The Bastard of Istanbul

The novel, written by Elif Shafak, centers around Asya Kazancı, a nineteen-year-old woman living in Istanbul, and Armanoush Tchakhmakhchian, an Armenian-American who travels to Istanbul to discover her roots.

The story delves into the violent past of Turkey, particularly the 1915 Armenian deportations and massacres, and how these events impact the lives of the characters.

The narrative is set in both Turkey and the United States, highlighting the complex relationships between the characters and their cultural identities.