ASYLUM, "WELL MET ISTANBUL, WELL MET LONDON"

My novel is based on the memories of my Jewish neighbour in London's Sloane Square district. Knowing him inspired me to examine the social and emotional consequences around a love story between two young people from different ethnic backgrounds. The story I have woven starts in Istanbul, takes the reader on a trip to London and back again. In it, the daughters of a wealthy Jewish family of Bourgeois origin, go out on a picnic and never return to Pera Palace Hotel where they lodged. Rosa and Lizet, best friends of these two young girls, look for them everywhere to no avail. Their family presumed they were killed by SS officers. When Rosa's painful life ends, she entrusts her only son and a diary full of secrets to her sister, Lizet. Rosa's son Cem Michel and Aysegul are in love. While conservative Lizet puts up a fierce opposition, Cem Michel struggles to maintain his relationship with Aysegul. Love and endless suffering of war and genocide will continue to occupy writers and the film industry forever more.