Last Train to Istanbul
Türkiye France

Last Train to Istanbul

by Ayşe Kulin

War & Conflict Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance 2002

Summary

As the Second World War threatens to engulf Europe, Selva, the daughter of a prominent Ottoman family, falls in love with Rafael Alfandari, a young Jewish man. Their relationship defies the expectations of both families, forcing them to leave Turkey and begin a new life together in France. But when the Nazis occupy the country, their happiness is overshadowed by the growing danger facing Jewish communities across Europe.

As persecution intensifies, Selva and Rafael find themselves trapped in a hostile world where their love and their young family may not be enough to keep them safe. Meanwhile, Turkish diplomats work behind the scenes to rescue Jewish people stranded in occupied Europe, arranging a perilous journey towards freedom. With time running out, the fate of Selva and Rafael becomes intertwined with the courage of those willing to risk their lives to save strangers.

Moving between Ankara, Istanbul, Paris, and other wartime cities, Last Train to Istanbul combines an intimate family story with a little-known chapter of Holocaust history. Inspired by accounts of Turkish diplomats who helped rescue Jews during the war, the novel explores love across cultural boundaries, moral courage, and the extraordinary acts of humanity that can emerge in the darkest times.

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Ayşe Kulin
Countries
Türkiye
Asia
France
Europe
About the author
Ayşe Kulin
Ayşe Kulin

Ayşe Kulin (born 1941) is a Turkish novelist, biographer, and screenwriter, widely regarded as one of Turkey’s most popular contemporary authors. Born in Istanbul, she studied at the American College for Girls and began her career working in journalism before moving into television, film production, and screenwriting. Her experience across different forms of storytelling has informed her vivid, character-driven novels, many of which explore the relationship between personal lives and historical events. Kulin has written numerous bestselling novels and biographies, often addressing Turkey’s complex history, social divisions, and cultural identity. Her novel Last Train to Istanbul (Nefes Nefese) was first published in Turkish in 2002 and later translated into English. The book draws on historical accounts of Turkish diplomats who helped Jewish refugees escape Nazi-occupied Europe. Her other notable works include Sevdalinka, about the Bosnian War, and Farewell, set during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. Kulin has also served as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador in Turkey.

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Details
Published
2002
Author
Ayşe Kulin