The Turkish phenomenon by Ece Temelkuran with over 120,000 copies sold, Women who Blow on Knots, translated by Alexander Dawe chronicles a voyage reaching from Tunisia to Lebanon, taken by three young women and septuagenarian Madam Lilla. Although the three young women embark on the road for different reasons – for each holds a dark secret – it is only at the journey’s point of no return that Lilla’s own murderous motivations for the trip become clear...
Unique and controversial in its country of origin for its political rhetoric and strong, atypically Muslim female characters, Temelkuran weaves an empowering tale that challenges us to ponder not only the social questions of politics, religion, and women in the Middle East but also the universal bonds of sister- and motherhood.
Ultimately, the novel begs the reader to mediate on the greatest problem women face today – can the power we hold make us happy, and how?
We were delighted to see the story come to life this year, adapted for stage by Leyla Nazli for the Arcola Theatre. Delve into this road trip like no other and read the first chapter here.
