Men Alone: Stories

by Özgür Uyanik

170 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2025

Reviews

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This by turns a compelling, tragic and darkly comic read, in which a series of hopelessly flawed men struggle to figure out how to make their mark on a world that doesn't feel as secure as it once did. More impressive than the various settings Uyanik takes us to are the rich sense of history that come with them, as readers are submerged in the cultures that have created these characters. Personal highlights include the slow-burning menace of 'Banter', the wild digressions of 'Dear Algorithm', the quiet tragedy of 'The Gull' and 'Daybreak in the Land of the Photoshopped Soldier' which, much the like rest of the collection, prioritises nuance and character over shock value, and ends on something of a hopeful note. Highly recommended!

[Rue Baldry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of 14 stories focusses on the experiences of Turkish men, expats and those living in Turkey. They are all lonely and insecure in different ways, but they are all quite different from one another and living quite different lives.

Uyanik skilfully brings in interesting information about Turkish history, culture, politics and experiences. I have never before read a description of the expat military training which suffices as National Service, for instance.

Some of the descriptions are absolutely beautiful, but the writing is a little flat in places and could be edited down to give it more impact and pace. The interiority of the characters’ thoughts are absorbing and believable. I feel I have glimpsed lives I could never experience, which is always worth doing.