Brett’s Comments (group member since Apr 30, 2007)

Brett’s comments from the Silverlake Classics group.

I gave this book 4 stars. I note this because it really only deserves three. I added the 4th because I think it is important for white folks like me to better understand Islam including the divisions within Islam and its battle with secularism and the West.

My biggest problem with this book (and this applies equally well to My Name Is Red ) is that I didn't feel like the characters were three-dimensional or had their own unique personalities. For example, the words and thoughts of each of Muhtar, Ka and Orhan could easily have come out of the other's mouth. Same with Ipek and her sister, Kadife. Pamuk attempted to fix this problem by telling us that Necip's soul went into his friend's body (can't remember his name, off hand).

I believe the most difficult feat for an author is to convince us that the characters are real. I can't do it. Pamuk has trouble, as well.

I don't think I will read a third Pamuk book. Maybe I'll just stick to the Wikipedia entries -- see, for example, Snow's Wikipedia entry -- and save time for better, more engaging books.

Yes. My Name Is Red is a great book -- interesting way of telling the story + good story + interesting discussions of the underpinnings of Islam. I have not read his other stuff yet but plan on reading Snow next.

The Road is great. I also liked Blood Meridian, but preferred The Road. I bought two others of his books which I have not yet read -- All The Pretty Horses and one other that I cannot recall.

Now my turn for a question -- anyone ever read Italo Calvino?