Istanbul Dreaming

by Denise Derya Brandt

For fans of Alka Joshi and Marjan Kamali, a gripping historical novel set in 1950s Turkey about a young woman who flees an arranged marriage to pursue independence in Istanbul, where she finds forbidden love with an American airman.

In 1950s Turkey, against the backdrop of the social and political unrest that will culminate in Turkey’s 1960 military coup d'état, a dutiful daughter is torn between family expectations and her dream of becoming a modern Turkish woman.

One night, seventeen-year-old Ayten sneaks away to Istanbul for a night of dancing with her best friend. When her father discovers her rebellion, he forces her into an arranged religious marriage to a distant relative who bullied her as a child. Initially, Ayten resigns herself to her fate—but after her husband sexually assaults her on their wedding night, she flees him and her family for haven in Istanbul.

Living with friends and working as a seamstress at her friend’s boutique, Ayten tries to rebuild her life. Then she meets Earl, an American airman, and they begin to fall in love—but as their connection deepens, secrets and her past threaten to upend all she’s built. Torn between her family and a future with Earl, Ayten must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice for freedom and forbidden love.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical, Historical Romance

328 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2026

About the author

Denise Derya Brandt is a debut author whose writing is inspired by her life and the lives of the people she met while working for more than twenty years in international development, leading life-saving women’s health projects in Afghanistan, Liberia, and Myanmar (with shorter stints in other interesting places).

She’s a graduate of The Book Incubator writing program, was a 2024 finalist for the Women's Fiction Writers Association Rising Star Award, and was a 2025 Poets & Writers Get the Word Out publicity incubator fellow. She holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Arizona State University and a master's degree in development management from The London School of Economics.

After graduate school, Denise lived in Istanbul, where she worked as an Associate Publisher for Turkish Business World, an English-language business magazine. As a Turkish-American with moderate Turkish language skills, she claims she can fool tourists but not taxi drivers! Originally from Arizona, Denise now lives in Northern Kentucky with her husband.

Her debut novel, Istanbul Dreaming, is forthcoming from She Writes Press on September 29, 2026.

Reviews

[Cheryl]

If you're looking for historical fiction that gives you a true sense of place, this Turkish-American author knows her stuff. I felt transported, as if walking in the main character's shoes and experiencing all the flavors and culture and history of Istanbul! 

Inspired in part by the author's parents, this story of a young woman grappling with her sense of agency transpires during a socio-political time that still feels relevant. 

I'd recommend this richly-textured read to fans of Marjan Kamali and Sujata Massey.

(I had the privilege to review an advanced copy of this book.)

[Amy]

Absolutely wonderful debut novel by Denise Derya Brandt. Istanbul Dreaming is a historical fiction romance set in 1950s Istanbul during a period of political unrest that culminated in the 1960 military coup. The novel centers on Ayten, a lovable, if sometimes naive, young woman who flees her hometown of Bursa after her father forces her into an arranged marriage, determined to build a life of her own in the bustling city of Istanbul.

This is a heartfelt story of resilience, self-discovery, and strong friendships, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Turkey. Brandt brings 1950s Istanbul vividly to life, and I especially enjoyed learning more about Turkish history and culture through the day-to-day lives of Ayten and her close-knit circle of friends. This is an engaging and warm novel with a wonderful sense of place that had me invested in Ayten's journey from the very beginning.

I highly recommend Istanbul Dreaming to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong sense of place, a compelling female protagonist, and a bit of romance. It's a thoughtful and engaging debut, and I'll definitely be reading whatever Denise Derya Brandt writes next.

Thank you to She Writes Press, NetGalley, and the author for the advance copy of this book.

[Barbara Juengling]

Istanbul Dreaming by Denise Derya Brandt is a well-crafted novel that captures the internal struggle of Ayten, a young woman who she seeks her own voice and dreams in 1950s Turkey. Against the backdrop of major political and social change, Ayten challenges centuries-old customs and family expectations, while discovering both who she is and who she wants to be. Istanbul mirrors Ayten’s internal dynamic, a city half in Asia and half in Europe. Ayten encounters a vibrant city that presents both promise and opportunity, but at what cost? Ayten’s relationships with family and friends provide compelling background to Ayten’s personal journey. Inspired by her parents’ love story, Istanbul Dreaming is Brandt’s debut novel. She has lovingly captured the essence of her parents’ real-life story while creating a narrative which reflects the story of every woman at points in her life. Ayten can take her place in the pantheon of women literary characters chafing against societal limits on their autonomy. (Early Reader Review)

