10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World by Elif Shafak (rare books)

Description:

Short summary

In this Strange World tells the story of Tequila Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, whose body has just died but her mind remains alive for 10 minutes and 38 seconds. During this short span, she remembers her life in vivid detail: her childhood in a conservative family, the trauma she endured, and the five close friends who became her chosen family.As Leilas memories unfold, we are taken through her tragic yet resilient life journey, revealing the marginal lives and voices often silenced in society. The novel alternates between Leilas perspective and her friends attempts to honor her after death.It is a powerful, poignant exploration of friendship, belonging, and the deep human need for dignity, even after death.

About the Author

Elif Shafak is a renowned British-Turkish author, public speaker, and activist. She writes in both Turkish and English, and her works often explore themes like identity, memory, feminism, and cultural conflict. Shafak is the author of several critically acclaimed novels, including The Bastard of Istanbul and The Forty Rules of Love. She has received numerous international awards and is known for blending storytelling with social commentary.