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China and the Middle East: From Silk Road to Arab Spring

Muhamad S. Olimat

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China and the Middle East uniquely explores China's growing presence in the Middle East, and both...

LucyB (47 KP) rated Three Daughters of Eve in Books

Jul 23, 2017

Three Daughters of Eve

Elif Shafak | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry

8.0

(2 Ratings)

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The three main characters (and their differences) (0 more)

Bits didn't quite add up (0 more)

Powerful, thought-provoking story

I was really happy to receive Three Daughters of Eve on Netgalley, as I'd recently read an interview with the author and thought the book sounded fascinating.

It certainly lived up to expectations. The book is set both in the past and the present, focusing on Peri as a student in Oxford, and as a wealthy wife (14 years later) in Istanbul. It starts with something of a red herring, focusing on Peri's attack (and almost rape) by a beggar, then develops into an exploration of her past, as a Turkish Muslim at Oxford University.

She's flanked by Shirin, a non-believer, and Mona, a devout Muslim - making them 'the sinner, the believer and the confused'. They're united by a man called Professor Azur, who has a major influence in their lives, both positive and negative.

The book is an intriguing exploration into religion, belief and culture-clash - and in particular, the scenes detailing Peri's past, with a non-believing father and a devout mother, worked particularly well. A few moments jarred slightly - for example, the sudden revelation about the twin brother towards the end, and the abrupt shift in perspective from Peri to Professor Azur (again, towards the end), but for the most part, this book was masterfully executed and beautifully sustained throughout.

I think Shafak has a strong, resonant style, combined with a philosophical approach - which works really well. I'd definitely like to read more of her books