Alev Lytle Croutier discusses her book, “Seven Houses.” She begins by discussing the plot of the novel, which is set against the backdrop of twentieth century Turkey. The book tells the story of the Ipekci silk-making family that begins during the last days of the Ottoman monarchy and continues through the country’s transformation into a republic. Croutier explains that the book is narrated by the omniscient voices of the houses the family occupies throughout four generations and traces the family’s rising and falling fortunes. She goes on to discuss specific characters such as Amber Ipekci who returns to Turkey with her American-born daughter and revisits the homes that her family lived in for generations. She also describes the character of Esma who is a young widow who carries the secret of a forbidden love affair. Later in the interview Croutier shares her thoughts on the state of affairs in Turkey and women’s rights.
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