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Cover of Memed, My Hawk
Historical Fiction· Turkey

Memed, My Hawk

by Yaşar Kemal
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1955Turkish
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About This Book

Memed, My Hawk by Yaşar Kemal is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 1955. This novel tells the story of Memed, a young boy who becomes a legendary bandit in the Taurus Mountains. Set against the backdrop of rural Turkey, the book is a powerful tale of resistance against oppression and injustice. It is celebrated for its vivid depiction of the Anatolian landscape and its exploration of themes such as freedom, heroism, and social justice. Themes of oppression, freedom, heroism run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorYaşar Kemal
Published1955
Country of Origin🇹🇷 Turkey
LanguageTurkish
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9781590175001
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇹🇷 Turkey

This book is part of Turkey's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Turkey →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1955, Yaşar Kemal's Memed, My Hawk is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with oppression, freedom, heroism, social justice gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of Memed, My Hawk lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of oppression, freedom, heroism, social justice is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Turkey's literary landscape, Yaşar Kemal occupies a significant position. Memed, My Hawk is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · global
19820
✍️
About the Author
Yaşar Kemal
Turkey
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Yaşar Kemal is a Turkey author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Memed, My Hawk about?

This novel tells the story of Memed, a young boy who becomes a legendary bandit in the Taurus Mountains. Set against the backdrop of rural Turkey, the book is a powerful tale of resistance against oppression and injustice. It is celebrated for its vivid depiction of the Anatolian landscape and its exploration of themes such as freedom, heroism, and social justice.

Who wrote Memed, My Hawk?

Memed, My Hawk was written by Yaşar Kemal, from Turkey. First published in 1955.

What awards has Memed, My Hawk won?

Memed, My Hawk has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Memed, My Hawk worth reading?

Memed, My Hawk is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in oppression, freedom, heroism.

Where can I buy Memed, My Hawk?

You can buy Memed, My Hawk on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Memed, My Hawk?

Memed, My Hawk is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is Memed, My Hawk from?

Memed, My Hawk originates from Turkey's literary tradition. Explore more books from Turkey on our country page.

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