Lately, I’ve been diving into numerous books set during World War II, and one that really stood out to me is “Last Train to Istanbul” by Ayse Kulin. This international bestseller, translated into English by John W. Baker, is based on stories from Turkish diplomats, ensuring the historical details are well-researched, which I truly appreciate in a novel.
The story focuses on Selva, a Turkish Muslim, who falls in love with Rafo, a Turkish Jew. Both their families disown them, leading the couple to move to France and leaving their families to mourn the separation. Selva’s sister, Sabiha, grapples with guilt and her own troubles in Turkey, including a strained marriage with Macit, a government official increasingly consumed by the looming war.
In France, Selva and Rafo establish a new life, but their peace is shattered when the Nazis invade. A diplomat friend of Sabiha and Macit offers help, assisting Selva and Rafo in preparing their passports in case they need to flee. As the situation worsens, Turkish diplomats devise a plan to rescue not just Selva and Rafo, but other Turkish Jews as well. They orchestrate a daring escape on a train bound for Istanbul, filled with their fellow citizens. The question remains: will they all make it safely?
The characters in “Last Train to Istanbul” are flawed yet relatable. Their emotions—jealousy, loneliness, anger, passion, and more—bring a raw authenticity to the book. The narrative, enriched with descriptive scenes and well-executed flashbacks, presents a layered family dynamic that enhances the story.
However, I have a minor nitpick and a content warning. The translation from Turkish is excellent, but something feels slightly lost—not due to poor translation, but because it is inherently translated. Additionally, the book deals with WWII and Jewish oppression, so there is some bad language, violence, and peril.
“Last Train to Istanbul” sparked my curiosity about Turkey’s role in WWII, a subject often overlooked. If you enjoy historical fiction, World War II narratives, political intrigue, or family stories, this book is worth your time.
On a side note, this story could be beautifully adapted into a movie with its rich setting and complex characters. Ayse Kulin’s involvement in such a project would be essential to bring her vivid narrative to life.
Overall, “Last Train to Istanbul” is a compelling read, and I can see why it’s so popular. Have you read it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
