Paperback: The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shafak

A survivor, like Orhan Pamuk, of prosecution in Turkey for her outspoken views, Shafak has reached the Orange long-list with this exuberantly funny, idea-packed novel – written in English. In raucous Istanbul, wild Asya keeps up the hair-raising traditions of the Kazanci clan. In tranquil Arizona and San Francisco, Armenian-descended Armanoush finds her sense of family and community is not as solid as she thought. An East-West romp ensues that mingles folktale and melodrama with a teasing challenge to all illusions of cultural purity. Shafak laughs away the labels to cherish each "unique member of a unique species".

To order this books call: 0870 079 8897