The landscape of contemporary fiction continues to offer compelling narratives that grapple with universal themes of displacement, memory and the search for belonging. Two recently released novels, Kenan Orhan’s debut, The Renovation, and Cho Haejin’s Simple Heart, translated from the Korean by Jamie Chang, explore these themes with distinct stylistic approaches and poignant emotional depth. Both works, while geographically disparate in their settings, resonate with a shared sense of loss and the enduring power of the past to shape the present. These novels offer readers a chance to contemplate the complexities of identity and the enduring human demand for connection in a world often marked by instability and change.
Orhan’s The Renovation centers on Dilara, a protagonist haunted by the absence of a stable home. The narrative unfolds as Dilara and her family are forced to flee Turkey following the failed 2016 coup attempt. This event, a pivotal moment in recent Turkish history, serves as the catalyst for their displacement and the surreal experiences that follow. The novel’s premise is strikingly unusual: upon arriving in Italy, Dilara discovers that her bathroom inexplicably transforms into a cell within a notorious prison located on the outskirts of Istanbul. This fantastical element isn’t presented as a simple plot device, but rather as a manifestation of Dilara’s psychological state and her connection to a past she cannot fully escape. The 2016 Turkish coup d’état attempt involved a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces attempting to overthrow the government and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as reported by Wikipedia.
The Shadow of the 2016 Turkish Coup
The failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15-16, 2016, was a watershed moment for the nation. Organized by a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces known as the Peace at Home Council, the attempt involved approximately 8,651 soldiers, according to Wikipedia. The coup plotters attempted to seize control of key institutions and locations in Ankara, Istanbul, and Marmaris. While the coup ultimately failed, it triggered a period of intense political upheaval and widespread purges within the Turkish government, military, and civil society. Following the coup attempt, the Turkish government, led by President Erdoğan, initiated a large-scale crackdown on individuals suspected of involvement in the coup, particularly those linked to the Gülen movement. Between 2016 and 2024, approximately 3 million Turkish citizens were tried for terrorism, and between 2016 and 2019 alone, over 511,000 individuals allegedly affiliated with the Gülen movement were detained, as detailed by Wikipedia.
Orhan’s novel doesn’t explicitly detail the political machinations surrounding the coup, but it powerfully conveys the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that permeated Turkish society during that period. Dilara’s family’s decision to flee suggests the extremely real dangers faced by those perceived as opponents of the government. The protagonist’s familiarity with a system where dissent could lead to arrest – “accustomed to the surreal, having escaped conditions where working for the wrong newspaper or studying at the wrong school could result in arrest” – underscores the repressive climate that prompted their exile. The novel’s exploration of memory and displacement is deeply rooted in the historical context of the coup and its aftermath, offering a nuanced portrayal of the psychological toll of political trauma.
A Journey of Remembrance in Simple Heart
In contrast to the surreal and politically charged atmosphere of The Renovation, Cho Haejin’s Simple Heart takes a more introspective and emotionally resonant approach. The novel follows a Korean woman who was adopted and raised by French parents as she returns to Seoul with a documentarian to uncover her buried past. This journey of self-discovery is further complicated by her pregnancy, adding another layer of emotional complexity to her exploration of identity and belonging. Haejin’s prose is described as “soft and mysterious, with a drifting, almost Sebaldian quality,” suggesting a narrative style that prioritizes atmosphere and emotional nuance over straightforward plot development.
The novel’s focus on Korean place-names and terms, as noted in the review, highlights the importance of language and cultural heritage in shaping individual identity. These “tangents” aren’t merely digressions but rather integral components of the protagonist’s journey to reconnect with her roots. The act of revisiting the locales of her childhood, coupled with the anticipation of motherhood, prompts her to contemplate the future and her own upbringing. Simple Heart, through its delicate prose and evocative imagery, offers a poignant meditation on the enduring power of memory and the complexities of familial relationships.
The Power of Translation and Literary Exchange
The translation of Simple Heart by Jamie Chang is particularly noteworthy. Translation plays a crucial role in bringing international literature to a wider audience, and a skilled translator can effectively convey the nuances of language and culture. Chang’s work allows English-speaking readers to experience the beauty and emotional depth of Haejin’s prose, fostering a greater appreciation for Korean literature and its unique perspectives. The act of translation itself can be seen as a form of cultural exchange, bridging linguistic and geographical divides and promoting a deeper understanding between different societies.
Both The Renovation and Simple Heart, despite their distinct settings and narrative styles, share a common thread: a profound exploration of the human condition. They remind us that the search for identity, belonging, and meaning is a universal experience, transcending national boundaries and cultural differences. These novels offer readers not only compelling stories but also opportunities for empathy, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. They are testaments to the power of literature to illuminate the complexities of the human heart and the enduring resilience of the human spirit.
As both authors continue to develop their literary careers, it will be fascinating to see how their work evolves and continues to resonate with readers worldwide. The publishing landscape is constantly shifting, but the demand for thoughtful, emotionally resonant fiction remains strong. Readers seeking narratives that grapple with complex themes and offer fresh perspectives will locate much to appreciate in these two compelling novels.
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