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Turquoise: A Love Story

by Ayshe Talay-Ongan (Goodreads Author)

3.5 of 5 stars 3.50 · rating details · 36 ratings · 25 reviews

Set against transcendent love, unrelenting hatred and loyalties to friends and family, Turquoise is the story of an enduring and passionate love affair between Yasmin and Renan, which spans two decades, two marriages and three continents.

Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul. Years later they run in...more

Paperback, 441 pages

Published January 31st 2012 by Sid Harta Publishers

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May 22, 2012 Ayshe Talay-Ongan added it · (Review from the author)

REVIEWS IN THE MEDIA:

This is a big, powerful novel of love, angst, political unrest and ethnic hatred. The author has skilfully penned these pages so that the characters are raw and real, their emotions searing, their plight palpable. An engrossing work. Look out for the sequel, Emerald, which is currently underway.
WENDY O'HANLON, ACRES AUSTRALIA

Readers sympathise with Yasmin’s tough decisions and come to respect her determination. The greatest question Talay-Ongan poses to readers is, how long...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Best rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-tour, read-in-2012, netgalley, ebook, 1-star, reviewed, romance, awful, arc

THIS REVIEW ON B'S BOOK BLOG!

A digital copy of this book was provided by JKS Communications for review and blog tour.

Let me begin by just saying I did not like this book. I honestly don't know why I was interested in it, because reading the provided summary just now, I realized that it's not the kind of book that I would normally read. I have no one to blame but myself for this part. Lessen learned. Always make sure the book is something you really want to read before committing yourself to it....more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 02, 2012 Susan (The Book Bag) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: june-3showcase, books-read-in-2012

OMG! Don't you just LOVE this cover?? I think it is amazing! Okay ~ big breathe ~ I got that out of my system ~ now on to the book.

As I read the short bio of the author, I realized that she wrote a lot of her own life into this story. Turquoise takes place all over the world; Istanbul, Paris, New York, Sydney, San Francisco ~ all places that Ayshe has lived. Write what you know, right? So this story has a very international flavor to it. I loved reading about all the varied settings and customs....more

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Jul 16, 2012 Julie Schoerke rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you love The Great Gatsby, then this will be a book that sophisticated people with an international view of the world will recognize as a struggle of the values, heart and aging mind of a woman coming to terms with a life not lived as expected as the years float by. For readers who skim or are challenged to look beyond the surface, this novel will be perplexing. This is not a one-dimensional book for the simple intellect. If you are looking to experience a different psychological perspective...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Kara Griffin rated it 5 of 5 stars

During the summer months, in particular, I am drawn to romantic and/or adventure pieces that can take me to a different part of the world, make me escape in a relationship and simply entertain me. Turquoise – A Love Story was recommended to me as a novel that would do just that. About two chapters in, I was hooked on wanting to see if “love at first sight” and/or “true love” really exist. Upon reading more about the unique, intelligent and strong protagonist - Yasmin I found that the underlying...more

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Sep 14, 2012 Sherri marked it as to-read

Shelves: netgalley

ARC

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Jul 10, 2012 Inga rated it 3 of 5 stars

My review:

This book confused me on so many levels, that I do not even know where to begin. Turquoise by Ayshe Talay-Ongan is a strange book with a strange story.

The author introduces you to Yasmin and follows her life through the decades. The story is not so much about love between Yasmin and Renat, but about Yasmin's life.

In one way I was drawn to this novel. There were moments, when I wanted to put it away and not read to the end of it, but I just couldn't. I was annoyed when I was reading...more

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May 15, 2012 Elizabeth B rated it 1 of 5 stars

