World War 2 was a terrible period in history--the Nazi's were causing havoc and fear through out Europe. There were few countries that attempted to stay neutral. Although I never realized this--Turkey was one of them. The lengths they went to to protect Turkish people-no matter their religion-who were currently living in occupied countries was nothing short of heroic and amazing. I am not sure how much of this is fiction and how much truth but the author has cited references she used at the end of the book.
It is the story of a Turkish Muslim family whose daughter married a Turkish Jew. They were disowned by both their families and moved to Paris and ultimately were saved by the Turkish government who sent a train into Paris and with subterfuge managed to get a lot of people back to Turkey--no matter their religion.
This is a well written (and translated) novel which tells the tale of what few people are even aware of.
I encourage everyone to read this novel--it is an eye opener!
(About the Book: (from Amazon)
An international bestseller by one of Turkey’s most beloved authors.
As the daughter of one of Turkey’s last Ottoman pashas, Selva could win the heart of any man in Ankara. Yet the spirited young beauty only has eyes for Rafael Alfandari, the handsome Jewish son of an esteemed court physician. In defiance of their families, they marry, fleeing to Paris to build a new life.
But when the Nazis invade France and begin rounding up Jews, the exiled lovers will learn that nothing—not war, not politics, not even religion—can break the bonds of family. For after they learn that Selva is but one of their fellow citizens trapped in France, a handful of brave Turkish diplomats hatch a plan to spirit the Alfandaris and hundreds of innocents, many of whom are Jewish, to safety. Together, they must traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in a desperate bid for freedom. From Ankara to Paris, Cairo, and Berlin, Last Train to Istanbul is an uplifting tale of love and adventure from Turkey’s beloved bestselling novelist Ayşe Kulin.
Read a Chapter or Two Here
Purchase the Book Here
About the Author: (from Amazon)
One of Turkey's most beloved authors, with more than ten million copies of her books sold, Ayşe Kulin is known for captivating stories about human endurance. In addition to penning internationally bestselling novels, she has also worked as a producer, cinematographer, and screenwriter for numerous television shows and films. Her novel Last Train to Istanbul won the European Council Jewish Community Best Novel Award and has been translated into twenty-three
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