with was when Yasmin married. I hated that man from the start (probably due to my allegiance to Renan), so it was almost agony to watch her marry him.
Turquoise is a book that takes patience. It’s one that you savor, rather than race to finish. It worthwhile though. Yasmin is a complex character that feels very real. The plot, though it sometimes made me sad or angry, was very realistic. I recommend this to readers of literary fiction.
I received this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.
I was approached about reading this book b the publicist and decided to give it a go because I enjoy love stories. I will say I was surprised by how long it was, but the story mostly makes up for that. It also took me a little while to realize that this book was not set in the present. That detail could have been something I simply overlooked. I had a hard time getting my feelings in order by the end of the book, but I’ll come back to that later. I can say that it made me feel a huge range of emotions, but I was mostly sad or frustrated.
I immediately loved Yasmin. I’m not sure what about her drew me in, but I loved her character. There were definitely things that she went through that hit home with me, so maybe I felt some sort of bond with her through those. As the book progressed, she made some questionable decisions, but I never hated her for them. In fact, I think they made her character more complex and real. I wish I had been able to learn more about who Renan is. Because the book is told from Yasmin’s perspective, I only loved him because she did. He always seemed like a great man on the surface, but that was it. He was a surface character. Most of the supporting characters felt that way to me, with the exception of Yasmin’s mother.
The plot is definitely engaging, but it’s not a page-turner. It’s a long, slow account of Yasmin’s life and love affair with Renan. There are parts, during their respective marriages, when Renan is barely present. Those were the parts I struggled with. I went into this wanting my love story, and this is a frustrating one. Yasmin and Renan spend years dancing around their love for each other because they feel an obligation to their families. I had to sometimes remind myself that this was more than a love story. There was a lot concerning Yasmin’s family and that was just as engaging as her love with Renan. The part I had the most trouble with was when Yasmin married. I hated that man from the start (probably due to my allegiance to Renan), so it was almost agony to watch her marry him.
Turquoise is a book that takes patience. It’s one that you savor, rather than race to finish. It worthwhile though. Yasmin is a complex character that feels very real. The plot, though it sometimes made me sad or angry, was very realistic. I recommend this to readers of literary fiction.
I received this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2012
I received Turquoise by Ayshe Talay-Ongan as a galley from NetGalley.
I feel the synopsis for this novel is a bit misleading. It’s billed as a “transcendent love” story, but honestly it’s more the life story of the protagonist, Yasmin, with the added storyline of her obsessive love for her best friend’s husband, Renan. Yasmin’s “love at first sight” encounter with Renan felt dry and forced. I didn’t feel the passion between the characters even after they had proclaimed their love for each other. Yasmin’s Love (yes, a capital L), Renan, was a character I couldn’t like no matter how handsome, caring, or sensitive he was. Her choice of marrying, Curly, was an idiotic move. If she wasn’t so obsessed with Renan, she may have met someone who would be a perfect match for her, no strings attached.
I think the story itself is longer than it should have been. There were scenes and conversations between the characters that were dull, and did not add to the story. However, I did appreciate the author’s way of providing insight into the the Turkish/Armenian conflicts. I did not have any knowledge about it prior to this book and I did Google search to brush up. However another downside to this book is the author’s excessive use of the word “caress”. It really grated on my nerves. Yasmin caressing her mother, caressing her friend. What happened to embracing, patting, stroking or hugging? What’s wrong with those words? Additionally, I found the way Yasmin referred to her mother as “darling”, her brother as “honey” and her other pet names for her friends and husband, made her sound condescending not affectionate.
The only character I truly liked was Yasmin’s mom. It was nice to read about their close relationship. Her mom was there for her, as a shoulder to cry on, a friend to confide in, one who advises without judgement. That’s what I would call a strong relationship.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this story as much as I thought I would. Some may love the whole love triangle (or in this case, square), but I didn’t. I found the ending to be too convenient and it seems as if Yasmin and Renan got what they wanted without too much sacrifice.
