What Survives

I received this book as an ARC from Black Rose Writing through NetGalley. The book is now out for everyone to enjoy!
For me, this was a 5 star read! It is well written, and easy to read- the events flow flawlessly.
This story follows Adelet, a young university graduate in Turkey who has experienced several profound losses. She is a likeable character and I found myself cheering for her as she navigated herself - seemingly without much intention- out of a possible deep well of bitterness and sadness. At the height of her happiness, tragedy strikes again with a death in her circle and the September 11 terror attack. Adelet must navigate both the private and public event, and finds herself with many challenges both internal and external. This is the moment where a book heroine often rises up and masterfully slays all opposition, and self doubt. Adelet, on the other hand, is entirely human and ultimately her own flaws and experiences do get in the way of a fairytale type ending, which is refreshing,(but also disappointing for the reader!) and reflects so much of life for so many people. We often imagine how we might react to situations, but when placed in them, our behavior is not what we predicted, expected, or wanted. I loved this part of her character, as I really felt like she was a person I could relate to.
While the main story does center around Adelet and her development as an independent woman, the author addresses many "current" topics throughout- Turkish traditions, Muslim customs, LBGTQIA, and the September 11 terror attack. All of this was somehow done without being patronizing or maudlin. Probably one of my favorite parts of the book was masterful descriptions of the food consumed. I think this would make a good book club book, with lots of different themes to discuss, and topics to address.
this review has also been shared to Amazon (not up yet) and on Goodreads (good reads wouldn't link) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4671080073?book_show_action=false and linked in my twitter account. https://twitter.com/holly_taggart/status/1515311556384415746
as well as featured several times on my tik tok account where it has gotten over 375 unique views. (its a small account but growing)

Adalet Ulusoy is recovering from severe burns to her legs, the death of her parents, and the loss of her unborn child, all resulting from a massive earthquake on the Black Sea Coast of Turkey.
When her husband deserts her for another woman, his wealthy family sends her to live in a vacant home they own in the pottery village of Avanos. In Avanos, Adalet meets the formidable blind and elderly Fatma. Fatma is the grandmother of a teenage budding artist, Meryem. Adalet discovers Meryem's talent through Meryem's mischievous behaviour.
Adalet convinces Fatma that art school will be much better for Meryem than an arranged marriage. With Fatma's help, and against the backdrop of a changing and developing Turkey, Adalet and Meryem move to Istanbul so that Meryem can study art. There they meet an American art professor from New York City. Through love, mentorship and the horrifying events of September 11th, their lives are forever changed. Utterly unique, exquisitely crafted and quietly powerful. I loved it and want everyone to read this novel!