A Taste of Turkey
Dervishes is a beautifully written novel, the characters intricately drawn, and the plot raw and yet unassuming. Mother and daughter are much alike, both distant, and difficult to grow close to as a result. However, as the story goes on, it is impossible not to feel for this family, whose members are lost and wounded, living together and yet apart.
Rated of 5
by Randi (Bronx NY)
Dervishes
I was quickly drawn in to this well-written story about an American family living in Turkey. The relationships between the daughter and her mother, the mother and the father, and the new inhabitants of Turkey with its citizens all interested me. I admit however, to some squeamishness with a few of the scenes involving the children. They was a level of cruelty displayed that turned my stomach.
However, having said that I would still recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Francine (chantilly VA)
Dervishes
This dark story tells the downward spiral of a mother and daughter caught in a web of secrecy and deceit sprinkled with questionable relationships. They are immersed in a whirlpool of outside influences that severely damages each of them personally as well as their already shaky relationship to each other.
Might this situation be what one might refer to as a "howling" or "whirling" dervish?
I believe this to be an excellent read for a book club - speculations and discussions would abound.
Rated of 5
by Kathleen (Appleton WI)
Great Read for Book Clubs
I strongly recommend this book for book clubs or for people who like to struggle with untidy issues. Dervishes is not a tidy book. On the contrary, it raises more questions than it answers, and is disturbing on many levels. The constantly shifting voice can be confusing, but emphasizes how everyday events can be interpreted quite differently. Seemingly trivial decisions result in lives that are irrevocably changed. The author shows great empathy for characters who aren't necessarily likable, but are people we can relate to all too well. I was expecting a story about a mother-daughter relationship set in Turkey, but the author delivered far more.
Rated of 5
by Mary Ann (Louisville KY)
A spinning tale out of control Dervishes tells the story of the relationship of mothers and daughters, and a woman's place in the world that she has chosen. At times, you don't care for their behavior, but their choices are few. The characters are complex,and the ending leaves you with more questions than answers.
Rated of 5
by Marie (Warner NH)
DERVISHES by Beth Helms
Things are not as they seem because of lies, deceits and secrets. I believe this sums up the content of this novel.
Things are not as they seem because of lies, deceits and secrets .In my opinion this comment sums up the content of this novel. Grace and her daughter Canada especially are drawn into the drama, suspense, and mystery of those with whom they associate in Turkey and of the country itself. The author's technique of shifting points of view--from first to third person narrative is interestingly done. Though I was drawn into the plot and intrigue, I did not find the characters especially sympathetic; they suffer from naivete in spite of their past experiences--especially those characters who had previously lived in other countries and with other cultures. The title is appropriate, for the reader becomes cognizant of lives "swirling" out of control.
Rated of 5
by Amber (Glendale AZ)
Lovely Book
I enjoyed this book a lot. The setting and the characters were interesting and sympathetic. I was a little disappointed in the resolution; I didn't feel like the daughter's story was carried through to a satisfactory point. But the ending was engaging overall. The atmosphere of the book was probably my favorite thing about the book.
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of 5
by Wendy (Riverside CA)
of 5
by Mary Ann (Louisville KY)
