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Kurt Seyt & Shura Kindle Edition

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 860 ratings

Kurt Seyt & Shura official English edition, published December, 2017. An instant best seller since its debut in 1992, Nermin Bezmen’s Kurt Seyt & Shura is a classic of contemporary Turkish literature, a sweeping romantic drama set around the time as the splendor of Imperial Russia is obliterated in the wake of the Great War. Bezmen tells the story of two star-crossed lovers fleeing the wave of devastation wreaked by the Bolshevik Revolution-- and does so with great sensitivity: one half of this couple who sought refuge in the capital of the dying Ottoman Empire was her grandfather.

Translated into 12 languages, Kurt Seyt & Shura inspired a sumptuous T.V. series that continues to enchant millions of viewers across the world.
With the publication of this novel in the United States, English-speaking fans will now be able to read the true story of this great love affair, which triumphed over so much adversity yet failed to overcome human fallibility.

Kurt Seyt: The son of a wealthy Crimean nobleman, is a dashing first lieutenant in the Imperial Life Guard. Injured on the Carpathian front and later sought by the Bolsheviks, he makes a daring escape across the Black Sea. Too proud to accept payment for the boatful of arms he hands over to the Nationalists, he faces years of struggle to make a new life in the Turkish Republic rising from the embers of the dying Ottoman Empire. All he has is his dignity and love.

Shura: An innocent sixteen-year-old beauty enchanted by Tchaikovsky’s music and Moscow’s glittering lights, falls in love with Seyt. A potential victim of the Bolsheviks due to her family’s wealth and social standing, she is determined to follow her heart and accompanies Seyt on his perilous flight over the Black Sea.

Their love is the only solace to their crushing homesickness for a land and family they will never see again, two lovers among hundreds of thousands of White Russian émigrés trying to eke out a living in occupied Istanbul.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B078T3WPNY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (January 3, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 3, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 13571 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 440 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 860 ratings

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Nermin Bezmen
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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
860 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story captivating and emotional, weaving joy and sorrow together. They praise the well-written and flowing language that takes them back to another era. The historical context and character development are also appreciated. Many customers enjoyed the TV series and felt the book was transformative and meaningful.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

109 customers mention "Story quality"109 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the captivating story about a love story set during the Russian Revolution. They find it heartwarming and relatable, with an intricate weaving of joy and sorrow. The story is based on a true story that breaks their hearts. Readers appreciate the human characters and history of the characters. Overall, they find the book a beautiful and tragic tale of love set during the turn of the century in Russia.

"Kurt Seyt & Shura is a captivating tale that intricately weaves joy and sorrow, drawing readers into its richly detailed world...." Read more

"...This real story broke my heart. The more I read,the more consumed I became to know more about all the characters...." Read more

"...I was so excited to read this captivating and beautiful story of love, survival, war, tragedy, and hope!..." Read more

"Kurt Seyt & Shura is a truly mesmerizing historical novel. A tale of great love within a tragic love story set in the larger context of war, danger..." Read more

39 customers mention "Emotional depth"30 positive9 negative

Customers find the book engaging and emotional. They say it weaves joy and sorrow, drawing readers into its captivating tale. Readers empathize with the characters as they come to life through the words. The historical background and human side of the book remind them of their family. Overall, customers describe the story as heartfelt and masterfully told.

"Kurt Seyt & Shura is a captivating tale that intricately weaves joy and sorrow, drawing readers into its richly detailed world...." Read more

"...to read this captivating and beautiful story of love, survival, war, tragedy, and hope!..." Read more

"...The book is amazing and clears up a lot of questions...." Read more

"...Not only is this the tale of an amazing, if melancholy love story... it explains, better than the series, some of the more frustrating, self-created..." Read more

31 customers mention "Translation quality"24 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the translation quality. They find the book well-written and engaging, with descriptive language used to narrate the story. The translation is flawless, and they are delighted that the book is available in English after watching the entire series.

"...It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s beautifully written, the author, Nermin Bezmen’s descriptive writing is like a picture being..." Read more

"I am delighted that this book is available in English after watching the entire series in Turkish with English subtitles!..." Read more

"...Also, the writer makes you feel like you are in the story - she writes beautifully. I wish I knew Turkish - I would buy the rest of the books...." Read more

"...Seyt and Shura’s love story had me hooked instantly and the translation is so flawless, you’d think it was written in English originally...." Read more

27 customers mention "Historical context"27 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the historical context of the book. They find it fascinating and insightful, providing an overview of the Russian Revolution, communists, and their violence. The book transports readers to a different era and immerses them in its poignant universe.

"...is masterfully presented, evoking a sense of being truly immersed in its poignant universe...." Read more

"...excited to read this captivating and beautiful story of love, survival, war, tragedy, and hope!..." Read more

"...This book gave me insight into the history of The Russian revolution, the communists and their violence and murders of many innocent people...." Read more

"...She had researched and interviewed relatives extensively. I can’t find any fault with the book at all. I admire her dedication and wish her success...." Read more

14 customers mention "Tv series"14 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the TV series. They watched the whole season years ago and can't wait to read the book.

"Loved the series on netflix so I had to get the book! Loved the extra details that actually happened in the lives of Seyit and Shura...." Read more

"It was In perfect condition and came in perfect timing. Watched the whole season years ago and can’t wait to read the book." Read more

"Very informative. The TV series was great and I loved it...." Read more

"Loved the Netflix series, loved the book even more! Waiting on translations of the Author's other books about these characters." Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"10 positive3 negative

Customers find the characters engaging and realistic. They empathize with them and become invested in their lives. The acting is praised as wonderful and perfectly cast.

