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Jamila and Pembe are twins who, growing up among the Kurdish in Turkey, are as wrapped in the customs of their Muslim faith and heritage as they are in the love of their family. While Jamila develops a talent that will make her the hub of her community, Pembe's destiny lies over the sea as she migrates to England with her husband Adem in search of a better life. However, the destiny that each travels towards is oh so different from the destiny of which they dream.
This is the eighth novel from [[:Category:Elif Shafak|Elif Shafak]], further proof as to why she's the most read female author in her native Turkey and good reason for its [[Women's Prize for Literature Fiction 2013]] long-listing. Even although she's writing in a second language, none of the impact is lost as she hits us with a story of great power and greater sorrow.
From the very beginning we feel the storm gathering. We can guess its central theme from novel's title. Early on we're told who did it and not much later we have a good idea who the victim is but we don't feel cheated or 'spoilered' as we continue reading. Such is the talent and literary magnetism displayed that we're drawn on through surprises and an educational osmosis to which we're more than eager to submit. For, above all else, this is a tale written with compassion and an understanding that surrounds all who populate it.