Madonna in a Fur Coat

Originally published in 1943, this novella is considered by some to be the best in Turkish literature. Poet, journalist, and novelist Ali, born in southern Bulgaria, was killed trying to leave Turkey in 1948. Here, Raif Bey, sent to Germany by his father to learn the soap-making trade, is more interested in learning German and reading novels. Shy and a bit of a daydreamer, he wanders one day into a museum and is quite taken with a painting, Madonna in a Fur Coat. By chance, he meets the artist, Maria Puder, and quickly falls in love with her. A platonic relationship quickly becomes more, at least for Raif. Even after he returns home to Turkey, marries, and has children, he continues to long for Maria. They never meet again, although he tries to find her. The story, tender and sentimental, is a worthwhile listen. An excellent audio production, well narrated by Robert Fass.