10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

"Shafak writes with vision, bravery and compassion . . . a stunning portrait of a city, a society, a small community and a single soul." --The New York Times Book Review   "A deeply humane story about the cruel effects of Turkey's intolerant sexual attitudes . . . Shafak is a master of captivating moments that provide a sprawling and intimate vision of Istanbul . . . Ultimately, "10 Minutes" isn't really about death, but the persistence of love . . . Leila's ragtag friends, scorned and mocked by polite society, can't possibly triumph over the forces of religious and political corruption, but they - and Shafak - manage to create something truly subversive: a community of devotion beyond the reach of state or mosque." -- The Washington Post   "A beautifully written tour de force of exemplary storytelling . . . Its powerful insights into Turkey's past and present challenges and the world today make it highly recommended." -- Library Journal, starred review   "Extraordinary . . . a piercin