[Deborah Blake]

I have received an early copy to read.
Inspired by a true love story, the beautiful book Istanbul Dreaming is a refreshingly good read about 1950s Turkey. It is different. I cannot say I have ever read much about the 1950s, and I have never read anything about personal stories of people who lived in Turkey. So, it was interesting for me to read this story of a 17 year-old girl who is forced into an arranged marriage with a bully. A warning: There is an aggressive sex scene at its core. However, with the assistance of a good friend she has the will and courage to flee the marriage. After she does so she meets her future husband, an American USAF airman.
The background of historical events, turbulent times, and the story of two people who choose each other out of love—despite their vast cultural differences? It is a good story. And it was nice to read a book that is not overloaded with unnecessary profanity. It is a simple good read.
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Turkey and Istanbul in particular. I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Sue]

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review.
This is an outstanding debut. A historical romance, it gives a glimpse into a turbulent time in Turkey’s history. This is a book I couldn’t put down but at the same time couldn’t go further. The tension in the book was so palpable! The characters were believable. I had a love hate relationship with this book because of the tension but I wanted desperately to find out what happens.
There are trigger warnings as most historical fiction will have, but I would recommend this to patrons.
Congratulations to the author!
5*

[Stephanie Webb]

This book completely transported me to 1950s Istanbul and I loved it! It was historically rich, and obvious the author did her research on the language and culture of that country and time period.

But more than that, it was the characters and the story that carried me right into the story. I loved seeing Ayten’s journey to independence and freedom and her realization that her voice mattered, despite the messaging she may have received to the contrary from her family and culture. I loved Earl’s love for her and their love story.

This is a beautiful book and one I will definitely be reading again, over and over!

Thanks to NetGalley and SheWrites Press for the eARC of this book.

[Mandi]

I truly loved this book. It was so wonderfully written. I was captivated from beginning to end.

I felt transported to Istanbul. I loved how descriptive this book was. I felt immersed in the culture, walking the streets, eating the food.

This book shows us that it's okay to choose yourself. We constantly want to please the people we love but we also deserve to live the life, and follow the dreams, we desire.

What I loved about this novel is that it was culturally accurate. There was so much cultural and historical context. You could tell this was written with a lot of care and intent, and it was also well researched.

Knowing this book was inspired by the author's parents added another layer of poignance.

This book was emotionally layered.
The protagonist was incredibly likeable, and like all of us, full of complexities.

This was truly a joy to read, and I found it incredibly inspiring. I loved witnessing Ayten reclaim her life and loved seeing her go after what she wants.

I think a lot of women would be able to relate to Ayten, her struggles & predicaments are not uncommon.

I did not want to put this down. I see myself re-reading this in the future. It was a wonderful historical fiction with a sweet romance.

Thank you to NetGalley, Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, for She Writes Press, She Writes Press and Denise Derya Brandt for allowing me to access the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Booksandcoffeemx]

This is the kind of story that reminds me why I love historical fiction so much, and it’s a debut!

Set in 1950s Turkey, during a turbulent time in the country’s history, it follows Ayten, a seventeen-year-old girl who escapes an arranged marriage and flees to Istanbul to build a life of her own.

A whirlwind of emotions, this is a story about courage, love, survival, friendship, and finding the strength to choose your own path.

[Ann Spence]

The story begins in Bursa, 1958. Seventeen-year-old Ayten is the dutiful eldest daughter of a strict father, but one stolen night in Istanbul with her best friend Yasemin gets her married off to a cousin who once tormented her as a child. She flees again to the big city, and her transformation from a meek girl to a confident seamstress is set against the 1960s protests and Turkey's first coup.

Ayten finds new romance with Earl, a gentle American airman, and claims a future for herself that once felt like a fantasy. Her "Istanbul Dreaming" comes true, and the magic is that this captivating story is loosely based on the author's parents IRL meet-cute and marriage(!!).

Brandt's period texture reads like another inheritance. We taste the salted coffee for a nervous groom and smell the lemon cologne of welcome alongside the grander historic events. This coming of age story is a modern tale of finding freedom. Because it's not the foreign man, it's a Turkish young woman discovering she can make her own choice.

