The first novel by a distinguished writer but suggest you read another of his works.
This short novel never raised itself above the parapet. My view is that anyone new to Pamuk will be left disappointed. I really enjoyed 'My Name is Red'. Sadly this novella was short of anything satisfying: no plot, cut out characters and periphiral interest. Pamuk was obviously trying to make a point about the narrator bearing such a close resembance to Hoja but he failed to connect with me. The relationship between the narrator and Hoja was painful reading and I never fathomed why Hoja should have such a hold over the narrator, portrayed in the early stages of the book as a highly intelligent and resourceful young man. Those with imaginative minds will find a pertinent underlying thread but whatever that may be the substance of the book is still bland.