A Vivid Journey Through Life, Death, and Istanbul's Hidden Corners

This week we take a look at one of my favourite books read in December 2024. I have read a few books by this author but this is the first one that really hit me and compelled me to write a review.

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak is a powerful, gut-punch of a novel. Elif Shafak has this incredible way of taking something as heavy as death and turning it into a poignant, intimate, and deeply humane story.

The book opens with the last moments of Tequila Leila’s life—yes, the protagonist is dead right from the start. But don’t think for a second that this makes the story any less vivid. For those ten minutes and thirty-eight seconds after her heart stops beating, her mind continues to work, and in this liminal space, she reflects on her life in Istanbul. Through her memories, we’re introduced to a gritty but vibrant world: the brothels where she worked, the injustices she endured, and the unlikely friendships that formed her chosen family.

Shafak doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of Leila’s world, but she also weaves in moments of beauty and humour. The relationship between Leila and her five closest friends is the heart of the book. They’re misfits, outcasts, and utterly unforgettable. Each one is lovingly written, and their loyalty to Leila is heartwarming, especially in the second half of the novel, which takes a surprising (and slightly quirky) turn.

The writing itself is exquisite. Shafak's descriptions of Istanbul are so rich you can almost taste the street food and feel the city’s chaotic energy. The novel isn’t just a story about Leila; it’s a love letter to Istanbul’s overlooked and marginalised.

This book isn’t an easy read—it tackles heavy themes like abuse, loss, and systemic inequality. But it’s also full of hope and humanity. By the end, I felt like I’d not only gotten to know Leila but had also gained a deeper understanding of the resilience of people living on the fringes of society.

If you enjoy books that offer insights into different cultures and people's experiences, this one is for you—because life's too short to read bad books.