10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak

Author: Elif Shafak
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre: Literary Fiction
Year of Publication: 2019
Date of Publication: September 24, 2019
Pages: 320
ISBN-10: 1635574470
ISBN-13: 978-1635574470

Summary

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World follows Leila, a woman whose mind lingers for ten minutes after her death. 

At the start of the book, which is ironically titled “The End,” Leila has died. Leila is a sex worker and was killed in a brutal way. She was 43 years old.

The rest of the book follows the number of minutes after her death, where different memories are recalled by taste and smells. These recollections begin from the time of her birth in January 1947 to her death in November 1990.

In these moments, she also recalls memories of her life in Istanbul and her relationships with a group of outcasts who became her family.

Main Plot & Characters

The story revolves around Leila’s final thoughts and memories, revealing her past and her bonds with five friends.

The book highlight the stories of each of her five friends and how their friendship with Leila developed.  Through her reflections, readers witness her life, struggles, and connections in the city of Istanbul.

Key Themes of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

• Memory and Identity: Leila’s memories allows readers to understand her identity and the persistence of self.
• Friendship and Family: The novel explores her friendships and family dynamics. It highlights the importance of companionship and acceptance.
• Society and Marginalization: The novel also addresses how society treats marginalized individuals.
• Life and Death: It examines the brief moments of life that shape meaning even after death.

Writing Style

Shafak writing style captures the beauty and pain of life and memory.

One thing she did that was truly remarkable was to puts emphasis on the graveyard where Leila is buried. It is a place where those who are outcast are buried with no names on the stones, just numbers. But instead of just being another number, Shafak creates a character around this idea and evokes empathy and respect from readers.

Impact of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

The novel offers insight into Istanbul’s diverse culture. It was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2019.

Let us know your recommendations for books with a similar vibe! Is this a book you’ve read or one you’re planning to? And if you have, which part was the most impactful for you?