I feel the synopsis for this novel is a bit misleading. It’s billed as a “transcendent love” story, but honestly it’s more the life story of the protagonist, Yasmin, with the added storyline of her obsessive love for her best friend’s husband, Renan. Yasmin’s “love at first sight” encounter with Renan felt dry and forced. I didn’t feel the passion between the characters even after they had proclaimed their love for each other. Yasmin’s Love (yes, a capital L), Renan, was a character I couldn’t like no matter how handsome, caring, or sensitive he was. Her choice of marrying, Curly, was an idiotic move. If she wasn’t so obsessed with Renan, she may have met someone who would be a perfect match for her, no strings attached.
I think the story itself is longer than it should have been. There were scenes and conversations between the characters that were dull, and did not add to the story. However, I did appreciate the author’s way of providing insight into the the Turkish/Armenian conflicts. I did not have any knowledge about it prior to this book and I did Google search to brush up. However another downside to this book is the author’s excessive use of the word “caress”. It really grated on my nerves. Yasmin caressing her mother, caressing her friend. What happened to embracing, patting, stroking or hugging? What’s wrong with those words? Additionally, I found the way Yasmin referred to her mother as “darling”, her brother as “honey” and her other pet names for her friends and husband, made her sound condescending not affectionate.
The only character I truly liked was Yasmin’s mom. It was nice to read about their close relationship. Her mom was there for her, as a shoulder to cry on, a friend to confide in, one who advises without judgement. That’s what I would call a strong relationship.
Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this story as much as I thought I would. Some may love the whole love triangle (or in this case, square), but I didn’t. I found the ending to be too convenient and it seems as if Yasmin and Renan got what they wanted without too much sacrifice.
January 4, 2013
From my blog Escaping With Books
Turquoise starts out with the insta-love that I expected from reading the synopsis. But I also expected some sort of development between Yas and Renan, which I didn't get much of. They bond over telling stories of their past, and that's pretty much it.
What I liked about this book was that it talks about how sometimes we as humans can't help but fall in love with the wrong people, maybe even during the wrong time. Yas just so happens to fall in love with Renan, who is her friend, Ani's, husband. They also just happen to come from two different cultures who are currently sort of at war with each other. However, they were oblivious to cultural differences as classmates, and now they just didn't care.
Now here comes the bad part of it. Like I said before, she falls in love with her friend's husband, and right after the whole melting under his green eyes thing, she goes ahead and starts daydreaming about him kissing her, caressing her. HONESTLY, that guy is your friend's husband, they have a child too ! Also, she experienced a similar thing when she was a child when her dad went off with a woman for a while. If it tore her apart, I don't get why she would do the same to a FRIEND'Sfamily.
Afterwards, Renan and Ani move to Sydney, and Yasmin is so devastated she has to move to the States. She gets there and meets a Stanford professor who's name is Curlewis. Guess what ? They shorten it into Curly. CURLY. Now, I'm not sure about you, but when someone's name is Curly, I get the image of a man with curly, brimming chest hair, a curly beard, and curly long hair. That she so happens to MARRY, for SECURITY AND STABILITY. She fights with him pretty much everyday, but nope, she goes ahead and MARRIES HIM. Who does that ?
I just had a lot of problems with the book. I couldn't relate to the main character at all. Nothing really pulled me in, and even though the emotions are real in here, it didn't FEEL real. It felt like the book just wasn't developed enough to have those deep feelings. The cover says "A Love Story", but all I got was a story.
Turquoise starts out with the insta-love that I expected from reading the synopsis. But I also expected some sort of development between Yas and Renan, which I didn't get much of. They bond over telling stories of their past, and that's pretty much it.
What I liked about this book was that it talks about how sometimes we as humans can't help but fall in love with the wrong people, maybe even during the wrong time. Yas just so happens to fall in love with Renan, who is her friend, Ani's, husband. They also just happen to come from two different cultures who are currently sort of at war with each other. However, they were oblivious to cultural differences as classmates, and now they just didn't care.
Now here comes the bad part of it. Like I said before, she falls in love with her friend's husband, and right after the whole melting under his green eyes thing, she goes ahead and starts daydreaming about him kissing her, caressing her. HONESTLY, that guy is your friend's husband, they have a child too ! Also, she experienced a similar thing when she was a child when her dad went off with a woman for a while. If it tore her apart, I don't get why she would do the same to a FRIEND'Sfamily.
