Djinns — October Book of the Month

October brings with it a stunning addition to the literary landscape: Djinns by Fatma Aydemir, our compelling and poignant Book of the Month. This novel intricately weaves the story of Hüseyin, a Turkish migrant who has spent thirty years working in Germany. His life is a tapestry of sacrifices, savings and tough decisions made for his family, culminating in the dream of returning to Istanbul with enough savings to purchase his very own home. Just as this dream edges closer to reality, tragedy strikes and Hüseyin’s heart gives out, forcing his family to confront not only their grief but the tangled threads of their shared history and individual lives.

Aydemir deftly navigates the complexity of familial relationships, illustrating the way love can exist alongside unspoken resentment, cultural divides, and generational conflicts. As Hüseyin’s children travel from Germany to his side, their varying perspectives on their upbringing and each other become painfully clear, from the eldest daughter, burdened by an arranged early marriage, who struggles with her sense of identity, to the youngest son who finds himself wrestling with a love in a world that may not accept his sexuality. Each character is meticulously crafted, resonating with a universal truth about the intricacies of family dynamics and the longing for connection.

What makes Djinns a standout read is not just its intimate portrayal of a family’s grief but also its commentary on the migrant experience. Aydemir shines a light on the often overlooked lives of Turkish migrants in Germany, reflecting a broader narrative of displacement and the quest for belonging. In a world where migration continues to be a contentious topic, the novel asks readers to look beyond borders and rhetoric, to engage with the human stories. It’s a narrative that leaves readers both heartbroken and hopeful, compelling us to engage with the realities of those who have chosen or been forced to leave their homelands.

In a world filled with uncertainty, Djinns stands as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of family, migration, and the enduring journey to find belonging. Aydemir ensures that we not only immerse ourselves in her captivating narrative but also awaken to the deeper implications of our shared humanity.

Sensational
— The Guardian

English-language readers of Djinns must not see this as a German problem; as is evident in the rhetoric of British far-right politicians, the task is ours, too.
— Financial Times