Play Book Tag discussion

The first and second halves of this book are quite different from one another, and unfortunately if you like one part, chances are you won't like other.

The first part focuses on the life of a prostitute. Her life is "passing before her eyes" as she lays dying for the 10 minutes, 38 seconds in the title. Each minute has a new scene that starts with an evocative sensory memory. I enjoyed the story of Leila, her tough upbringing and mostly the descriptions of Istanbul.

Unfortunately, eventually her brain stops functioning and her five friends, about whom we know a minimal amount, are left to carry the story. And since we barely know about them and care little, the rest of the book comes across like a madcap escapade as the friends make it their mission to give Leila's dead body a more suitable resting place than the one designated by the city.

The very end moved this book from the two star to the three star realm for me, but overall I am a bit puzzled as to how it is on the Booker shortlist. I am going with the very strong descriptive writing about Istanbul itself as the driving force.

I always appreciate your take on a book that some are raving ( well maybe "semi-raving" about in this case). A lot of the Booker Nominees I know are not for me, this one peaked my interest a bit. However, if it was at the 2 star mark for you most of the book, I will pass.

Lovely review - I like how you did such a good job of giving a flavour of the book concisely without spoilers. The shape of your reaction does seem very similar to mine, including the last few pages pulling the overall rating up - it sounds like I saw it as 4-3-4 where you went for 3-2-3 ;-)

Anita, it sounds like you and I had a similar experience with this one. I did enjoy the first half slightly more, but still found it melodramatic and I am baffled by its inclusion in the Booker longlist, let alone the shortlist.