Postscript to the Novels of Elif Shafak (on the issue of the creative method)

Two novels of the modern Turkish author Elif Shafak are analyzed in the context of the discussion about its postmodern character in Turkish and Russian literary circles. In particular, the special attention is paid to symbols used by the writer. The question if its interpretation corresponds to postmodern aesthetics or not, is discussed. The specifics of the writer’s creative method is in the focus of study. The postmodern literary techniques (intertextuality, irony, playfulness, temporal distortion, author’s mask) are applied, but not filled with postmodern aesthetic content. In opinion of the author of the article there are not enough arguments in favour of the conclusion about a postmodern nature of the novels. The considered novels demonstrate interpenetration of postmodern techniques and mass culture.

creative method, postmodern techniques, symbols and postmodernism, mass culture