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    Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel
    Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel
    Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel
    Audiobook12 hours

    Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel

    Written by Ayşe Kulin

    Narrated by Sanjiv Jhaveri

    3.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    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.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBrilliance Audio
    TranslatorJohn W. Baker
    Release dateOct 8, 2013
    ISBN9781480531734
    Last Train to Istanbul: A Novel
    Author

    Ayşe Kulin

    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. Last Train to Istanbul, winner of the European Council Jewish Community Best Novel Award and the Premio Roma in Italy, has been translated into twenty-three languages.

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    Reviews for Last Train to Istanbul

    3.5/5

    158 ratings19 reviews

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 3/5
      The Last Train to Istanbul was a mediocre read. It could have been due to the translation, but the sentence structure was very choppy; short, clipped sentences. The story was also a bit disjointed. It was billed as a story about a Turkish family, but it was really "stories" about individuals who knew each other in Paris, Istanbul, and Marsellies during the occupation of France. This story could have had great potential, but it was never realized. I did learn a lot about Turkey's dilemma in WWII--who should they be more scared of-The Germans or the Russians? Also found several glaring spelling errors.
    • 3/5
      The Last Train to Istanbul was a mediocre read. It could have been due to the translation, but the sentence structure was very choppy; short, clipped sentences. The story was also a bit disjointed. It was billed as a story about a Turkish family, but it was really "stories" about individuals who knew each other in Paris, Istanbul, and Marsellies during the occupation of France. This story could have had great potential, but it was never realized. I did learn a lot about Turkey's dilemma in WWII--who should they be more scared of-The Germans or the Russians? Also found several glaring spelling errors.
    • 3/5
      Although the novel wonderfully represents the situation of Turkey in WW2 and role of Turkey in providing protection to Turkish Jews but the words weren't good enough to make reader emotionally entangled. Maybe it is because of translation
    • 4/5
      I absolutely thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed this book: it’s story, plus the way it was read. Thank you.
    • 4/5
      Good story but the best thing for me was the historical setting, I feel I know just a little more now about Turkish sentiment toward religions, and culture. The narration was a bit hard to get used to at first, but ok once I persevered.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      Selva is the daughter of a traditional Turkish man who disowned her when she decided to marry Rafael Alfandari, son of a prominent physician--and a Jew. As much as it pained her to lose the connection to her family, Selva had to follow her heart. And to get out of the shadow of disapproval from both sets of parents, Selva and Rafael relocated to France where they had a son and made a life for themselves. But things changed quickly when the Nazis invaded France and began seeking out and rounding up Jews. While Turkey, being neutral in the conflict, has been able to keep some of their Jewish citizens from being taken, they worry that they may not be able to protect them in the face of continuing extreme approaches by Nazi officials. In an effort to keep their citizens safe, Turkish officials arrange for a train to bring a single car of Turkish citizens home. But for people like Selva, whose community includes friends who are not Turkish but are clearly in danger, there's a compulsion to take a risk to protect them. And it's a risk that could lead to consequences for everyone...

