56 pages • 1 hour read
Elif Shafak10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak tells the story of Leila, a sex worker in Istanbul, whose brain remains active for 10 minutes and 38 seconds after her murder, during which she recalls significant moments in her life and the friends who meant the most to her. Her friends, defying societal norms, attempt to honor her by reclaiming her body and giving her a proper funeral. The book discusses death, murder, miscarriage, childhood sexual assault, domestic violence, ableism, and other sensitive subjects.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak captivates with its lyrical prose and profound exploration of memory, trauma, and resilience. Critics praise the richly drawn characters and evocative depiction of Istanbul. Some feel the narrative falters with pacing and predictability. Overall, it's a poignant, thought-provoking novel.
Who Should Read 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World?
Readers who appreciate profound narratives set against rich cultural backdrops will enjoy 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World by Elif Shafak. Fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Arundhati Roy's The God of Small Things will find Shafak's exploration of memory, identity, and societal issues compelling and thought-provoking.