This is an excellent book for anyone who appreciates a tale of freedom and survival, finding family and bridging worlds. Ayten holds onto her legacy at the same time she makes something new.

[Chelsie]

Turkey during the 1950's, an arranged marriage and women going against the convention of expectation during a tumultuous time in this country's history. Ayten has mostly honored everything her father asks of her. One night when her friend talks her into going to Istanbul for an evening of dancing, fun and military men she can hardly resist even though this goes against every expectation of her. Meeting an American military man, she is excited but also quite shocked at how different things are here. He seems so interested in her but is so different than many of the men she knows. How openly people talk, dance and show affection but she is enjoying herself. She should have know her father would find out. She is forced into marriage to her stepmother's brother. A man that was always cruel to her when they were children and constantly picked on her. She knows she has to get out and on the night of the wedding, what happens gives her the strength to follow her friend to Istanbul. Taking refuge as the boutique she can hardly believe what she has done, but she knows with absolute certainty she cannot go back to that horrible man! Even if he is her husband. But he is not going to let Ayten go so easily and just when she has thought she could find love, he comes back to terrorize her and the truth of her past and marriage may just threaten everything she has worked for and the future with the man she loves and will do anything for. I really loved all the history and the fact that this was based on a true couple. It was interesting to read about Istanbul, the dances, the American soldiers who were there during this time and the courage it took for Ayten to go against her father and the expectations for women of that time. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Linda Zagon]

Wow! Denise Derya Brandt, the Author of "Istanbul Dreaming" has written a captivating, intriguing, heartfelt, memorable and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this well written book are: Cultural Heritage Fiction, 20th Century Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, and Fiction. The timeline for this novel is set in the 1950's in Turkey. The backdrop is the Political and Social Unrest that results in Turkey's 1960 Military "Coup d'etat"The author vividly describes the landscape, scenery, plot, and the dramatic and colorful characters. One of the female protagonists, Ayten, 17 years old is forced into an arranged and expected marriage by her father. Ayten has friends and wants to be a modern "Turkish woman". The man she is forced to religiously marry, is extremely brutal, and Ayten tries to leave her home and goes to be with her friends in Istanbul. She works as a seamstress in her friend's store. The man that she left comes to the store and threatens her. She is rescued by one of her friends.

Ayten meets an American pilot, Earl, and the two fall in love. Earl insists on honesty, and Ayten hold secrets close to her heart. Ayten is torn between the love of her family, or being with Earl.She must decide what she is willing to sacrifice. I appreciate how the author discusses the cultural disparity, and the traditions in Turkey. Ayten is courageous and willing to fight what she believes in. I highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

[Jessica Emery]

Istanbul Dreaming was EXCELLENT!!! This is exactly the kind of historical fiction I love: a story that transports me to another place and time and has a main character I can root for with my whole heart.

Ayten is a young woman who is expected to accept the life her family chooses for her, even though it means giving up the future she wants for herself. Watching as she makes her way to Istanbul and begins building a life on her own terms made this such a gripping read for me. Her story is painful at times, but it’s also full of hope. I related to her story in so many ways.

I loved the 1950s Turkey setting, where everything was in flux, and the way the story addressed love, friendship, and courage in the face of family expectations. I’m so glad I read this. It was a stunning debut novel. Five stars from me! An absolute must read!

Thank you to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Albright]

This is a fascinating historical fiction novel and I love that it was inspired by the romance of the author's parents. Visiting Turkey is on my bucket list so learning more about the history and culture there was very interesting. I love that the Turkish alphabet and pronunciation was included too as it added to and aided my understanding of the events and the story. The writing style is immersive and the plot captivating inspiring me to read this book in one sitting. A fabulous debut!

I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha Ferguson]

This a great historical fiction story based on the author’s parent’s love story. This had me hooked from the beginning. All the characters are well thought out. The tension throughout is superb. You have personal, relationship, and political tension that is very well paced. There is a happy ending but it will keep you guessing and waiting for the other show to drop until the very end. I love the Turkish culture, language, and political issues that are carried out through out this book. I felt like I was there. It makes me want to travel and explore this country even more. I do not usually read historical fiction but this book has peaked my interest in this genre even more.

