Elif Shafak Reflects on Literature and Pop Culture in 2023
- Elif Shafak reveals her shame for not reading Les Misérables during an interview.
- She discusses her current reading list, which includes books by Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Kate Weinberg.
- Shafak emphasizes her admiration for Don Quixote and her unique writing process, which includes listening to heavy metal.
Elif Shafak, a prominent author, expresses her feelings of shame for not having read Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Misérables. In a candid discussion, she shares her evolving literary preferences, highlighting that her favorite book is Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, which she admires for its innovative structure and complex characters. Currently, Shafak is engaged with two books: Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde by Alexis Pauline Gumbs, which celebrates the life and contributions of the civil rights activist, and There's Nothing Wrong With Her by Kate Weinberg, which she describes as both brave and brilliant. Additionally, she praises Colum McCann's novel Let the Great World Spin, indicating her appreciation for diverse narratives and perspectives in literature. Shafak's reflections reveal her deep connection to literature and the impact of various authors on her writing process, including her unconventional choice of listening to heavy metal music while working. This blend of influences showcases her unique approach to storytelling and her commitment to exploring multifaceted themes in her own writing.