10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

Each chapter of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World starts with a sensory experience, in which Leila recalls a particular scent or taste, such as ‘soil – dry, chalky, bitter,’ connecting it to the broader memory. What do you think Shafak is trying to convey by adding these sensory descriptions?

Shafak has included several historic 20th century events in the novel, from the Vietnam War to the Taksim Square massacre. Why do you think she incorporated these true events? Do they imbue the fictional story with a greater sense of authenticity?

It could almost be argued that the city of Istanbul is a character within the novel, as the sense of place is so strong. Shafak includes a map of the city, noting significant landmarks that occur within the story. To what extent were you able to identify with and visualise the book’s setting and descriptions, and did the addition of the map help?

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World has parallels with The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka, winner of the Booker Prize 2022, in that both protagonists are dead at the start of the novel. Do you see similarities or differences between the two books – for instance, in the way that Lelia reflects on the past, while Maali Almeida is preoccupied with the future?

‘In her experience, getting through life as unscathed as possible depended to a large extent on two fundamental principles: knowing the right time to arrive and knowing the right time to leave.’ Do you believe this quote from the book to be true, and how does it apply to the characters in the novel?

The memories Leila shares as she reflects on her life aren’t presented in chronological order, but jump between various time periods, from 1947 to 1990. Why do you think the author chose to tell the story in a non-linear way, and did it make the story harder to follow, or more powerful?

Despite its heavyweight themes, including sex crimes, abuse, and the exploitation of refugees, many readers have observed that this is a book of hope, friendship and love; a life-affirming novel that highlights the importance of relationships. Would you agree that it’s a book which presents an ultimately positive view of humanity? If you could sum up the book’s overall message in a single sentence, what would it be?

Most of Leila’s friends have unusual, almost comical nicknames, including Sabotage Sinan, Nostalgia Nalan, Zaynab122 and Hollywood Humeyra. What do you think the author is trying to convey by giving the characters such names?

The book has been described as spanning multiple genres, including historical fiction, romance and thriller, as well as possessing elements of magical realism. How would you categorise it, or does it defy such labelling?

The book is structured in three distinct parts: mind, body and soul – with the first focusing on Leila’s memories, the second revolving around her friends’ efforts to give her a proper burial, and the final section briefly describing Leila’s journey into peace. How well did you feel these very different sections gelled together?