The Review

One of the challenges in reviewing books is attempting to quantify the unquantifiable. A three-star reading, if experienced on a different day, could easily transform into a four-star review. I strive to maintain impartiality in my ratings, avoiding biases that might cloud my judgment. However, I do evaluate each novel through both an absolute and relative lens, which can influence the final score.

I make this acknowledgment because as I was reading İnci Atrek debut novel, “Holiday Country”, I struggled with how I would rate it. Set against the enchanting backdrop of a Turkish seaside town, the story follows Ada as she spends her summers there with her mother and grandmother. The narrative skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, delving into the intricate dynamics of cultural identity, generational relationships, and a young woman’s quest for belonging. Unfortunately, “Holiday Country” fell short in comparison to “The Bullet Swallower” and “One Italian Summer”, two novels with similar themes, ultimately causing me to round down to three stars.

Narrated from Ada’s perspective, a collegiate swimmer on holiday break with her mother, Meltem, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Meltem’s history. As a college student, she left Turkey, building a life in America and eventually settling in California. Fearing Ada’s disconnection from their Turkish heritage, Meltem and Ada spend every summer on the Aegean Sea with Ada’s grandmother. This year, heightened awareness of the tension and unmet expectations between the generations sets the stage. The introduction of Levent, a mysterious figure from Meltem’s past, adds complexity to the narrative as Ada grapples with her own growing attraction to him.

İnci Atrek demonstrates a masterful command of language and syntax, creating a beautifully woven multi-generational tale. The vivid descriptions of the Turkish coast contribute to its appeal as a literary read, painting an enticing picture of the surroundings. Ada’s struggles with her Turkish heritage and the desire to maintain roots while embracing growth in the USA are portrayed with a meditative quality. The exploration of displacement and the impact of family dynamics, particularly the influence of mothers on daughters, adds depth to the narrative. The quiet prose, rich with insightful observations, further enhances the overall reading experience.

Where the novel fell short for me was that I found it challenging to connect with any of the characters. While some readers might relate to the strained relationships between mothers and daughters depicted in the novel, I feel Atrek didn’t dive deep enough into the relationship to show true resolution. The narrative revolves around Ada’s attempt to play matchmaker for her mother, but the characters’ likability becomes a stumbling block for me, particularly as Ada’s actions quickly veer toward her own selfish desires. In my opinion, the novel could have benefited from Atrek removing the romantic element and delving deeper into the relationship between the three generations of women and their mundane summer together as a highlight for me was the relationship with the people from their site.

Overall, I would recommend “Holiday Country” for anyone looking for an easy summer read. The In conclusion, I would recommend “Holiday Country” to anyone seeking an easy summer read. The depictions of the Aegean Sea evoke a strong desire to pack a bag and spend an entire summer there. Despite my reservations about character likability, İnci Atrek’s debut offers a nuanced exploration of identity and generational relationships, appealing to readers who can overlook this aspect and appreciate the beauty of the language and setting.

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Short Review (AKA TLDR)

3.5 Stars rounding down to 3.

“Holiday Country” is a quick, enjoyable fluff read for anyone looking for a novel to take with them on vacation. However, I struggled with how I would rate it.

Set against the enchanting backdrop of a Turkish seaside town, the story follows Ada as she spends her summers there with her mother and grandmother. The narrative skillfully weaves a tapestry of emotions, delving into the intricate dynamics of cultural identity, generational relationships, and a young woman’s quest for belonging. İnci Atrek showcases her mastery of language and syntax, creating a beautifully woven multi-generational tale. The vivid descriptions of the Turkish coast make it an appealing literary read. Unfortunately, “Holiday Country” fell short in comparison to “The Bullet Swallower” and “One Italian Summer”, two novels with similar themes, ultimately causing me to round down to three stars.

Where the novel fell short for me was that I found it challenging to connect with any of the characters. The narrative revolves around Ada’s attempt to play matchmaker for her mother, but the characters’ likability becomes a stumbling block for me, particularly as Ada’s actions quickly veer toward her own selfish desires. The novel could have benefited from Atrek removing the romantic element and delving deeper into the relationship between the three generations of women and their mundane summer together.