
Last Train to Istanbul
A Novel
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Narrated by:
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Sanjiv Jhaveri
Born into privilege to one of the last Ottoman pashas, beautiful, spirited Selva is the brightest jewel in her father’s household - until she falls in love with Rafael Alfandari. Though Turkey has long been a safe haven for Jews, marriage between a high-ranking Muslim girl and a Jewish boy is strictly forbidden. Yet young love will not be denied, and Selva and Rafael defy their parents and marry, fleeing to Paris in hopes of a better life - only to find themselves trapped in the path of the invading Nazis.
But in the midst of darkness shines a beacon of hope: A handful of courageous Turkish diplomats, protected only by the tenuous neutrality of their homeland, hatch a daring plot to spirit the exiled lovers and hundreds of innocent Jews to safety. Together, they will traverse a war-torn continent, crossing enemy lines and risking everything in one last, desperate bid for freedom.
©2002 Ayşe Kulin (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
Slow
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In WWII, Turkey attempted to remain neutral, and those Turks living in France were encouraged to return to Turkey, this includes Turkish Jews. Unofficially some Jews were issued Turkish passports and identities in order to be helped out of France to the safety of Turkey.
The story revolves around two sisters. one living in Turkey and married to a government official, and one living in France married to a Jew. Despite the laws accepting Jews, families did not generally agree to mixed marriages and this couple felt compelled to leave the country. The machinations to get them out of the country by a specially arranged train car, were fascinating. Stories of many others attempting to leave are intertwined in the main plot.
The book never gets down to the horrors of the times in the way many WWII rescue books do, and I've read so many I don't think I could have endured another book on the topic. The horror can be overwhelming. I wanted to know more about Turkey's position and actions at the time. But need a less biased source. I do recommend it for a new viewpoint.
Interesting WWII rescue story
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great historical fiction
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Interesting topic, but too many characters, and accents a bit tough to follow
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Loved learning more about Turkey's role in WW2
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Captivating and inspiring
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Istanbul stayed neutral
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Bravo
Unknown history comes alive!
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Great story
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Awful, awful, awful narrator
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