it is a perfect spring day in istanbul. Kemal, a wealthy heir, is about to become engaged to the aristocratic Sibel, when he encourıters Füsun, a beautiful shopgirl. He falls in love and finds his established world of westernized families, opulent parties, society gossip and dining-room rituals is shattered. 'Every turn in the story seems fresh, disquieting, utterly unexpected... spellbindingly told.' Washington Post 'in his patient observation of Kemal's sublime and tragic obsession Pamuk has created a work concerning romantic love worthy to stand in the company of Lolita, Madame Bovary and Anna Karenina.' Financial Times [This] haunting novel of memory, desire and loss sets a ferociously high standard for the literary fiction of the new decade.' Jane Shilling, Sunday Telegraph 'Sharply observant. . . with fascinating insights into a society tugged between East and West.' Peter Kemp, Sunday Times