Honor: A Novel

I literally couldn't put this book down. The translation is well done. The flow is similar to other books of hers that I have read. A careful exploration of honor killings, a little romance, and plot twist to keep the pages turning. Interesting view on religion and culture not often intertwined in Western culture.

I thought I would hate this book because of the honor killing theme, but I found myself drawn to the characters and how they coped with all the challenges being thrown their way. The surprise substitution enhanced the novel a lot. Ms. Shafak writes like a wonderful dream.

Shafak has become my new favorite author. With Honor, I was torn between racing to know the ending and procrastinating — to prolong the immense inner journey. Her characters are exquisitely developed through rich, layered and carefully-timed flashbacks. And her ability to capture nuance, to surprise, to suspend judgement... what a gifted storyteller. I finished Honor and promptly bought two more books ... really looking forward to starting a new trip with her.

I had to read this for one of my college classes, but it's now one of my favorite books. It's a compelling story that intertwines the lives of a large family from a culture I do not know much about. It's intriguing, well written, and I definitely suggest it to anyone and everyone.

There are some really well written parts of the book, which weaves back and forth between the past and the present. I found some of the similes and metaphors to be a bit overworked. Sometimes using words that would be more appropriate for the speaker (non-native) instead of the more obscure words. For instance, the street language used by the children seemed entirely appropriate.

This author has a gift for writing elegantly. I would give this 3 1/2 stars--- the story is filled with pathos, an immigrant' s struggling story. At times the story becomes overbearing with pathos, but there are more subtle story lines as well. The reader learns something of Kurdish culture and the immigrant experience. There are story lines involving the 1st generation children born to an immigrant couple. There's a story line of losing faith with traditions left behind and the ensuing consequences. All in all, an interesting, emotion-filled, fast read.

No wonder Elif Shafak is read world wide! I found this novel fascinating historically and emotionally. Ms. Shafak tells (with quite an impact)the concept of honor in Muslim culture. Because of this absolute fascinating and incredible book, I have downloaded three of her other 13 acclaimed works. And I can't wait to get started. Don't you wait either!!!!!

This was my second Elif Shafak novel and it will NOT be my last. I often feel books lull about 3/4-4/5 of the way through but I LOVED it through the end. The book is written from the perscpective of many characters so you are really immersed in the story overall. Amazing read.

Wow. I hated this book. Read it as part of a book club and for once we all agreed that this was a terrible read. Why is this author so hyped? The plot isn't convincing, there are a lot of very convenient things that happen to propel the plot forward (will not spoil it) and the message is questionable. It reads like an imitation of a much better book. although I'm in favour of reading female authors, if you consider reading this book, you are much much better off reading "the museum of innocence" or "my name is read" by Pamuk. Stay away!

A marvellous exploration of the Islamist principles held by a Kurdish family and their struggles of migration and settlement in a new land. It brilliantly contrasts the modern daily lives of families living on the banks of the Euphrates and on the banks of the Thames in London. I recommend this novel without hesitation.Written by a masterful story teller, it moves seamlessly between the two. The different struggles of women and men shine through as the choices between sexuality and traditional rules are played out. Its description of honour killing by males is illuminating. The imprisonment of an honour killer under British Common Law in London is brilliantly described.

Fabulous book loved it such an entertaining and thoughtful writer. Totally immersed myself in the book and it kept me fully engaged.

An excellent book about honour killings and the ramifications. Very well done and thought provoking. Hopefully this practice will soon be illegal.

Good story. Well developed characters.