Afterwards, Renan and Ani move to Sydney, and Yasmin is so devastated she has to move to the States. She gets there and meets a Stanford professor who's name is Curlewis. Guess what ? They shorten it into Curly. CURLY. Now, I'm not sure about you, but when someone's name is Curly, I get the image of a man with curly, brimming chest hair, a curly beard, and curly long hair. That she so happens to MARRY, for SECURITY AND STABILITY. She fights with him pretty much everyday, but nope, she goes ahead and MARRIES HIM. Who does that ?
I just had a lot of problems with the book. I couldn't relate to the main character at all. Nothing really pulled me in, and even though the emotions are real in here, it didn't FEEL real. It felt like the book just wasn't developed enough to have those deep feelings. The cover says "A Love Story", but all I got was a story.
July 11, 2012
This book was provided to me, by the author, in paperback in exchange for an honest review.
A great story of a great love that can not be united between 2 lovers due to distance and circumstance.
Based around Yasmin and Renan, when they meet Renan is married with a child and Yasmin can only dream about what life would be like with Renan. As time goes on and Yasmin marries, they face new challenges in their parallel and crossed over lives.
Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul.
A few years on, Yasmin's diplomat father is appointed as the Turkish Consul General to Los Angeles where the family faces a devastating tragedy that will impact their lives in ways unfathomable.
Alot of the story is based around ethnic and cultural differences among the characters of the story. I find that this really makes you think more about how different we all are and question how we treat others.
I enjoyed the love story and the pressures and challenges that Yasmin and her family face.
I rate this story 3/5 stars
A great story of a great love that can not be united between 2 lovers due to distance and circumstance.
Based around Yasmin and Renan, when they meet Renan is married with a child and Yasmin can only dream about what life would be like with Renan. As time goes on and Yasmin marries, they face new challenges in their parallel and crossed over lives.
Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul.
A few years on, Yasmin's diplomat father is appointed as the Turkish Consul General to Los Angeles where the family faces a devastating tragedy that will impact their lives in ways unfathomable.
Alot of the story is based around ethnic and cultural differences among the characters of the story. I find that this really makes you think more about how different we all are and question how we treat others.
I enjoyed the love story and the pressures and challenges that Yasmin and her family face.
I rate this story 3/5 stars
May 25, 2012
This review is for: Turquoise: A love story . This is a beautifully crafted novel that unfolds the mysteries of destiny, synchronicity, and of the magical power that lies in the steadfast belief of one's true love. "Turquoise" is a roadmap towards living an authentic life, finding deep peace by balancing the knowledge of the rational mind with the captivating yearnings of the heart. Talay-Ongan seduces the reader into turning the next page and discovering forgiveness and gratitude, amidst the bitter disappointments that inevitably await us all - a marvelous writer, weaving a tale that is an inspiration to all who fear love, yearn for love and understand the sacrifices that sustain love, whether to one's child, life partner, or oneself. I can't wait for the verdant promises of "Emerald", her next novel. "
May 25, 2012
It is a book of lovein three continents
In Turquoise, Yasmin carries his beloved Renan in her heart to whichever city she finds herself in. She carries the vision and the ache of her love for more that a decade. It is the story of an unrelenting devotion and determination, against all odds.
Ayshe Talay-Ongan writes with a rare gift of honesty and integrity. She sprinkles her love story with difficult themes of adoption, motherhood, marriages that don’t work anymore, family obligations and much more.
I enjoyed reading the book very much. I was eager to find out how the impossible will turn into possible and how all the difficulties will be overcome. I was looking forward to the time I could get away from the every day into the ever so rare.
Ozen Ozuner
October 11, 2012
I enjoyed this book. I think there were parts I enjoyed more because I have been to Turkey and knew what they were describing. It was interesting to read a story about a woman who I think was ahead of her time in both her professional and personal relationships.
Want to Read
February 15, 2016458pgs, contemporary, Set against transcendent love, unrelenting hatred and loyalties to friends and family, Turquoise is the story of an enduring and passionate love affair between Yasmin and Renan, which spans two decades, two marriages and three continents.
June 24, 2012
Wonderful! I loved it! I would highly recommend this book. Honest & compelling :)
Read
February 25, 2016kindle 458
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews