Plot summary, “Honor” by Elif Shafak in 3 Minutes - Book Review
0"Honor" by Elif Shafak is a novel that explores the complex dynamics within the Turkish Kurd Toprak family, spanning three generations. The central focus is on Iskender Toprak's "honor killing" of his own mother, Pembe. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various family members and shifts between different time periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The story begins with the imprisonment of Iskender, who stabbed his mother when he was just sixteen years old. The novel is dedicated to those who "see and hear," emphasizing its critique of patriarchy in Turkish communities and the normalization of violence against women. Critics have praised Shafak for turning what could be perceived as a polemic against honor killings into a searing yet empathetic family tragedy.
The narrative is structured with Esma, a British-Turkish character, reflecting on the past and the events that led to her brother Iskender's imprisonment. Iskender's act is investigated as an "honor killing," and the story explores whether he acted independently or under familial influence.
The novel then delves more than half a century into the past, beginning a multi-generational saga in a Kurdish area of Turkey. Naze, a woman in this setting, grapples with societal expectations to produce a son. The narrative explores the birth of twin girls, Pembe and Jamila, who later become central figures in the family's complex dynamics.
As the narrative progresses, the reader witnesses the family's move from Turkey to London, grappling with the clash between Turkish customs and the freedom offered by their new environment. Pembe and Adem, the parents, seek fulfillment outside their marriage, leading to a series of events that shape the family's destiny.
The characters, including Iskender, Esma, and Yunus, each navigate their unique challenges growing up as Turkish Kurds in London. The novel weaves themes of tradition, assimilation, and the clash of values, portraying the characters' diverse responses to cultural identity.
The climax of the story is Iskender's drastic decision to defend the family's "honor" by killing his mother. However, a tragic mistake occurs, leading to the death of Jamila instead. The aftermath sees Pembe renouncing not only her affair but also her identity, moving back to Turkey to live as her deceased sister.
The narrative unfolds with a mix of traditional Turkish values, cultural clashes in a foreign land, and the impact of personal choices on the family's fate. The characters grapple with the consequences of their actions, and the story examines themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of familial bonds.