"Madonna in a Fur Coat" by Sabahattin Ali

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Country: Turkey
Written in: 1943
Pages: 192

Still unheard of by many English readers, Madonna in a Fur Coat is long considered to be among the country's top literature in Turkey. Thanks to social media reviews on YouTube and TikTok (BookTok!), it's seen a recent resurgence in popularity. So after you read the book you should be able to find some extra content to feed you before the discussion!

Here's a review from Amazon
Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali is a quiet, deeply moving novel that lingers long after you finish reading. The story tells us about Raif Efendi, a man whose past reveals a deep, life-changing love in 1920s Berlin. Through his colleague’s eyes, one can see how people are easily misunderstood.

Raif Efendi comes across as unremarkable and distant at first. As the story unfolds, you see the depth of his character. His time in 1920s Berlin, and his connection with Maria Puder form the heart of the story.

Alongside him is the unnamed narrator, his colleague and friend, who becomes an important aspect in how we understand and see Raif. At first, the narrator thinks of Raif the same way everyone does, but later his perception shifts. This change adds another layer to the story, making the readers more curious about Raif.

The portrayal of love makes the book stand out. It shows how two people can feel deeply for each other and still not be destined to be together. There is no clear reason to blame, which makes the story feel even more real. Raif’s journey feels both heartbreaking and enduring, as he carries his past quietly into the rest of his life.

This is a story about love, loss, and the silent weight people carry.
*****
New to the Hungry Hundred Book Club? Here's what you need to know:

1. Read the book (If you don't manage to finish it by the meetup date,