[Tiffany (areyoutellingstories)]

This is the story of a woman controlled by men her entire life finding her voice and having the confidence to make her own choices. This is set in a time and a culture where women don't have the freedom of choice. They are controlled by their fathers and then by their husbands, often not chosen by the woman herself. When Ayten realizes the man, her father forced her to marry is not a good man, she makes the incredibly brave decision to take life into her own hands. While at times devastating, this is an inspiring story and even more exciting to know it's loosely based on the author's parents!

[Gina]

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC, it’s such a sweet and wonderful coming of age story set in the 1950s Turkey. I love how the writer focuses on the main character’s tribulations and her courage to claim her power and voice from an oppressive culture and family life. I can’t wait to read what this author puts out next.

[Jill Dobbe]

A love story between an American Air Force soldier and a Turkish woman, with its ups and downs. Ayten comes from a strict and conservative family. Her father marries her off to a cruel and abusive man. She runs away to Istanbul, where she meets and falls in love with an airman. Somewhat predictable, it is still an entertaining and engaging read. I especially enjoyed reading about life in Istanbul and the prologue, where the author revealed that the story centered around her Turkish mother.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Sara]

*I received an ARC of this book.* This book is written with such care and love. It is a well written story of the strength and courage of a young woman finding her own path that leads to love. I loved the story and the characters. The author’s notes and dedications had me crying. Such a truly touching and beautiful story. I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Munevver]

As a Turkish American myself, I can’t express how lovely it was to read this book. Ayten, the MC, is Turkish and meets an American man stationed in Istanbul with the U.S. Air Force. It was so much fun watching them fall in love, and I especially loved seeing Turkish culture woven throughout the story.
Not quite as lighthearted, but just as meaningful, was watching Ayten push back against the social expectations of her time and learn to trust her instincts. She realizes that constantly trying to please everyone else will only leave her unhappy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC and to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, LLC for an actual copy of this book. Publication date is September 29, 2026.

[Ranjit]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Istanbul Dreaming by Denise Derya Brandt is a superbly-paced historical fiction novel set in 1950s Turkey — an era I knew next to nothing about. The author transports us to Istanbul, a city half in Asia and half in Europe, which mirrors the ambitions and coming-of-age of the protagonist, Ayten.

This was a genuinely lovely read, inspired by the story of the author’s own parents. While the book does take us through a few tumultuous historical periods, it doesn’t sit in the same heart-breaking territory as The Kite Runner. I’ll admit I was expecting it to be, and was perhaps a little disappointed it wasn’t — entirely my own doing!

A refreshing coming-of-age story with a slice of history that I really enjoyed!

[Elizabeth]

SO much more than a love story!

Author Denise Derya Brandt’s debut historical novel, ISTANBUL DREAMING, drew me in right from the start. Brandt’s authentic character descriptions and vivid cultural details helped me connect with the main character, seventeen-year-old Ayten, and feel like I was right there with her, hiding out—and loving life!—in Istanbul after fleeing from her controlling father and abusive arranged marriage. I felt the deeply emotional rollercoaster Ayten was on and was rooting for her every step of the way! A love story inspired by her parents, Brandt tackles complicated themes of love, duty, tradition, opportunity, power, and choices in this gripping story that will stay with you long after the last page. What a fantastic read!

I appreciated receiving an ARC copy of this book and enjoyed reading and reviewing it.

[Renee Babcock]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I have become a really big fan of Marjan Kamali, and when this book said it could be a good read for fans of Kamali's work, I said sure, let's try it. I really enjoyed this story, that was inspired by the romance of the author's parents.

The story is set in 1960 Turkey, Ayetan is a young woman from a conservative Muslim family. She tries hard to be a good daughter, a good sister. She struggles with wanting to be a modern girl, but also respecting her family. When she is forced to marry her stepmother's brother, Salih, who had tormented her as a child, she goes along because she feels that's what is expected of her. But on their wedding night, he is abusive to her, and she runs away to Istanbul, where her friend has moved.

The story is a lot about Ayetan finding her way in the big city and trying to put Salih behind her. However, he continues to stalk her and refuses to let her go. Ayetan wants her stepmother to help smooth things over with her father, so that he will allow her a divorce (even though they are not legally married, her father still recognizes the religious ceremony).

While in Istanbul, Ayetan meets an American airman, and falls in love, and this story is also about the two of them.

