Abstract

A Strangeness in My Mind is an “Olympic-size narrative” formed by the author by selecting bits and pieces from his repertory of extensive and meticulous research and attaching them to persons and characters. Besides carrying certain attributes of the impressionistic age, meaning the central qualities of the 19th-century roman-fleuve, it possesses unique and innovative aspects. The author conducts this narrative throughout the novel with different characters’ perspectives and internal monologues. While a unique hero (named Mevlut) seemingly exists in the classical, dramaturgical structure of introduction – development - conclusion, the main character, as in every Pamuk novel (except Snow), is Istanbul. In this work, the 50-year “urban transformation” of this old, devious and dynamic city is being told.

Since the author knows quite well the history and the centuries-long lore of the city he inhabits, he shows utmost skill, in an extremely belletristic and touching context, at recounting the devastation of such riches and treasures by these newly formed social classes. The author deserves the honour of passing on this literary heritage to future generations by tackling the city’s unrelenting problems: the creation of their own caste system by the lumpenproletariat, its amalgamation to the political system, mafia originating from illegal electricity distribution, land mafia, involvement of leftist organizations and cults in these schemes and the finale of the novel depicting the transformation of the “desparate” ex-slum-dwellers to skyscraper residents.