The Turkish Lover: A Memoir (A Merloyd Lawrence Book)

Esmeralda Santiago is an excellent writer. This one is another page-turner... anyone can relate to this love and following one's dreams experience. You will laugh, cry, get upset and end up with many questions. But in the end will come to appreciate her honesty and why she made the choices she made. I highly recommend this book.

This is Esmeralda Santiago's third novel of her series of memoirs. I had completely lost track of Esmeralda's writings until recently I decided to browse her collection and came across El Amante Turco. I purchased the novel right away and read it without any expectations or insight to the story. This memoir in my opinion is Esmeralda's best yet and exemplifies the simplicity but yet very elegant writing style that has become a trademark of this Puerto Rican author. The story depicts the struggle of a young lady in a stifling relationship that continuously exemplifies how cultural differences can complicate a relationship. However, I would say this story can be that of any woman. Not only a Latina but anyone can experience male dominance and control in a relationship. Negi, the protagonist ventures out on her own, leaves the comfort zone of her Mom's home to experience life with Ulvi, her Turkish boyfriend/lover not knowing that her life would be limited and stifled by a controlling male who uses her to succeed in his academic career. After enduring much mental and to certain extent physical abuse, with determination, willpower and a strong desire to achieve her goals Negi leaves Ulvi and attains a Master's Degree. El Amante Turco is an exemplary story written from the soul of an author who endured the ups and downs that life has to offer. Exceptionally written, well- detailed, a woman's triumph. Highly recommended.

Magnifico... interesante... no me pude despegar de sus paginas hasta que lo termine. Buena narracion. Consagra a Esmeralda como una de las mejores narradoras hispanoamericanas. Nos entrega parte de su vida compartiendo sus secretos y las intimidades de su alma. Ejemplo para toda mujer latinoamericana.

Esmeraldo Santiago continues being captivating and at the same time totally refreshing. It is mainly because of her wonderful literary skill: distinctively interwoven poetic lyricism, rhapsodic narrative and rhythmic dialogue. Santiago's prose flows with a ready elegance, yet it has a seductive element that is quite subtle. She speaks for many young Latina women when she daringly exposes her vulnerability to the traditional and often overwhelming horrors of an abusive machismo ... whether boricua, dominicano, mexicano, Turkish or Anglo-Saxon. Ultimately, she triumphs gleefully with the astute realization that "there's always another train on the way." THE TURKISH LOVER, unquestionably like the previous offerings from this powerfully talented writer, is certain to touch the lives of many of her readers. This latest work by Santiago is a joyous ode to love itself. Te felicito, hermana. Alan Cambeira author of Azucar's Sweet Hope...Her Story Continues.

Don't let the title of this book fool you. It is NOT a story of some Turkish romance. Its the dynamics of how a highly intelligent, enlightened and educated young woman can still be in a dependant, abusive relationship. It shows that these rocky relationships, if you let them, can help us grow. Women should not feel ashamed if they have been in a relationship like this. We feel Esmaralda's vunerability in this book, as well as her great joys and accomplishments. As a Puerto Rican woman growing up in New York City in the 50's and 60's, she witnesses these thing early on, seeing how women are viewed in society, and in Puerto Rico. If you are without a man you are a Jamona, an old piece of ham. This is the story of a Puerto Rican woman who doesn't want that for herself , but must struggle with her independance without the help of her familia. I am envious of her independance and work ethic. I am also madly in love with the Puerto Rican culture. She describes her culture with such warmth, of the good and bad. Every turn of the book something exciting happens. The book contstantly moves forward. This book moved me and inspired me. The most moving part of this book is the conclusion that,no matter how successful and educated you are the most important thing is to be understoud, and accepted and loved unconditionally. Thank you Esmaralda for your vunerabelity. I can't wait to read your next book. Your dynamic life as touched me deeply.