I liked the story, I liked Ayetan's journey to find herself, even when I wanted to smack her to wake up and take charge!

Also no lie, so many lovely descriptions of food, and it made me hungry. This is something about Kamali's books I really like, and food can be so important to a culture. But it sure makes me want to get some Turkish food soon!

I thought this was really well done for a debut work.

[Linda Heath]

Ayten is a good daughter.   She’s 17 and dreamed of being a teacher, but her father insisted she leave school to help her step-mom Meryem with housework and the care of her siblings.  She loves all her family and feels it’s her fate to do what her father decides.

After an arranged marriage, Ayten escapes to Istanbul when her new husband assaults her. In Istanbul she lives and works with friends Yasemin and Timur, and begins to build her new life. She meets Earl, stationed at the U.S. airbase, and they start to fall in love.

Ayten’s journey from girl to independent woman is a pleasure to read, even as you struggle with her through successes, setbacks and growing self-awareness. She misses her family, she wants her father’s love and approval, she is always waiting for the right moment. You cheer for her as she realizes she has options and develops the courage to choose.

This book manages to include the importance of friendship, insight into political and social Turkey in the 1950s, and be a bit of a travel guide. The characters are vivid. Turkish customs and food are smoothly blended into the story, including double-stacked tea pots, salted coffee, and tossing water after a departing guest.

I particularly appreciated the Turkish pronunciation tips. And I’m looking forward to the audiobook, to hear the Turkish words correctly said. :) Plus this story would make a compelling movie. Hmm, who should play Ayten? (Advanced Reader’s Copy).

[Samantha Johnson]

Thank you NetGalley and She Writes Press for the advanced copy for review.

I wanted a bit more from this story. I enjoyed it while I read it and easily moved through it in two days - so I want to be clear that the story keeps you engaged and the relationships of the main characters were touching. I believe that this story could have been a bit longer to dig a bit more into some of the storylines, including the inclusion of the historical events that were taking place. And I would have read it! Because as I said - I read this book quickly, I would have kept in it. Some of it felt like it was added, not necessarily as an after thought, but rather without a full fleshing out of why it's in there.
I know that this was influenced by Brandt's parents and I do appreciate that she was able to give a voice to the experiences women often silently went through and I liked that she showed not only the disempowerment many women may experience, but also the strength of pushing back through Ayten.
I picked this up because of blurb AND because I've read and loved the works of Marjan Kamali and Alka Joshi. I think they are good comparisons - but I was still left wanting more.

[Victoria Gilder]

Istanbul Dreaming is a beautifully immersive historical novel about courage, independence, love, and the difficult journey of learning to choose your own path.

I was especially drawn to Ayten's transformation. Her struggle against family expectations and an arranged marriage, followed by her determination to rebuild her life in Istanbul, gives the story a deeply emotional center. I also appreciated how the 1950s Turkish setting adds richness and historical depth while reflecting a society experiencing its own period of change.

Ayten's relationship with Earl adds an engaging romantic dimension, but for me, the heart of the story is her search for freedom and identity. Her resilience, friendships, and willingness to confront her past make her journey particularly compelling.

A moving and atmospheric story about finding the courage to reclaim your life, pursue love, and become the person you want to be.

[Jennifer Nightingale]

The 1950s Turkey setting was informative and interesting, and it's not a place many novels cover. I also learned a lot about the history of American servicemembers in Turkey. It's a timely, empathetic look at the immigrant experience, and that was the part that stuck with me most.

The plot was where it lost me. A forced marriage, a daring escape, and a forbidden romance with an American airman are well-worn moves, and I could see a lot of it coming. The book also takes on a lot at once, and I wasn't sure the political backdrop got the attention it deserved.

Still, if you like historical women's fiction with a strong sense of place, it's worth picking up, and it would work well for a book club.

[Debbie Rozier]

This book is set between 1958-1960 in Turkey. I didn’t know anything about what was happening in this country during the time period so I learned a ton. This made a perfect backdrop for the story itself.

The main character, Ayten, is forced into an arranged marriage. After a disastrous wedding night, she leaves for the big city of Istanbul.

As Ayten meets and falls in love with an American serviceman named Earl, her past may stop her from fulfilling her future.

This is a story of expectations, change, friendship and love all wrapped in the turmoil of the Turkish government.