I love being a part of an international book club. Not only are the books we choose from all over, but so are our members. It's great to spend time discussing books with people that are global-minded as I am.
I was really excited when I learned that our latest selection was from Turkey, Snow by Orhan Pamuk. I actually read the first half of it on my trip to Turkey, and highly enjoyed it as it relies heavily on knowledge of Turkish culture and politics.
Snow is the story of troubled poet named Ka and his visit to rural city of Kars. During his three-day visit (the length of the novel...ironically, it's not possible to read it in three days), the snowbound city is taken over by martial law. Ka himself struggles with his love of Ipek and being caught in the middle of the local disputes. To give an accurate picture of the plot would take way too long, and it's not that interesting, anyway.
One of my fellow book club members thought that this was intended to be a farce. To be honest, I'm not really sure if it is or not. The tone seems to indicate that it's not, but it very well could be. It does seem that the book is talking about the foolish pursuit of happiness.
Basically, I'd stay away from this book. Even I and my love of Turkey didn't enjoy it. He's a good writer though, and I hope to try out his latest, The Museum of Innocence.
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