I am not familiar with this writer, but I always subscribe to the belief that if you don't like the book after page 50, it's time to move on. Life's too short to stick with a book that does nothing for you.

I had a really hard time finishing my last book, Bridge of Sighs. I did finish it, but admittedly, I skimmed a lot of pages....

My Name is Red is not an easy book to read at all. From memory (I read it about 2 years ago) there are about 10 different narrators, not all of them human. It is very complex and rich in historical detail - a book to be savoured. I certainly took my time - one chapter per sitting but it thoroughly fascinated and absorbed me.

One thing I did not like though and that was the prolific foul language. This usually stops me in my tracks but somehow Pamuk persuaded me to read past it. I still wonder what he was trying to achieve ...

I've read such mixed reivews of Pamuk. I've only read his nonfiction books: Istanbul, and Other Colours. I loved Istanbul, a combination memoir and history of Istanbul. Other Colours was a series of essays and short stories, and again, I quite enjoyed it. But with many short articles, it was easy to skip one that wasn't as compelling. He includes some discussions aobut his own books. I have reviews of both on my blogspot blog.
I am very leery of trying his fiction however. My Name is Red is always described as you did. Maybe Snow is the one that I've read is more accessible?
Remember Elizabeth Costello? Not all Nobel winners are winners. No guilt for putting it down.

I have this on my reading list and really must move it up because it's a novel that has aroused a lot of different comments. Like you, I'm trying to read my way through the major award winners. I must keep my eye open for those occasions when we are treading the same path.

I really understand you feeling bothered by this. This DNF of a title so highly rated by a prize winning author seriously puzzles me.

All the more so as I have just completed Snow by Orhan Pamuk. In this book an exiled poet returns to Turkey in turbulent times with Islamist and secular intrigue set in the somewhat surreal town of Kars. The town is cut off by a blizzard thus making the setting all the more surreal, not to mention the poems of the poet that play such a central part but never appear.
There were times when I felt I would not get through this work. Yet something in the writing drove me on despite my having to re-read bits, reflect and go back in places. I kept asking myself ... why? Was it the politics and my lack of understanding of the situation? Was it the inaccessibility of the unusual? Maybe of more interest I should suggest we ask what is it that kept me going? Something to do with the quality of writing. the clever and reflective use of the 'snow' theme. The latter certainly intrigued me ... I really wanted to learn about Turkey and the state - religion, change, politics and traditions. I certainly had a lot of tasters but having read your Pamuk review I can completely understand the DNF frustration.

So Laura - as usual I have more questions than answers. What was it that made me keep going when I knew I was not completely immersed ... very strange ... Maybe you should try Snow - if you are interested I will send it to you.
BTW Which title won him the Nobel Prize for Literature?

DNF?

I have Istanbul: Memories and the City on my TBR list by this author. From what I have seen, it has gotten mixed reviews. I hadn't heard of this title though.

It used to really bother me to have DNF's but I am getting more comfortable with moving on. There are just too many great books out there.

Amy
http://sleepyreader.blogspot.com

I haven't read anything yet by Orhan Pamuk, but I have come across mixed reviews of the book you mention. It's too bad you fell on the negative side, but you're in good company, I'm sure. :-)

I hope you will enjoy The Space Between Us. It's such a tragic story and yet so very good. I think, anyway.

Have a great weekend, Laura.

I haven't read anything yet by Orhan Pamuk, but I have come across mixed reviews of the book you mention. It's too bad you fell on the negative side, but you're in good company, I'm sure. :-)

I hope you will enjoy The Space Between Us. It's such a tragic story and yet so very good. I think, anyway.

Have a great weekend, Laura.

Sorry for the double comment. I thought I'd stopped it from loading in time, but I see I didn't. :-( I'm officially a spammer now, I guess.

The one Pamuk I read, The White Castle, did not inspire me to read any more Pamuk. I know I would never have finished it if I hadn't been contemplating teaching it to my world literature class. (I chose not to, by the way.) Hating the book caused a similar literary crisis for me. It so clearly had a lot to say, so I wondered if my hatred was a sign that I was no longer able to cope with heavy books and would be forever consigned to the realm of Bridget Jones. After a good two weeks of contemplation, I decided the lesson I learned from The White Castle is this: all writers, no matter how many accolades they have received or how much truth they aim to impart, have a basic responsibility to engage their readers. As near as I can tell, Pamuk is indifferent to that responsibility. If you believe the meaning of his works is complex, original and earth shattering, then perhaps you could challenge yourself to finish the book. If, like me, you think you can live without the wisdom he's trying to impart, step away from the book with a clear conscience. All communication, including writing, is a two way street. If he can't live up to his responsibility to engage your attention, you're freed from your responsibility to finish his work.

You know, I've heard Pamuk is a difficult writer to read...I'm worried about getting through one of his books now that I've seen the difficulty you had! I hate books that move slow as molasses - I want to scream "Just get to the point!"

Wendy

I read My Name is Red a couple of years ago for my book group. I finished it, and ended up liking parts of it very much, but it was a long, slow, difficult read for me, and I still feel like I didn't really get it. I think I had to go back after 30 or so pages and start over, and I don't think I would have made it to the end if it wasn't for a group read.

I don't think we should ever feel bad for giving up on books, even prestigious prize winners. Even if it is a great book, it doesn't mean it's a great book for you (although sometimes giving up a book and returning to it later, even years later, can completely change your experience). Besides, whoever said that prize judges were infallible (or always pick the book or author they think is best, without ulterior motives)?

Chris

http://readingnook.wordpress.com/