Elif Shafak quotes

It is because of identity politics – we are, sadly, becoming more tribal. The expectation seems to be that a writer from each tribe must tell the story of that tribe. I'm Turkish but also many other things. For me, imagination is a desire to transcend boundaries. When we write, we can be multiple. (Elif Shafak)
I have met lots of women who have grown up in Turkey who cannot bring themselves to swear in Turkish. But in English they use the F-word all the time. Writing is like that for me. View quote
Elif Shafak
I learned to pay attention to the readers and not to the madness...Because to be a writer in Turkey is a bit like being kissed on one cheek and slapped on the other. View quote
Elif Shafak
Many women are asking: why do some women choose to cover their heads? We have to understand this and other questions. This is one of the biggest challenges for feminism today. What is worrying is that when women are divided into categories it is the status quo – the patriarchy – that benefits.... View quote
Elif Shafak