10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World By Elif Shafak

A PROFOUND, HAUNTING, AND UNFORGETTABLE JOURNEY BEYOND THE FINAL BREATH.

In the final, fleeting moments of her life, Tequila Leila—a sex worker in Istanbul—finds her consciousness lingering for exactly ten minutes and thirty-eight seconds. As her heart slows, each minute brings a rush of memories back to her: the scent of spiced chickpeas, the taste of lemon cake, the faces of the friends she chose to be her family, and the painful, beautiful journey that led her to this exact moment.

Elif Shafak, the Booker Prize-shortlisted master of storytelling, delivers a breathtaking exploration of memory, friendship, and the lives of those marginalized by society. This is a story about the people who exist on the edges, the secrets they hold, and the profound power of connection that transcends even death. 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World is as visceral as it is poetic, cementing Shafak’s reputation as one of the most vital voices in contemporary literature.

Why this book is a must-read:

• A Literary Masterpiece: Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, this novel is celebrated for its deep empathy, rich cultural tapestry, and lyrical prose.

• Immersive Storytelling: Shafak masterfully weaves the past and present, creating a vivid, heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive portrait of modern Istanbul.

• Celebrate the Outcasts: An essential read that shines a light on friendships formed by choice, offering a voice to those often forgotten.

• Deeply Emotional: A story that stays with you long after the final page, exploring the transformative power of human connection.

Experience the journey. Add 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World to your collection at Beetle Bookshop today.