Merhaba book lovers!
Are you a Turkish learner or speaker who also loves literature?
In this Turkish book club you will find a great variety of language input – from the book, the group and the teacher – and you will talk about different themes and topics with other students who are as passionate about Turkish literature and culture as you. Your homework is to read a few pages of the book every week (around 15 pages per week) which, during the lesson, you will discuss with the group. You will be challenged by engaging activities themed around the book, the language and the characters. This Turkish book club is the perfect way to practice the language in an interesting and exciting manner.

In this edition you’ll read ‘Gizli El’ by Reşat Nuri Güntekin, a significant classic of Turkish literature. This was the author’s first novel and remains one of his most impactful works. When it was published in 1920, ‘Gizli El’ was censored due to its bold critique on society and government. The novel offers nuanced insights into the social distortions of the World War I era.

Saygınlık ve toplumda yer edinme hırsıyla ruhunda fırtınalar kopan Şeref ile onun adeta karşı kutbu olan genç Seniha’nın aşkı, derin iç monologlar ve ustalıkla kurgulanmış bir gerilimle zenginleşir. Savaş yıllarında, “gizli bir el”den aldığı destekle vagon ticareti yaparak zenginleşen baş karakterin yaşamı çevresinde şekillenen anlatı; aşk, alçakgönüllülük ve asalet gibi insani değerlere olduğu kadar, yabancılaşma, sömürü ve fırsatçılık gibi toplumsal meselelere de temas eder.

This course is suitable for students with a completed B1 level or higher.