      This is a wonderfully-written and well-researched piece of writing that I am so glad I took the time to read. While this period of humanity's history is challenging to approach and read about, I think it's incredibly important that we don't simply ignore it. And thankfully this story provides the contrast between those who acted with very little regard for others and those who are willing to risk themselves in service of doing what's right. You'll quickly become connected to these characters. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll enjoy an excellent story that embodies the better aspects of our nature.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      Last Train to Istanbul was slow to leave the station, but once it took off, what a ride it was! The first third of the book introduces various characters and their back stories. Older sister Sabiha and her diplomat husband, Macit, live in Ankara with their young daughter and Sabiha’s parents. Younger sister Selva married Rafael, a Jew, against her Muslim family’s wishes. Selva and Rafo found it more comfortable to live in Marseilles where they won’t have to face the disapproval from both families. Sabiha is the French tutor for Tarik, a young diplomat in her husband’s office, who develops an unrequited passion for Sabiha. His new language skills have him prepared when he’s promoted to a position in the Paris embassy.The German occupation of France changes everything for Selva and Rafo. Their Turkish citizenship is the only thing keeping Rafo from being interred with the other Jews in France. As neutral Turkey faces pressure from both sides in the conflict, their diplomats in France don’t know how long they’ll be able to protect their Jewish citizens on French soil, so they begin to make plans for a train to take the Jews to Istanbul and out of German reach.Although the characters in this novel are fictional, many are based on real people. The Turkish diplomats in France are said to have saved many Jews from the Holocaust. For instance, Necdet Kent, a Turkish consul in Marseilles during the war who died the year of this book’s release, claimed to have board a train filled with Jews (some Turkish) being deported to secure their release.If I were a film producer, I’d option the film rights for this book. My film version would write out Sabiha, since I think the book would be stronger without her and her neuroses. Her diplomat husband, Macit, might become Selva’s brother, or maybe I’d have her father still working instead of retired. Tarik’s unrequited passion would be for Selva, who chose Rafo instead, and this love would inspire his actions to aid the Turkish Jews in fleeing France.This is really a 3 ½ star book, but I’ve boosted it by half a star since I loved the last half so much.
    • 4/5
      This is a compelling story about a part of history that I knew very little about before I began reading. That said, parts of it were better than others. I was debating with myself whether to give it five stars, but I had just a few niggles - a few poorly-written passages, a subplot that seemed completely pointless, and a climax that wasn't particularly climactic. However, this was very worth reading for its account of Turkish diplomats in Nazi-occupied Europe, and the lengths they went to to save their citizens from harm. I'm not sure how much of it is embellished, but the story told here is fascinating and well worth reading.
    • 4/5
      While I knew what would happen (Jews in WWII), I was surprised to learn about the connection they had with a Turkey, the Muslims & the Christians. It should be required reading to help fill in the huge blanks we, as Americans, have surrounding the Mid-East and their history/conflicts.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      This is a different WW II story because it is a fictionalized story of many Turkish and non-urkish Jews who escaped Hitler's grasp. It is based on real life experiences of Turkish ambassadors at the time who did their utmost of rescue people from the Reich machine. Interesting story with lots of character development and plot line.
    • 4/5
      I really like historical novels so I liked that aspect of this story.What I didn’t like was what seemed to be “sappyness” relating to the relationship between the two sisters and their families.All in all it wasn’t a bad read but I had expected better from the write ups so was disappointed. I doubt I’d recommend it to anyone.
    • 4/5
      While historically fascinating and filled with details about Turkey's efforts to rescue its Jewish citizens and non-citizens from Europe in WWII, "Last Train" remains an uneven and rather unsatisfying novel. The plot revolves around the liberal extended and multicultural family of Islamic Turks whose members include a diplomat active in foreign service in France and a Jewish son-in-law, focusing on efforts to get him, his wife and child (among others) out of the clutches of Nazi occupied France.Kulin's characters are multitudinous, particular, and individualized but seem to have their emotions delivered to them by the author rather than authentically possessing them on their own. Her cast is sympathetic but estranged, rendered without the skill that allows me to identify with them -- I felt removed from their lives as if viewing them from a reversed telescope, which may be because there was so much "telling" rather than "showing." Additionally, there are too many awkward scenes that are obviously inserted in order to deliver information and history lessons that interrupt the rather thin narrative flow.However, Kulin captures and delivers the atmosphere of Istanbul distinctively but is less able to do the same for Paris and Marseilles. The most powerful part of the novel takes place at the end when the author places the action on the train carrying fleeing Turks and international passengers on the long journey to safety. We experience their terror each time the train stops, each time the German soldiers demand to see passengers' documents; we share their meals, their discomfort, their human failings, and their grace as they travel, crowded, hungry, and frazzled by fear, concealing true identities and risking their lives, while consistently displaying a generosity of spirit that is true bravery. While Kulin is Turkey's most acclaimed contemporary writer, this book is not on a par of the kind of first rate literature one anticipates from someone occupying such a prestigious niche. Readers of this English translation will enjoy it for its exotic nature and revelations of little known facts about WWII and the Holocaust from the uniquely Turkish perspective.
    • 5/5
      I won this book from goodreads giveaways. I liked this book. I enjoy historical novels about WWII. This is about a sister from turkey that marries a Jew and is disowned by her father so she moves to France. The war gets bad and they must escape.
    • 4/5
