Red-Haired Woman

A young man spends a summer helping a master well-digger search for water on a barren plain. He develops a filial bond with the master and is fascinated by the Red-Haired Woman, an alluring member of a travelling theatre group. But a horrible accident occurs, which haunts him for thirty years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2018
Publisher: Faber & Faber

Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, this captivating book delves into the depths of human emotion and the transformative power of place. It follows the journey of a young boy as he embarks on the path to manhood, while also capturing the seismic shifts occurring in Turkey.

The narrative is suffused with sympathy and a deep understanding of the local culture, rendering the reader fully immersed in the protagonist's experiences. As the story unfolds, the boy's journey intertwines with the broader political and social context of Turkey, leading to irreversible changes that resonate throughout the country.

The book's ending is a testament to its power, leaving the reader with a profound sense of longing and a desire to start the book all over again. It is a testament to the author's ability to create a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Critical acclaim has poured in for this masterpiece, with the Financial Times praising its "enduring resonance" and the Sunday Times describing it as "enchanting." The Wall Street Journal also lauded the book, noting that it "makes you immediately start the book all over again."

Despite the passage of many years, the author remains fiercely protective of the identity of the Red-Haired Woman, even from his readers. However, he feels compelled to share a full and truthful account of what happened during that unforgettable summer.

The story begins with a studious young man spending his summer helping a master well-digger search for water on a barren plain. As they toil under the scorching summer heat, they form a filial bond that neither has known before. In the nearby town where they spend their evenings, a travelling theatre group arrives, and the young man is captivated by the Red-Haired Woman, an alluring member of the troupe. Their brief but intense love affair consumes his thoughts, leaving everything else in the periphery.

However, in his distraction, a terrible accident occurs, which will haunt the young man for the next thirty years. The accident forces him to confront the consequences of his actions and the impact they have had on those around him. Determined to understand the fallout from that unforgettable summer, the young man sets out on a quest to track down the Red-Haired Woman.

Through his journey, the young man learns about the complexities of love, loss, and redemption. He discovers the true meaning of sacrifice and the power of forgiveness. He also comes to understand the complexities of the political and social landscape of Turkey, and the role that individuals can play in shaping its future.

The book is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the capacity for growth. It reminds us of the importance of empathy and understanding, and the transformative power of place. It is a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780571330317
Edition number: Main