AUDIO

Madonna in a Fur Coat

by Sabahattin Ali
5 CDs. 6:15 hrs. tr. from Turkish by Maureen Freely & Alexander Dawe. HighBridge. 2017. ISBN 9781681686035. $29.99. digital download. F
COPY ISBN
Originally published in 1943, this novella is considered by some to be the best in Turkish literature. Poet, journalist, and novelist Ali, born in southern Bulgaria, was killed trying to leave Turkey in 1948. Here, Raif Bey, sent to Germany by his father to learn the soap-making trade, is more interested in learning German and reading novels. Shy and a bit of a daydreamer, he wanders one day into a museum and is quite taken with a painting, Madonna in a Fur Coat. By chance, he meets the artist, Maria Puder, and quickly falls in love with her. A platonic relationship quickly becomes more, at least for Raif. Even after he returns home to Turkey, marries, and has children, he continues to long for Maria. They never meet again, although he tries to find her. The story, tender and sentimental, is a worthwhile listen. An excellent audio production, well narrated by Robert Fass.
VERDICT This is not an essential purchase for most collections but would be a good addition for libraries with extensive audiobook holdings. ["Ali's affecting story of love and loss is both timeless and grounded in its distinctive setting, with sometimes old-fashioned charm that will appeal to many readers": LJ 9/1/17 review of the Other Pr. hc.]
Reviewed by Michele Lauer-Bader, formerly with Half Hollow Hills Community Lib., Dix Hills, NY , May 01, 2018
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

MEDIA

The Phoenix Bride
by Siegel, Natasha
MEDIA

Finding Sophie
by Mahmood, Imran
MEDIA

Thunder Song: Essays
by LaPointe, Sasha taqʷšəblu
MEDIA

Wandering Stars
by Orange, Tommy
MEDIA

Double Click: Twin Photographers in the Golden Age of Magazines
by Kino, Carol
MEDIA

This Spells Love
by Robb, Kate
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?