The Museum of Innocence

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“It was the happiest moment of my life, though I didn’t know it.” This novel, the first since the author won the Nobel Prize, unfolds in 1975 Istanbul. Kemal, from a wealthy family, is set to marry Sibel when he meets Füsun, a beautiful shopgirl and distant relative. Their encounter leads to a breach of the code of virginity, creating a rift between Kemal and the Westernized bourgeoisie of Istanbul, characterized by lavish parties and societal rituals. Ultimately, he breaks off his engagement to Sibel, but his resolve comes too late. Over the next eight years, Kemal finds excuses to visit Füsun in the impoverished backstreets, where she lives with her parents. His obsessive love draws him into Istanbul's film circles, filled with dreams and disappointments. As he pursues Füsun, he becomes a collector of objects that reflect his emotional journey—anger, remorse, and fleeting hopes. His daydreams transform Istanbul into a landscape of memories tied to Füsun, where he can only grasp fleeting moments of intimacy. A final chance to fulfill his dream ends tragically, leading Kemal to realize that the only thing he can truly possess is the museum he has created from his collection—a testament to societal manners and his own broken heart. This narrative explores romantic attachment and the allure of collecting, while delving into Istanbul’s complex cultural landscape.