10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

This is the kind of book that kind of sells you just on the concept. It's even better when the execution of it is good as well. Shafak weaves together political events with the memories of Leila, crafting a beautiful and interesting work.

Unfortunately, it doesn't stay like that. The last 40% or so of the book takes place after the “10 minutes and 38 seconds”, and becomes this kind of melodramatic adventure story in a very different tone compared to the first half. It didn't suit the much stronger first part of the book, and kind of baffled me in why the author decided to go this route with the book.

Despite some flaws, it's still an enjoyable read.