Bridging Worlds: ‘Holiday Country’ by Inci Atrek – Book Review #InciAtrek @MacmillanAudio @Flatironbooks

Holiday Country weaves a tale of summer romance, multi-generational bonds, and the complexities of identity against the backdrop of a Turkish seaside town. This is the author’s debut novel.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the ARC of this audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

A seductive and lyrical debut following a young woman’s dangerous summer romance during an idyllic vacation on the Aegean coast.

Ada adores spending every summer in a Turkish seaside town with her mother and grandmother at the family villa. The glittering waters, endless olive groves, and her spirited friends make it easy to leave her idle life in California behind. But no matter how much Ada feels she belongs to the country where her mother grew up, deep down, her connection to the culture feels as fleeting as the seasons.

When Levent, a mysterious man from her mother’s past, shows up in their town, Ada can’t help but imagine a different future for her mother―one that promises a return to home, to love, to happiness. But while playing matchmaker, Ada has to come to terms with her own intensifying attraction to Levent. Does the future she’s fighting for belong to her mother―or to her alone?

Lush and evocative, İnci Atrek’s Holiday Country is a rapturous meditation about what it means to experience being of two worlds, the limitations and freedom of a life in translation, and the intricacies of a love triangle that stretches across generations and continents.

My Thoughts:

“Holiday Country” by İnci Atrek unfolds as a coming-of-age tale in the enchanting backdrop of a Turkish seaside town, where Ada, accompanied by her mother and grandmother, grapples with her sense of belonging. The vivid descriptions of Turkish culture and the stunning geography of the Aegean coast create a rich tapestry, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the setting.

Ada’s struggle with her identity, marked by ridicule from local children and a distinct Turkish-American accent, adds depth to the narrative. As she encounters Levent, a mysterious figure from her mother’s past, the story takes an unexpected turn, exploring the complexities of romance across generations. The theme of love and longing resonates throughout.

While the novel beautifully captures the essence of being of two worlds, I found the character development lacking, hindering my connection with Ada and her family. The book felt a little long and I struggled to remain engaged. On a positive note, Ayse Babahan’s expressive narration in the audiobook version was a notable highlight, enhancing the overall experience.

In summary, “Holiday Country” offers a rapturous meditation on the limitations and freedom of a life in translation, the intricacies of a multi-generational love triangle, and the enduring question of where one truly belongs. İnci Atrek’s storytelling shines through, even as the narrative falls a bit short for readers seeking deeper character connections and a more concise pace.

A Similar Book I’ve Reviewed:

Vacationland by Meg Mitchell Moore