^#smrgSAHAF Lilly: I am an Arab Jew -

Lilly is, first and foremost, the portrait of a courageous and beautiful Arab Jewish woman, with all her idiosyncrasies and her unique philo­sophy. It is also a nostalgic memoir of Istanbul in the 1960's and 1970's. And, finally, it is a mystery story, leading to a shattering climax.

Before she got off the plane with her 22 suitcases, Lilly had never stepped foot on Turkish soil. Going to unknown countries was nothing new for her, though. After all, she was a Jew. Born in Le­ba­non, she and her family lived in several different countries after World War II drove them from her native land. Destiny chose Istanbul to be her final stop.

Leaving her family in Milan, perhaps never to see them again, she set off with the Turkish gentleman whom she had married after only knowing him for fifteen days. Which youthful dreams did she hope to realize? If she had known her end, would she have accepted this choice? Would this striking, stylish tigress be able to have children after years of struggle and disappointment? Would she be left alone at the end of her life?

The novel conveys the significance of fate, tradition, and beliefs in its unfolding events. In this book you will read of Lilly's love for her children, her devotion to religion and her silent struggle to keep her Jewish family. And she succeeds in keeping them together, despite the secrets. But only un­til her death. You may laugh; you may cry; you will definitely be intri­gued.