These are by far some of the most arrogant and self-centered characters I've ever read. They go around saying things like "Bad girl, you!" calling people "champ" and feeling "giddy." Dinner parties consist of sitting around telling stories about how they are wonderful, unique individuals with such high intelligence and creativity and how they are above the bigotry that the world directs at them. Then they proceed to lump all Americans together as idiots with no knowledge of geography or religion...more These are by far some of the most arrogant and self-centered characters I've ever read. They go around saying things like "Bad girl, you!" calling people "champ" and feeling "giddy." Dinner parties consist of sitting around telling stories about how they are wonderful, unique individuals with such high intelligence and creativity and how they are above the bigotry that the world directs at them. Then they proceed to lump all Americans together as idiots with no knowledge of geography or religion. It didn't offend me so much as the arrogance of it: don't lump me in with everyone from Turkey but hey, all you Americans are the same. Just idiotic. This purports to be a love story but, in fact, from the very first chapter it's obviously a story of ridiculous obsession. The MC is unredeemable in her use of her best friend so reading anything from her point of view is annoying and irritating as she goes about saying things to herself like "Dear God, let him be jealous of me!" as her obsession deepens for the best friend's husband. The character goes off on rambling tangents as she analyzes herself (not surprising since the author is in the mental health field) and comes to conclusions such as this:

It is not because I would wilfully (sic) deny myself the joy of a ripping orgasm - I am a child of the roaring women's lib, after all- but because I was perfectly self-sufficient and I truly could not be bothered teaching him how my body worked.

Or, this:

Times after the end of a relationship should be used as an opportunity to listen to one's self, to register the authentic voices that spring from the solar plexus. To seek one's pat to genuine wholesomeness towards a deep-seated sense of being at home with one's self. What have you done instead? Your best remedy when you were rejected by one man was to seek another without examining the rubble left behind. Tennis club to the rescue!

No, I didn't make that up. It's really there. So, unless you enjoy pages upon pages of such vapid introspection, unredeeming characters and dialogue such as "Oh, some Turkish coffee would be just grand, darling!" then I'd advise you to skip this one.

ARC Galley Proof(less)

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Jun 30, 2012 DubaiReader rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, e-book, kindle, netgalley

At last, some reviewers who felt as I did about this book.

I was sent a free Kindle version of this book through NetGalley and out of respect to them, the publishers and the author, I forced myself to read all 450 pages. In my opinion this was not a well written book and I struggled to finish it. Although my review is not favourable, I feel I owe it to future readers to report honestly and without bias so that they can make their own decisions.

So, why did I dislike this book so much? Well, it was...more At last, some reviewers who felt as I did about this book.

I was sent a free Kindle version of this book through NetGalley and out of respect to them, the publishers and the author, I forced myself to read all 450 pages. In my opinion this was not a well written book and I struggled to finish it. Although my review is not favourable, I feel I owe it to future readers to report honestly and without bias so that they can make their own decisions.

So, why did I dislike this book so much? Well, it was extremely wordy, over 150 pages too long, and incredibly self indulgent. A lot of the conversation I found quite immature and the endless ranting about the main character's 'one and only true Love' (with a capital L) was almost impossible to read. She pined after him for endless pages, especially in the last third of the book. I hate to skim read but at times I could do little else.

"My eighteen hours with him...skin on skin, breath in breath. Pristine and ordained. Brimming, Hieros Gamos, sacred union of the beloveds. Our bodies feel like a Homecoming with one another, like a cherished poem remembered verse and line. A sense of deep familiarity, of knowing and awaiting for from a time immemorial." Grammar and punctuation accurately copied.

The story begins in the early 1980s, although it is not until 100 pages into the book that we discover this.
Yasmin (who calls herself Yas when she talks *a lot* to herself), is a Turkish national who moved to the US with her parents to study in an American university. Her father is the Turkish Consul General and the family settle in Los Angeles. Her brother, Memo, stays in America but Yasmin eventually returns to Turkey to work as a child psychologist. She runs into an old school friend, Ani, and her husband, Renan. From this moment on she is smitten with Renan. Ani and Renan are Turkish Armenian and she is Turkish. This was never a problem when they were in school, but as adults, resentments become more apparent. Although the initial introduction to this conflict was little more than a weak conversation, it did develop into an interesting aspect of the narrative.
I have to say I liked Derya, the adopted daughter, who I couldn't help but fall for, but none of the other characters grabbed me in the slightest.

Apparently there is to be a sequel, entitled Emerald, but unfortunately, I think Turquiose is enough for me. (less)

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May 29, 2012 Martha D rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-challenge, author-read-review, kindle, netgalley, romance

Title: Turquoise: A Love Story
Author: Ayshe Talay-Ongan
Rating: 2/5

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Sid Harta Publishers , via netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. I thank the publisher for this opportunity.

