Istanbul is not just a backdrop but a character on its own in this powerful novel by Elif Shafak. She gives us an intimate and tender portrayal of a city that literally bridges the European and Asian continents, seen through the eyes of the marginalised. Nor does she shy away from being critical (and the people of Turkey have not let that go unnoticed). Join us as we discuss gender, politics and the ways in which we might think differently about family. As always, spoilers ahead.

If you'd like to get in touch, follow us on instagram @simayandnicksbookdate or e-mail us at thebookdate@proton.me

Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

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Do you really form an intimate relationship if you only connect through gaming? Can it be, as Sam Mazer says, more intimate than sex? Here's what we think this book gets right (and wrong) about platonic relationships. Get ready for Nick going on a philosophical tangent about play, life and death. As always, spoilers ahead.

If you'd like to get in touch, follow us on instagram @simayandnicksbookdate or e-mail us at thebookdate@proton.me

Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments!

Join us as we follow one day in the lives of Ruth and Pen, two women navigating a rocky patch. We dig into themes of infertility, relationships (romantic and otherwise!), neurodivergence, and how fiction lets us empathetically imagine the lives of others. Spoilers ahead as always.

If you'd like to get in touch, follow us on instagram @simayandnicksbookdate or e-mail us at thebookdate@proton.me

Artwork by @yami_Illustrated

Music by Nick van Rijn

Don't hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments!