This book completely transported me to 1950s Istanbul and I loved it! It was historically rich, and obvious the author did her research on the language and culture of that country and time period.

But more than that, it was the characters and the story that carried me right into the story. I loved seeing Ayten’s journey to independence and freedom and her realization that her voice mattered, despite the messaging she may have received to the contrary from her family and culture. I loved Earl’s love for her and their love story.

This is a beautiful book and one I will definitely be reading again, over and over!

A lovely historical fiction love story with deep cultural layers. It is a coming of age story of a young woman who finds her freedom from an oppressive family in order to find love. Very informative about the culture and norms of 1950's and modern Turkiye.

Absolutely wonderful debut novel by Denise Derya Brandt. Istanbul Dreaming is a historical fiction romance set in 1950s Istanbul during a period of political unrest that culminated in the 1960 military coup. The novel centers on Ayten, a lovable, if sometimes naive, young woman who flees her hometown of Bursa after her father forces her into an arranged marriage, determined to build a life of her own in the bustling city of Istanbul.

This is a heartfelt story of resilience, self-discovery, and strong friendships, all set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Turkey. Brandt brings 1950s Istanbul vividly to life, and I especially enjoyed learning more about Turkish history and culture through the day-to-day lives of Ayten and her close-knit circle of friends. This is an engaging and warm novel with a wonderful sense of place that had me invested in Ayten's journey from the very beginning.

I highly recommend Istanbul Dreaming to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a strong sense of place, a compelling female protagonist, and a bit of romance. It's a thoughtful and engaging debut, and I'll definitely be reading whatever Denise Derya Brandt writes next.

Thank you to She Writes Press, NetGalley, and the author for the advance copy of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

Istanbul Dreaming by Denise Derya Brandt is a superbly-paced historical fiction novel set in 1950s Turkey — an era I knew next to nothing about. The author transports us to Istanbul, a city half in Asia and half in Europe, which mirrors the ambitions and coming-of-age of the protagonist, Ayten.

This was a genuinely lovely read, inspired by the story of the author’s own parents. While the book does take us through a few tumultuous historical periods, it doesn’t sit in the same heart-breaking territory as The Kite Runner. I’ll admit I was expecting it to be, and was perhaps a little disappointed it wasn’t — entirely my own doing!

A refreshing coming-of-age story with a slice of history that I really enjoyed!

As a Turkish American myself, I can’t express how lovely it was to read this book. Ayten, the MC, is Turkish and meets an American man stationed in Istanbul with the U.S. Air Force. It was so much fun watching them fall in love, and I especially loved seeing Turkish culture woven throughout the story.
Not quite as lighthearted, but just as meaningful, was watching Ayten push back against the social expectations of her time and learn to trust her instincts. She realizes that constantly trying to please everyone else will only leave her unhappy.
Thank you to Netgalley for the eARC and to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, LLC for an actual copy of this book. Publication date is September 29, 2026.

The story begins in Bursa, 1958. Seventeen-year-old Ayten is the dutiful eldest daughter of a strict father, but one stolen night in Istanbul with her best friend Yasemin gets her married off to a cousin who once tormented her as a child. She flees again to the big city, and her transformation from a meek girl to a confident seamstress is set against the 1960s protests and Turkey's first coup.

Ayten finds new romance with Earl, a gentle American airman, and claims a future for herself that once felt like a fantasy. Her "Istanbul Dreaming" comes true, and the magic is that this captivating story is loosely based on the author's parents IRL meet-cute and marriage(!!).

Brandt's period texture reads like another inheritance. We taste the salted coffee for a nervous groom and smell the lemon cologne of welcome alongside grander historic events. This coming of age story is a modern tale of finding freedom. Because it's not found in the foreign man, it's in the discovery that a Turkish young woman can make her own choice.

This is an excellent book for anyone who appreciates a tale of freedom and survival, finding family and bridging worlds. Ayten holds onto her legacy at the same time she makes something new.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy in exchange for a review.
This is an outstanding debut. A historical romance, it gives a glimpse into a turbulent time in Turkey’s history. This is a book I couldn’t put down but at the same time couldn’t go further. The tension in the book was so palpable! The characters were believable. I had a love hate relationship with this book because of the tension but I wanted desperately to find out what happens.
There are trigger warnings as most historical fiction will have, but I would recommend this to patrons.
Congratulations to the author!
5*

What a fantastic debut novel! A historical fiction with some romance too. This was completely un-put-down-able! I loved how beautifully the story of resilience and friendship was twisted and woven through time. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!