Summary: Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethnic differences during their school years in Istanbul. Years later they run into each other, and Ani introduces Renan, her husband, to Yasmin. At that moment under the blazing autumn skies, as Yasm...more

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May 25, 2012 Koko rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review is for: Turquoise: A love story . This is a beautifully crafted novel that unfolds the mysteries of destiny, synchronicity, and of the magical power that lies in the steadfast belief of one's true love. "Turquoise" is a roadmap towards living an authentic life, finding deep peace by balancing the knowledge of the rational mind with the captivating yearnings of the heart. Talay-Ongan seduces the reader into turning the next page and discovering forgiveness and gratitude, amidst the bi...more

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Jun 22, 2012 Laura Ashlee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, adult

http://www.owltellyouaboutit.com/posts/turquoise/

I was approached about reading this book b the publicist and decided to give it a go because I enjoy love stories. I will say I was surprised by how long it was, but the story mostly makes up for that. It also took me a little while to realize that this book was not set in the present. That detail could have been something I simply overlooked. I had a hard time getting my feelings in order by the end of the book, but I’ll come back to that later....more http://www.owltellyouaboutit.com/posts/turquoise/

I was approached about reading this book b the publicist and decided to give it a go because I enjoy love stories. I will say I was surprised by how long it was, but the story mostly makes up for that. It also took me a little while to realize that this book was not set in the present. That detail could have been something I simply overlooked. I had a hard time getting my feelings in order by the end of the book, but I’ll come back to that later. I can say that it made me feel a huge range of emotions, but I was mostly sad or frustrated.

I immediately loved Yasmin. I’m not sure what about her drew me in, but I loved her character. There were definitely things that she went through that hit home with me, so maybe I felt some sort of bond with her through those. As the book progressed, she made some questionable decisions, but I never hated her for them. In fact, I think they made her character more complex and real. I wish I had been able to learn more about who Renan is. Because the book is told from Yasmin’s perspective, I only loved him because she did. He always seemed like a great man on the surface, but that was it. He was a surface character. Most of the supporting characters felt that way to me, with the exception of Yasmin’s mother.

The plot is definitely engaging, but it’s not a page-turner. It’s a long, slow account of Yasmin’s life and love affair with Renan. There are parts, during their respective marriages, when Renan is barely present. Those were the parts I struggled with. I went into this wanting my love story, and this is a frustrating one. Yasmin and Renan spend years dancing around their love for each other because they feel an obligation to their families. I had to sometimes remind myself that this was more than a love story. There was a lot concerning Yasmin’s family and that was just as engaging as her love with Renan. The part I had the most trouble with was when Yasmin married. I hated that man from the start (probably due to my allegiance to Renan), so it was almost agony to watch her marry him.

Turquoise is a book that takes patience. It’s one that you savor, rather than race to finish. It worthwhile though. Yasmin is a complex character that feels very real. The plot, though it sometimes made me sad or angry, was very realistic. I recommend this to readers of literary fiction.

I received this book from the publicist in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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May 24, 2012 Name Ozen rated it 5 of 5 stars

It is a book of lovein three continents

In Turquoise, Yasmin carries his beloved Renan in her heart to whichever city she finds herself in. She carries the vision and the ache of her love for more that a decade. It is the story of an unrelenting devotion and determination, against all odds.

Ayshe Talay-Ongan writes with a rare gift of honesty and integrity. She sprinkles her love story with difficult themes of adoption, motherhood, marriages that don’t work anymore, family obligations and much mor...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Star rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reading-challenge, ebook

I received Turquoise by Ayshe Talay-Ongan as a galley from NetGalley.

I feel the synopsis for this novel is a bit misleading. It’s billed as a “transcendent love” story, but honestly it’s more the life story of the protagonist, Yasmin, with the added storyline of her obsessive love for her best friend’s husband, Renan. Yasmin’s “love at first sight” encounter with Renan felt dry and forced. I didn’t feel the passion between the characters even after they had proclaimed their love for each other....more I received Turquoise by Ayshe Talay-Ongan as a galley from NetGalley.

