Sabahattin Ali - Stories from Anatolia

📚 About our sessions

Please read the stories listed below before attending. For every story we will start with summarizing the story so that we have it fresh in our minds. We will share our opinions about the story, which parts we liked and which we didn't like, and we will discuss any and all aspects of the story and the writing.

📖 About this session

Sabahattin Ali (1907-1948) was a preeminent writer, poet, translator, and journalist, best known for his short stories and novellas in the realm of social realism. Recurring themes in his work include life in remote Anatolian villages, class and urban-rural divisions, and struggles of political dissidents, reflecting his experiences as a teacher and his political leanings and activities. During his life, his work was largely censored and banned. As is tradition for writers of the time and, unfortunately, today, he was convicted and served time in prison for insulting government leaders, as well as spreading leftist/communist propaganda. His work is now considered essential reading in Turkey and continues to gain international recognition. Ali's novella, Madonna in a Fur Coat, was translated into English by Maureen Freely (best known for translating Orhan Pamuk's books) as a Penguin Classic.

⛰️A Turkish Tale of a Drowned Man - 3,500 words (1942)

🌾The Mill - 3,600 (1929)

🪕The Voice - 4,100 (1937)

The song (türkü) in this last story is called Leylim Ley. For a modern rendition, check out Altın Gün’s KEXP set.

After the discussion feel free to stick around, socialize, and make new friends. ☕️