Ayşe Kulin: Last Train to Istanbul

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Selva was woken up by a sudden shudder. Siegfried, David and Constance woke up too.

"What’s happening?" whispered Constance.

"I think we’re moving."

They had no idea what time it was. It was still pitch dark outside. The train started to creak into motion. Fazil grumbled and turned in Selva’s arms. David walked into the corridos making sure not to disturb anyone. It was impossible for him to remain in the same place for more than a few hours. He lit a cigarette. Very far away in the distance lights could be seen. Would his life ever brighten up again? He paced up and down the corridor. The dark blue sky was gradually making way for the crimson red colours of dawn. David returned to his compartment.

They crossed the German frontier while they were having breakfast. Selva’s heart nearly broke when she saw Ferit and Rafo waling towards the customs. "Please God protect us, don’t let anything go wrong," she prayed. She had woken up so happy after her dream that she didn’t want anything to spoil it.

"I wonder if we could go out for some fresh air?" asked Constance.

"Stay right where you are!" replied her husband. 

Translated from the Turkish by John W. Baker.

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Ayşe Kulin at the PWF 2017:

Sunday, 12 November, 14.00, reading, Senate

Tuesday, 14 November, 19.00, conversation "Et Tu, EU?", Convent of St Agnes