Snow

I always entertained a deep interest in Nobel prize winners because I am curious to know why they were given such a prestigious award. Snow, by Turkish author Orhan Pamuk, is one of them. This beautifully crafted story in a remote Turkish town of Kars is as much about politics as it is about love. What sets this book apart is the author's ability to mold his characters and make them likeable even if they are antagonists. The precision with which he details their gestures, actions, and interactions can only be envied. It makes the reader feel like they are in Kars, experiencing everything first hand. There are many symbolic references, such as the snowflake, which adds to the mysticism of the journey.

The novel follows an exhiled Turkish poet named Ka who returns to Kars to write about suicide girls and more importantly, to reunite with beautiful Ipek. During his stay, Ka ponders about the existence of God and the meaning of happiness. This makes the readers think about the same things throughout the book. I believe the author wanted to emphasize how little people need to be happy. Happiness is not found in freedom, in achievements, in expression, or in money, but the ability to share all those things with the loved ones. Everyone needs to find what makes them truly happy, at peace, and go after it.

The book seems to have an even more profound meaning - it has been written for both the Western world and the Turkish people. On one hand, it wants to show the Westerners that people even at the most remote corners of corrupt countries have great ideas and artistic talents that should not be ignored and undermined. On the other hand, the book attempts to explain to Turkish people the reasons behind the revolution and progress. This books is for anyone who enjoys debates, well-rounded characters, poetic tone, plot twists, and learning about another culture. I give it an A+.