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"10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World" is a novel by Elif Shafak that tells the story of a woman named Tequila Leila, who is murdered and whose consciousness remains active for the ten minutes and 38 seconds following her death.

The story is narrated by Leila's body as it lies in the dumpster where she was discarded, and it flashes back to recount the events of her life. We learn that Leila was born in a poor neighborhood in Istanbul and was forced into prostitution at a young age. Despite the challenges she faced, Leila was a strong and resilient woman who tried to make the best of her circumstances.

As Leila's body lies in the dumpster, her consciousness travels back through her life, revisiting the people and places that were most important to her. She thinks about her best friend, Jameelah, who was like a sister to her, and the other women who worked in the brothel where Leila was employed. She also reflects on the men who were a part of her life, including her pimp, Rifat, and the love of her life, a man named Oguz.

Throughout the novel, Shafak uses Leila's story to explore themes of female friendship, the exploitation of marginalized women, and the power of memory. The novel also touches on themes of identity, as Leila grapples with her sense of self and her place in the world.

As Leila's consciousness begins to fade, she reflects on the lessons she has learned and the love she has experienced. Despite the hardships she faced, Leila was able to find joy and meaning in her life, and her memories serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

In the end, "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World" is a powerful and poignant novel that tells a moving and poignant story of one woman's life and the enduring power of friendship and love.