Description
Inspired by the intimate diaries of a refugee family, Children of War is an evocative novel that seamlessly intertwines the allure, complexity, and scars of Crete's storied past to tell the intimate tale of an ordinary man caught in the vortex of extraordinary times. For fifteen generations, Hassanakis's family has called Crete home, and he's always seen himself as a true Cretan. Yet, as the world around him is engulfed in the chaos of collapsing empires and simmering conflicts, Hassanakis finds himself at the crossroads of identity. In the face of escalating ethnic violence, his family's flight to Chania becomes a poignant journey of survival. Amid the turmoil, Hassanakis weaves new roots, donning distinctive attire that earns him the nickname 'Hassan the mirror'. As World War I reaches its crescendo and the Turkish War of Independence rages on, a profound romance ignites between him and the graceful Husniye. But soon the prospect of being uprooted to a foreign Turkey becomes a chilling reality. Can he fathom leaving behind the life he's built for a land where he's a stranger?
About the Author
Ahmet Yorulmaz was a Turkish a journalist, author and translator. He was born in Ayvalik to a family of Cretan Turks deported to mainland Turkey as part of the Greek-Turkish population exchange decreed in the Treaty of Lausanne. He was fluent in modern Greek and translated novels and poems from contemporary Greek literature to Turkish. Most of his original works were written with the aim of making people learn about Ayvalik, the city where he grew up. He dedicated himself to Greek-Turkish friendship and rapprochement. Paula Darwish is a freelance translator and professional musician. She read Turkish Language and Literature with Middle Eastern History at SOAS in London graduating with a First in 1997. She is a qualified member of the Institute of Translators and Interpreters (MITI).
Reviews
"This book dazzled and fascinated me. I felt as if Yorulmaz and I were sitting in a cafe, chatting over strong Turkish coffee. And then I fell silent, mesmerized as the old man recounted stories from his life, leisurely...I highly recommend this book to those who like historical or literary fiction, or those who like to read about immigration/immigrants." @MeredithRankin2; "It's a fascinating story of upheaval, displacement and national identity... I had no idea the history of Crete was such a geo-political minefield and that the migration associated with it was so complex...One of my favourite things about this book is the conversations it can generate." @mm_cheryl; "A beautifully written, poignant read which I found utterly fascinating...The author's writing style was just beautiful and the diary entries helped make the story seem much more personal, so all that happens is very hard hitting. I often found myself getting teary whilst reading." @JoannaLouisePar; "...beautifully written and eyeopening and perfect for those who love history, especially that which is set outside of the usual British Historical/WWI perspective... I really felt totally submerged into Hassanaki's life and the people and events surrounding him...and rooted for him, hoping he'd find happiness and peace." @_headinthpages; This was a heart warming book during the war regarding Turkey and Crete. Love both of these countries and also love historical books on war. Brilliant book. Angela S, Netgalley Reviewer; "A beautifully poignant and extraordinary novel... Throughout the tale you read about the deep kinship and love for Cretan culture, food, and celebrations that Hassanaki and his family have...I was overwhelmed by the love between Hassanaki and his Christian employer/mentor Kiri Vladimiros and his wife Kiriya Evthimiya. The book has plenty to say and an ability to draw you in, to understand the suffering and struggles." @Beereader; "Children of War is a short but absorbing read...This is definitely a book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction... It will make you think about what it means to be "from somewhere" and about your own background and family history." @AboutGassing
Book Information
ISBN 9781911107293
Author Ahmet Yorulmaz
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Neem Tree Press Limited
Publisher Neem Tree Press Limited
Weight(grams) 150g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 10mm
About the Author
Ahmet Yorulmaz was a Turkish a journalist, author and translator. He was born in Ayvalik to a family of Cretan Turks deported to mainland Turkey as part of the Greek-Turkish population exchange decreed in the Treaty of Lausanne. He was fluent in modern Greek and translated novels and poems from contemporary Greek literature to Turkish. Most of his original works were written with the aim of making people learn about Ayvalik, the city where he grew up. He dedicated himself to Greek-Turkish friendship and rapprochement. Paula Darwish is a freelance translator and professional musician. She read Turkish Language and Literature with Middle Eastern History at SOAS in London graduating with a First in 1997. She is a qualified member of the Institute of Translators and Interpreters (MITI).
Reviews
"This book dazzled and fascinated me. I felt as if Yorulmaz and I were sitting in a cafe, chatting over strong Turkish coffee. And then I fell silent, mesmerized as the old man recounted stories from his life, leisurely...I highly recommend this book to those who like historical or literary fiction, or those who like to read about immigration/immigrants." @MeredithRankin2; "It's a fascinating story of upheaval, displacement and national identity... I had no idea the history of Crete was such a geo-political minefield and that the migration associated with it was so complex...One of my favourite things about this book is the conversations it can generate." @mm_cheryl; "A beautifully written, poignant read which I found utterly fascinating...The author's writing style was just beautiful and the diary entries helped make the story seem much more personal, so all that happens is very hard hitting. I often found myself getting teary whilst reading." @JoannaLouisePar; "...beautifully written and eyeopening and perfect for those who love history, especially that which is set outside of the usual British Historical/WWI perspective... I really felt totally submerged into Hassanaki's life and the people and events surrounding him...and rooted for him, hoping he'd find happiness and peace." @_headinthpages; This was a heart warming book during the war regarding Turkey and Crete. Love both of these countries and also love historical books on war. Brilliant book. Angela S, Netgalley Reviewer; "A beautifully poignant and extraordinary novel... Throughout the tale you read about the deep kinship and love for Cretan culture, food, and celebrations that Hassanaki and his family have...I was overwhelmed by the love between Hassanaki and his Christian employer/mentor Kiri Vladimiros and his wife Kiriya Evthimiya. The book has plenty to say and an ability to draw you in, to understand the suffering and struggles." @Beereader; "Children of War is a short but absorbing read...This is definitely a book for anyone who enjoys historical fiction... It will make you think about what it means to be "from somewhere" and about your own background and family history." @AboutGassing
Book Information
ISBN 9781911107293
Author Ahmet Yorulmaz
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Neem Tree Press Limited
Publisher Neem Tree Press Limited
Weight(grams) 150g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 10mm
