The Broken Ones – Demet Kotan – Anatolian Culture Publishing

While chasing her dream of becoming a teacher, Yasemin spends countless nights buried in books-until a simple favor from her upstairs neighbor changes everything. Entrusted with a key, she unwittingly steps into a world that will lead her to uncover not only someone else's story, but also the hidden corners of her own soul.

As she confronts long-standing tensions with her sister Ceren and reckons with the ghosts of their past, Yasemin finds herself navigating the personal and political struggles that have shaped a generation-economic crises, military coups, and rigged exams. Set against the backdrop of Ankara, this powerful novel shines a light on Turkey's complex recent history, offering a moving exploration of childhood, sisterhood, and the quiet resilience of everyday life.