Madonna in a fur coat

by Mustafa Demirhan, Sanahattin Ali

Every day, I always follow the inside, wandering slowly, as if gazing at the paintings in the corridors, yet with great impatience, barely restraining the steps that seek to reach the ultimate goal. I gaze intently at the "Madonna in a Fur Coat" that I find myself standing in front of, as if it had caught my eye by chance, and I remain there until it closes.

Some passions guide us throughout life. They envelop us. We pursue them without question, knowing we will never regret them. Sabahattin Ali, who reveals the unseen faces of people in his works, brilliantly portrays this powerful passion. Asking difficult questions about personalities where order has been erased, about the possibility of life changing and the lack of opportunities for excess.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2025

Reviews

[Kornelia Dabrowska · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the melancholy and spelling of this book. Now, sitting here only a few minutes after finishing, I’m noticing how smitten it really left me, although I wasn’t really into the first half of the book. The end left me feeling depressed, just as the narrator must’ve felt as he finished Raif’s notebook. Nevertheless, despite how “pointless” everything seemed in the end, I feel I can relate to Raif’s feelings and understand his fate of never being able to forget Maria or move on.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly sad story.

[Naomi Sun · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. Do you think your friend would enjoy this story? Explain your answer.
Yes, because the story is emotional, romantic, and deep. The relationship between Raif Efendi and Maria Puder keeps readers interested, and the book explores loneliness, love, and identity in a meaningful way.
2. How would this story be different if it were told from the perspective of a different character or narrator?
If the story were told from Maria Puder’s perspective, readers would understand her emotions and struggles more clearly. It would make the romance feel different because we would see how she viewed Raif and their relationship.
3. Do you think this book could win a “Children’s Choice Award?” Explain your answer.
Probably not, because the themes are more mature and emotional than most children’s books. However, older teens and adults may enjoy the story because of its strong writing and emotional depth.
4. What role do adults play in this story? How would the story be different if they were more or less present?
Adults in the story create pressure through expectations about work, relationships, and society. If they were less present, Raif might have felt more freedom to follow his emotions and make his own choices.
5. How might the antagonist portray the main character?
An antagonist might describe Raif Efendi as quiet, weak, or passive because he struggles to express himself openly. However, readers can understand that he is deeply emotional and sensitive inside.

[Andy Bartschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this novel - this is one that I'll have to sit with for a while. I think it's a masterfully told story that causes the reader to grow with the main character as the novel progresses. These collaborative, active stories tend to be my favorite. I feel it's best experienced when taking time to internalize and grasp what's happening in the narrative instead of rushing to finish the book. I'm definitely planning on re-reading it in the future and can confidently place it in my top ten current favorite books (something I seem to say a lot in retrospect).

My overall opinion of the book moving forward can best be captured by the novel's conclusion:

"Last night he'd said to me, 'We never got the chance to sit down and talk.' But now I knew differently. Last night we'd spoken for many long hours. The same night, he'd left his life behind and entered mine. And there he would remain, truly alive - more so than anyone I'd ever known. Wherever I went, he'd be there at my side. When I got to the office, I sat down at Raif Efendi's empty desk. Placing his black notebook before me, I turned back to the first page."

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

simple, lovable and subversive for its time (1943).
shows how you can be seen and loved in a unique way, like you had everything, and spend the rest of your life miserable, looking for that exact same feeling.

[esme wales · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5

[chlo’ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll never recover

[Sara Emilie · Rating 4 out of 5]

You think it's slow, but then you meet the Madonna, and that summarises the book beautifully. One person can make all the difference. And what a feminist icon