Ali and Ramazan Review

Ali and Ramazan
by Perihan Mağden
Expected Publication: 4.24.12
From Goodreads:

Ali and Ramazan are two boys from very different backgrounds who land in the same Istanbul orphanage. They quickly see eye to eye and fall into a loving relationship as children, bringing light to one another and to the other orphans in their dreary adopted home. Ramazan is a charmer, the school master's favorite (which we later learn is not such a positive thing), the clown among the boys, and the only one with a real handle on things outside the orphanage's walls. He takes Ali under his wing, and by the time they turn eighteen and are loosed onto Istanbul's mean streets, Ali and Ramazan are a pair. What happens next is both tragic and beautiful, a testament to love finding its way even among the least visible citizens on Turkey's mean streets.

My Thoughts: Ali and Ramazan is a much different read from my usual thrillers or YA, but it's a short, powerful story of a true and desperate love that's all consuming and burns almost too bright to last. It's not a happy book, the orphans of Istanbul are not saved by Daddy Warbucks, but Ali and Ramazan do find each other, and change one another. Ali was sweet and loveable, still innocent even after his brutal upbringing, and charming Ramazan is always in control despite the out of control relationship he has with the orphanage "master". 

Once out of the orphanage, the two boys find themselves ill prepared for life outside it's walls. Love doesn't always conquer all, and sometimes we hurt those that we love the most.  Ramazan is a natural survivor, but when the chips are down he turns to the only way he has of making money, putting a wedge between him and Ali.

With it's child prostitution and violence, this book isn't for everyone. I wanted to read outside my comfort zone, and a translated book from Turkey about two boys in love is about as far as I can get from the books I usually review on here. I've read other translated books, from Japanese and  Swedish authors, and it often feels like I have too many books on my tbr list than I have time on earth.  It just blows my mind that I'm missing out on even more great books simply because the author's native language isn't English.  Maybe I'll host a Translated Reading Challenge... Would anyone be interested?

Despite it's sad ending, I couldn't help but think that it was the best (of the worst) ending for Ali and Ramazan.  I'm surprised by how long the characters have stayed with me, and while I don't think I'll ever re-read the book since it was so sad, I'll never need to because this love story will stay with me.  When I was reading it the sadness was what I thought would stay with me,  but the author brought these characters to life for me and I really felt I knew Ali and Ramazan. I'm glad I waited a few weeks before writing this review and I definitely think this is worth a read if it's caught your attention. 


Ali and Ramazan gets a Midnight Book Girl Rating of:

Disclaimer: I requested and received a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

And because I actually have the author photo, here is the lovely Perihan Mağden:

 I would love to know what books are on her shelves!