I feel the synopsis for this novel is a bit misleading. It’s billed as a “transcendent love” story, but honestly it’s more the life story of the protagonist, Yasmin, with the added storyline of her obsessive love for her best friend’s husband, Renan. Yasmin’s “love at first sight” encounter with Renan felt dry and forced. I didn’t feel the passion between the characters even after they had proclaimed their love for each other. Yasmin’s Love (yes, a capital L), Renan, was a character I couldn’t like no matter how handsome, caring, or sensitive he was. Her choice of marrying, Curly, was an idiotic move. If she wasn’t so obsessed with Renan, she may have met someone who would be a perfect match for her, no strings attached.

I think the story itself is longer than it should have been. There were scenes and conversations between the characters that were dull, and did not add to the story. However, I did appreciate the author’s way of providing insight into the the Turkish/Armenian conflicts. I did not have any knowledge about it prior to this book and I did Google search to brush up. However another downside to this book is the author’s excessive use of the word “caress”. It really grated on my nerves. Yasmin caressing her mother, caressing her friend. What happened to embracing, patting, stroking or hugging? What’s wrong with those words? Additionally, I found the way Yasmin referred to her mother as “darling”, her brother as “honey” and her other pet names for her friends and husband, made her sound condescending not affectionate.

The only character I truly liked was Yasmin’s mom. It was nice to read about their close relationship. Her mom was there for her, as a shoulder to cry on, a friend to confide in, one who advises without judgement. That’s what I would call a strong relationship.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this story as much as I thought I would. Some may love the whole love triangle (or in this case, square), but I didn’t. I found the ending to be too convenient and it seems as if Yasmin and Renan got what they wanted without too much sacrifice.(less)

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May 07, 2012 Sami Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful! I just finished this book and absolutely loved it! Hit home pretty hard on a few things (particularly one 'friendship/relationship' i've had with a man for nearly a decade now and did, in fact, fall at first site). Turquoise presents the question 'how can love succeed with so many obstacles, 'and Ayshe Taley-Ongan answers that so eloquently: when it's real/true and you know it - it's simple - despite all of the confusing feelings and outside situations involved.

Ayshe accurately depict...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Leanne (Escaping With Books) rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

From my blog Escaping With Books

Turquoise starts out with the insta-love that I expected from reading the synopsis. But I also expected some sort of development between Yas and Renan, which I didn't get much of. They bond over telling stories of their past, and that's pretty much it.

What I liked about this book was that it talks about how sometimes we as humans can't help but fall in love with the wrong people, maybe even during the wrong time. Yas just so happens to fall in love with Renan, wh...more From my blog Escaping With Books

Turquoise starts out with the insta-love that I expected from reading the synopsis. But I also expected some sort of development between Yas and Renan, which I didn't get much of. They bond over telling stories of their past, and that's pretty much it.

What I liked about this book was that it talks about how sometimes we as humans can't help but fall in love with the wrong people, maybe even during the wrong time. Yas just so happens to fall in love with Renan, who is her friend, Ani's, husband. They also just happen to come from two different cultures who are currently sort of at war with each other. However, they were oblivious to cultural differences as classmates, and now they just didn't care.

Now here comes the bad part of it. Like I said before, she falls in love with her friend's husband, and right after the whole melting under his green eyes thing, she goes ahead and starts daydreaming about him kissing her, caressing her. HONESTLY, that guy is your friend's husband, they have a child too ! Also, she experienced a similar thing when she was a child when her dad went off with a woman for a while. If it tore her apart, I don't get why she would do the same to a FRIEND'Sfamily.

Afterwards, Renan and Ani move to Sydney, and Yasmin is so devastated she has to move to the States. She gets there and meets a Stanford professor who's name is Curlewis. Guess what ? They shorten it into Curly. CURLY. Now, I'm not sure about you, but when someone's name is Curly, I get the image of a man with curly, brimming chest hair, a curly beard, and curly long hair. That she so happens to MARRY, for SECURITY AND STABILITY. She fights with him pretty much everyday, but nope, she goes ahead and MARRIES HIM. Who does that ?