      This is a e-galley that I received in exchange for an honest and fair review from NetGalley. It was published October 8th of 2013. Ayse is an international writer, she is from Turkey and her book has been translated to English. This book takes place during WWII in Turkey. Selva had married Rafael against the wishes of her family and moved to Paris. Rafael is a Jew and the Nazis are now taking over Paris. Sahiba, Selva’s sister is fighting to save her through the Turkish diplomats. They are trying to find a way to help her leave Paris. This story is based on the true story of how Turkey assisted Jews of Europe to freedom.I have read a lot of holocaust fiction, but this was a new slant on things. This book was a little bogged down with the politics of the war and I admit I did have to re-read a couple excerpts twice. This book combines factual events with fictional characters. I thought that it was really interesting what these people went through and the risks that they were willing to take. While this book may not be perfect, I feel that it is definitely a valuable piece of history that should be made known. Jews transported on a carriage train through Germany during the war to Istanbul who would have thought it possible? History is stranger than fiction sometimes!! While it may not be an incredible book it is certainly an incredible story!! I give this book 4/5 stars.
    • 4/5
      Amazon book blurb: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.REVIEW: Istandbul, Ankara, Paris, Germany, Egypt 1941."Spring arrived hand-in-hand with sorrow". Turkey was between a rock and a hard place. Britain demanded them to become an ally; Germany was threatening; Russia wanted Kars, Ardahan, the Bosphorus, and the Dardanelles. Choosing the losing side would have had dire consequences for Turkey. They learnt their lesson well after the first world war.It was not only a unsettling time for Turkey, but also for Macit Bey. His wife, Sabiha, a girl who loved picnics and watching horse racing, suddenly turned away from life, as well as her motherly - and marriage duties. Their daughter, Hülya, did not receive any attentions from her anymore. She was obviously heading for a nervous breakdown, Macit thought. CHARACTERS: Fazil Resat Pasa, and his wife Leman Hanim, had two daughters: Sabiha, married to Macit BeySelva, married to Rafael Alfandari(Rafo).Sabiha and Macit had a daughter, Hülya.Selva and Rafo had a son, Fazil, named after his grandfather, Fazil.However, grandfather Fazil did not care. Rafo was Jewish, and his marriage to Selva ripped both families apart. Fazil, the Muslim patriarch, rejected his daughter, and Rafo's Jewish family refused to accept Selva.The couple fled to France where they hoped to start a new life - both as exiles of their families.Hitler's rise brought fear to all the countries. Turkey's idea of remaining neutral still did not guarantee the inhabitants piece of mind. What it did offer to the citizens though, was a last train out of France for Turkish citizens, especially the Jewish ones. Selva and her baby were compromised by Rafo when all the Jews were rounded up to concentration camps. When in doubt, men were forced to drop their pants in public to identify Jews. Escape was hardly possible. The incredible courage of the Turkish embassy staff, especially the actions of Macit and his friend, Taril, originally from Makatya in eastern Anatolia, lead to the evacuation of a large number of people out of harms way. A nine-day train ride back to Istandbul would become a journey through madness and mayhem and a discovery of true courage and intentions. Freedom and love had to survive incredible odds in the ensuing challenges brought forward by the German's occupation of France. It becomes a tale of hardship, friendship, loyalty, and love between spouses, sisters, parents and children. Most of all it is a test for religious hypocrisy and the true meaning of forgiveness.The involvement of Turkey, and the important role the country played in the war, have not been spotlighted in any popular renditions of the events and certainly makes this book a valuable contribution to history. The historical facts are detailed; the characters, complex - but endearing; the narrative, easy. The tale is multilayered, supported by a well-developed plot, underscored by a wealth of different emotions, and based on a true story. Everything in the book is intense and actually beautiful!I recommend this book to anyone who values the principles of honor, integrity, and innocence in both the story as well as the writing style.
    • 3/5
      bookshelves: e-book, autumn-2013, translation, published-2002, turkish-and-or-ottoman-root, wwii, historical-fiction, net-galley, nazi-related, anti-semiticRecommended for: WandaRead from September 10 to 11, 2013ARC via NetGalley. Many thanks.Translated by John W BakerOpening: ANKARA 1941Even though, when leaving that morning, Macit had warned Sahiba that he would be late coming home, his good manners made him uneasy when he realised it was already past eight o'clock.A fictionalised account of a true story that gives the interested reader yet another angle on how it was for others suffering the catastrophe of World War II.News breaks that war is nearly on the very doorstep of the city during a Friday afternoon card game that the weak and anxious Sahiba is attending. Whilst her girl-friends dismiss the news by turning off the radio, Sahiba makes her getaway with an excuse about picking up her daughter from ballet.The main problem that is tearing at Sahiba's chest is her sister, the daughter of one of Turkey’s last Ottoman pashas, who is in Paris with Rafael, a handsome Jewish son of an esteemed Sephardic* court physician. These two had married regardless of family feelings and had fled to the French city to start out a new life.General PetainNow there are yellow badges and labour trains.This is an uplifting tale across international borders. A fully detailed account of acts of bravery in the face of personal threat and national identity. This book would have benefitted with editing out the bagginess, yet the story is valid and highlights the need for there to be religious freedom everywhere.Recommended for those who enjoy a different viewpoint of WWII.* From page 123: Beyazid II [1448-1512], the eighth sultan of the Ottoman Empire, issued an invitation to the 250,000 Jews by Spain to come to his country.
    • 3/5
      I liked the premise of this novel. I thought it was a story worth telling and I enjoyed reading about the situation in Turkey and France during the war. I was very interested in the first half of the book but I have to say that the characters fell a little flat for me as the story moved into the second half. I wonder if that is due in part to the translation. I was feeling a bit impatient with it in the second half. It was not one of the better novels I have read with a WWII setting but it was still worth reading.
    • 2/5
      Regrettably, a worthy plot misplaced among the debris of feeble translation and natural inevitability.
    • 3/5
      The story about the turkish jews was unknown to me. That gives the book a very strong emotional aspect. The lives of a family in Turkey are well described and you can easily follow there stories. The storyline of the book is clear. What I did not like is that some events that still have to happen are already indicated before as to prepare the reader. When it then happens I was irritated because I knew it already. An example is the dead of the man in the train, where jokes had been made before the dead that there is a dead man on the train. Then you know already what is going to happen and it takes away the emotion.