Red Dress in Black and White

A novel

By: Elliot Ackerman

Narrated by: Maggi-Meg Reed

From the widely acclaimed author of Waiting for Eden: a stirring, timely new novel that unfolds over the course of a single day in Istanbul: the story of an American woman attempting to leave behind her life in Turkey--to leave without her husband.

Catherine has been married for many years to Murat, an influential Turkish real estate developer, and they have a young son together, William. But when she decides to leave her marriage and return home to the United States with William and her photographer lover, Murat determines to take a stand. He enlists the help of an American diplomat to prevent his wife and child from leaving the country--but, by inviting this scrutiny into their private lives, Murat becomes only further enmeshed in a web of deception and corruption. As the hidden architecture of these relationships is gradually exposed, we learn the true nature of a cast of struggling artists, wealthy businessmen, expats, spies, a child pulled in different directions by his parents, and, ultimately, a society in crisis. Riveting and unforgettably perceptive, Red Dress in Black and White is a novel of personal and political intrigue that casts light into the shadowy corners of a nation on the brink.

Astonishingly good writing

I love being surprised by a book and this one got me. Cheaper than a plane ticket to Istanbul but, at times, far more interesting and revealing. It reminds me of "Snow" by Orham Pamuk. It makes me want to go back to that fine city on the Bosphorus Sea and stay long enough to find interesting characters who may or may not also be parking lot attendants.

What the Hell?

This book got a great review review in the Seattle Timez so I was immediately bought it. The ending is so abrupt I couldn't believe my ears literally. It was so annoying. Maybe I missed some thing very cleverly disguised. I don't know, but I don't recommend it all.