Last Train to Istanbul Summary & Key Insights

Ayşe Kulin's "Last Train to Istanbul" (translated by John W. Baker) follows the intertwined lives of three generations of a Sephardic Jewish family spanning from the Ottoman Empire's decline to the modern day. The narrative centers around the interconnected journeys of Rachel, her granddaughter Esmeralda, and great-granddaughter Arianne, revealing the enduring legacy of historical trauma and the enduring power of family ties.

The story begins with Rachel, a resilient young woman living in Salonika (Thessaloniki) in the 1930s, at the cusp of World War II. Forced to flee her homeland due to escalating anti-Semitism, she embarks on a perilous journey aboard the titular last train to Istanbul, leaving behind her beloved home and family, many of whom face extermination. In Istanbul, she endures hardships and finds solace in a new life, but the trauma of her past profoundly shapes her identity and her relationships. Her unwavering spirit and determination to survive are central to her character.

Esmeralda, Rachel's granddaughter, grows up in Istanbul shadowed by her grandmother's memories. Though outwardly a modern woman, Esmeralda is deeply affected by her grandmother's silence and the unspoken tragedies of the past. She grapples with her own identity, torn between her Sephardic heritage and the assimilationist pressures of Turkish society. Her search for her family's history and understanding of her grandmother's past becomes a central driving force in her life.

Arianne, Esmeralda's granddaughter, represents a new generation disconnected from the full weight of their family's history. Living in America, she embarks on a quest to reconnect with her roots and understand her family’s past, driven by a sense of alienation and a desire to forge her own identity rooted in her heritage. Her journey underscores the ongoing challenges of preserving cultural memory and passing down the lessons of history to subsequent generations.

Throughout the novel, the train journey acts as a powerful metaphor for the displacement and struggle experienced by Sephardic Jews. The overarching themes explore the impact of historical trauma across generations, the importance of preserving cultural heritage and memory, the complexities of family relationships, and the enduring power of resilience and survival in the face of unimaginable adversity. The narrative weaves together historical events with personal stories, creating a poignant and moving exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for one's place in the world. The novel highlights the enduring legacy of the Holocaust and the lasting impact of displacement and prejudice on individuals and communities.