I just had a lot of problems with the book. I couldn't relate to the main character at all. Nothing really pulled me in, and even though the emotions are real in here, it didn't FEEL real. It felt like the book just wasn't developed enough to have those deep feelings. The cover says "A Love Story", but all I got was a story.
(less)

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Jul 11, 2012 Candace (Lovey Dovey Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-romance-contemp-historical

Originally posted on Lovey Dovey Books

Ayshe Talay-Ongan has a very unique writing style that makes Turquoise an easy read. I had no problem reading the story, but it was a little hard to get excited over the characters' actions and motivations and hard to understand the focus of the novel. Turquoise is set in the 1980's and follows Dr. Yasmin Akatol as she ventures through a loveless marriage while dividing her time between her best friend's husband, business, and family life.

The summary of Turq...more

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May 22, 2012 Dee Dee rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am a 25 year old single woman who has fallen in love with this book. It doesn't matter how old you are or from where you are to be inspired by this book - love, pain, family, living life, suffereing, loss - it's all the same language. You relate to Yasmin in one way or another. If I can never concieve, I'll consider adopting after this book because genetics is love, not DNA. Love endures but does not harm others in this book. The words of this author will guide my life if I'm faced in similar...more

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Jul 14, 2012 Shirley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: advanced-reader-copy, e-book

TURQUOISE A Love Story
By Ayshe Talay-Ongon

Paperback, 441 pages
Published February 2012 by Sid Harta Publishers
ISBN
1921829060
edition language
English

Note: A copy of this novel was provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for purpose of review.

Turquoise: A Love Story by Ayshe Talay-Ongon is a love story with a very cosmopolitan flair. While the central focus is Turkey, the events in this novel take place in countries spanning the globe. The story is set in the 1970’s and 1980’s; a very tumu...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Samantha rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was provided to me, by the author, in paperback in exchange for an honest review.

A great story of a great love that can not be united between 2 lovers due to distance and circumstance.

Based around Yasmin and Renan, when they meet Renan is married with a child and Yasmin can only dream about what life would be like with Renan. As time goes on and Yasmin marries, they face new challenges in their parallel and crossed over lives.

Yasmin and her Armenian classmate Ani were oblivious to ethn...more

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May 22, 2012 Aiden Berk rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: turquoise

I rarely read fiction, but my wife felt that this was one book that would be worth my time. She was right; although there were times I could not relate to to the narrative because us blokes don't think or feel this frankly or openly, by and large I liked storyline and the tenacity of the characters. For me it was a page turner, because I wanted to know the score! I also liked the easy reading style and it all sounded real to me. Go on guys, listen to your women!

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May 21, 2012 Sera rated it 5 of 5 stars

Talay-Ongan is a fantastic storyteller. This book is full of guts, and passion. Yasmin has a big heart in this story. In the beginning, you are unsure of where her lover is in her life, but it is good anyways. I just fell into the city of Istanbul, the home of San Francisco and her heart, which was in Sydney. It was a great read.

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May 22, 2012 Marissa DeCuir rated it 5 of 5 stars

What a powerful yet very relate-able story about love, life and loss. Can't wait to see what else this author has in store.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 11, 2012 Renee rated it 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I think there were parts I enjoyed more because I have been to Turkey and knew what they were describing. It was interesting to read a story about a woman who I think was ahead of her time in both her professional and personal relationships.

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Jun 24, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful! I loved it! I would highly recommend this book. Honest & compelling :)

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May 12, 2013 Andreea marked it as to-read

May 11, 2013 Melissa marked it as to-read-kindle · review of another edition

Shelves: oac-kindle

May 07, 2013 Legato Darksummers added it

Shelves: daddy-dark-s-baby-warrior-list

May 04, 2013 Sherri marked it as to-read

May 03, 2013 Adriana marked it as purchased · review of another edition

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About Ayshe Talay-Ongan

Having lived in Istanbul, New York City, San Francisco, Paris, Florence and Sydney, Ayshe Talay-Ongan is a true citizen of the world. Turkish by birth, American by citizenship and Australian by residence, Talay-Ongan has called Sydney home since 1989.

A psychologist (M.S., Ph.D., Columbia University), and emeritus academic, Talay-Ongan has three published textbooks in developmental psychology and d...more

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