This is the fourth book I’ve read by Yashar Kemal; one of the greatest storytellers of all time. The Seagull is a captivating tale, told through the eyes of a young boy called Salih. The story seems to flow so effortlessly; Yashar obviously penned it with the ease of a consummate writer. His brand of simple narrative is deceptively eloquent, clever and unique in originality. The novel is set in a small fishing village in Turkey, where, by virtue of Kemal’s detailed description, I felt I was virtually transported to the region with its colourful inhabitants. Kemal’s characters, as usual, are so thoroughly fleshed-out, that they come alive.
I devoured the book in two sittings. The fishing village was so vividly described that I could smell the salt air, hear the gulls screeching, see the brightly coloured boats lined up in the harbour and visualise the glistening sea. It also evoked clear images of nature in its full glory, as it gave the impression of a fertile region.
The small village seemed to hold people like a magnet; even those who hated the boredom of the place, where nothing ever changed, never even considered venturing beyond its perimeters. It was during the days when traditional craftsmen like blacksmiths still existed. You sense that those people, who lived within such a small community, had strong ties that were not easily broken. Even the doctor remained, after his wife ran off to America with their child. She religiously wrote to him once a year; an arrangement he was quite content with. His loyalty was steadfast with his patients within his village.
Salih’s vivid imagination allowed him some temporary respite from his dreary existence. His fantasies were indeed spellbinding. I was sometimes confused between reality and Salih’s imaginary escapism. I suspect Salih also confused fact with fiction. But the boy’s fantasies were woven seamlessly into the story.
The main storyline, as the title suggests, centres on a seagull (It had been injured). Despite everyone’s grim prognosis that a bird with a broken wing would undoubtedly die, Salih was resolute that he would find a remedy. The bird became domesticated in the boy’s care, and a unique relationship formed between them. It was a joy to read.
During Salih’s undaunted quest for someone to cure his bird, we are introduced to various characters. We learn of the people’s everyday struggles, their feuds and their pain. Times were hard and the people were poverty stricken.
One of my favourite characters was the young boy’s cantankerous grandmother, who was prone to invective outbursts. Her husband had left her 40 years previously, but she was so convinced he would return that she waited for him every day.
The storyline seemed so innocuous in the way it followed the life and exploits of Salih, that I was totally unprepared for some extremely dark incidents. The innocent tale up to that point, made the impact of events towards the end of the book, all the more shocking.
I recommend this book. I would also like to pay tribute to Yashar Kemal who has sadly died. May he rest in peace. The literary world will undoubtedly feel his loss. I would also like to thank my dear Turkish friend for sending me this book.