“Brandt's debut is a captivating exploration of what it means for a woman to dare to imagine a life for herself in the face of family disapproval and complicated ties. Rich with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Turkey, this novel is an ode to self-determination and the pursuit of a life of one's own.”—Marjan Kamali, author of The Lion Women of Tehran and The Stationery Shop
 
“Heartfelt and richly textured . . . a tender love story and a moving portrait of a young woman awakening to her own strength amid the conservative constraints of mid-twentieth-century Turkey. Denise Derya Brandt has penned a truly promising debut.”—Lidija Hilje, author of Slanting Towards the Sea 

“Brandt's reflective prose brings the sociocultural aspects of the setting to life, thoughtfully exploring the tension between tradition and modernity. . . . the author expertly uses Ayten's journey toward agency to examine themes of womanhood, trauma, and freedom.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Tender, inspiring, and historically rich, this story will transport you to a different world you'll find hard to leave.”—Kim Danielson, author of Piece by Piece: A Life Remembered through Things Lost

“Istanbul Dreaming is a tender portrait of Ayten, a young woman at an unexpected crossroads, unsure if she's courageous enough to forge her own path. Rich with tradition, culture, and set against the backdrop of defining events in Turkey's history, Ayten's story is also universal, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own take-the-wheel moments.”—Nadia Hashimi, author of The Pearl That Broke Its Shell and Sparks Like Stars