"...Tatlitug and Farah Zeynep Abdullah, are wonderful actors and perfectly cast! And the musical score is indescribably beautiful...." Read more

"After seeing the TV series, I was blown away by the acting and the fascinating storyline depicting cultures and places far different than my own...." Read more

"...Moscow and St. Petersburg, Crimea, and Istanbul--and the variety of characters...." Read more

"...The protagonists feel far more flawed, when not being played by such gorgeous actors..." Read more

6 customers mention "Impact"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book transformative and meaningful. They say it changes their perspective and brings the story to life.

"...strength of the book is the powerful love story- so terribly sad and affecting." Read more

"I loved this book and it changed my perspective on a lot of things. It was the most enchanting love story of all times...." Read more

"Because it is based on a true story, it is all the more meaningful. The question left unanswered is ...why. Read it and draw your own conclusion" Read more

"...Movie is fantastic!! This book brought them all to life and filled in all the questions you didn’t have answered!! A MUST READ!!" Read more

Captivating and addictive! A real page turner!
5 out of 5 stars
Captivating and addictive! A real page turner!
I found the series Kurt Seyit & Sura on Netflix and I fell completely in love with this story! It was in Turkish with English subtitles and I binge watched from beginning to end. I really couldn’t get enough! I found the author’s Facebook group and learned that the first book in the series was being translated to English and released on Amazon in a few weeks! I was so excited to read this captivating and beautiful story of love, survival, war, tragedy, and hope! I got my book, Kurt Seyt & Shura a couple of days ago, and I CANNOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s beautifully written, the author, Nermin Bezmen’s descriptive writing is like a picture being painted with words! The story is about a beautiful innocent girl, Shura, who falls in love with the brave and dashing soldier, Kurt Seyt. It is even better that this book is a real life saga, about real people! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ for anyone who likes history, adventure, and romance. Read this book and watch the series on Netflix and you will definitely be captured by this wonderful story!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
    Kurt Seyt & Shura is a captivating tale that intricately weaves joy and sorrow, drawing readers into its richly detailed world. The narrative's depth and emotional resonance make it a compelling read that lingers long after the final page. This poignant story of love and loss is masterfully presented, evoking a sense of being truly immersed in its poignant universe. A personal favorite that beckons multiple re-reads without losing its allure. Here's to the hope of Sura and Seyt finding solace in the beyond, mending the ache in their souls.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
    I was unaware of who these people were but soon became so engrossed I was unable to put the book down. Occasionally I have felt saddened while reading but never ever sobbed . This real story broke my heart. The more I read,the more consumed I became to know more about all the characters. I have learned love is both wonderful but risky.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017
    I found the series Kurt Seyit & Sura on Netflix and I fell completely in love with this story! It was in Turkish with English subtitles and I binge watched from beginning to end. I really couldn’t get enough! I found the author’s Facebook group and learned that the first book in the series was being translated to English and released on Amazon in a few weeks! I was so excited to read this captivating and beautiful story of love, survival, war, tragedy, and hope! I got my book, Kurt Seyt & Shura a couple of days ago, and I CANNOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s beautifully written, the author, Nermin Bezmen’s descriptive writing is like a picture being painted with words! The story is about a beautiful innocent girl, Shura, who falls in love with the brave and dashing soldier, Kurt Seyt. It is even better that this book is a real life saga, about real people! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ for anyone who likes history, adventure, and romance. Read this book and watch the series on Netflix and you will definitely be captured by this wonderful story!
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating and addictive! A real page turner!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2017
    I found the series Kurt Seyit & Sura on Netflix and I fell completely in love with this story! It was in Turkish with English subtitles and I binge watched from beginning to end. I really couldn’t get enough! I found the author’s Facebook group and learned that the first book in the series was being translated to English and released on Amazon in a few weeks! I was so excited to read this captivating and beautiful story of love, survival, war, tragedy, and hope! I got my book, Kurt Seyt & Shura a couple of days ago, and I CANNOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. It’s beautifully written, the author, Nermin Bezmen’s descriptive writing is like a picture being painted with words! The story is about a beautiful innocent girl, Shura, who falls in love with the brave and dashing soldier, Kurt Seyt. It is even better that this book is a real life saga, about real people! THIS BOOK IS A MUST READ for anyone who likes history, adventure, and romance. Read this book and watch the series on Netflix and you will definitely be captured by this wonderful story!
    Images in this review
    Customer image
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    17 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2018
    Kurt Seyt & Shura is a truly mesmerizing historical novel. A tale of great love within a tragic love story set in the larger context of war, danger, and loss. The author has provided great historical detail and accuracy from St. Petersburg Russia at the start of the Bolshevik Revolution to fleeing across the Black Sea to attempting a new life in Istanbul Turkey.
    The Netflix Series of the same name has embellished the true story based on the book but it makes for wonderful TV! The leads, Kivanc Tatlitug and Farah Zeynep Abdullah, are wonderful actors and perfectly cast! And the musical score is indescribably beautiful.
    The core of the Series and the story of the book is the love story of Seyt and Shura. As I read in an interview with the author, Seyt and Shura`s weaknesses were "his pride...& her naiveté". I don't think that either of them understood these failings in each other or how to work through them.
    They went on without each other...you want to weep for both of them.
    Thank you Nermin Bezmen for loving Shura as well as your grandmother. You have a big heart.
    Waiting for the English versions of Kurt Seyt & Murka & Shura. And so hoping for an English version of Shura's years in the United States.
    There are all kinds of love but a great love is another thing. A MUST READ.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2018
    Had I not loved the Turkish television series (still available on Netflix as of early 2018), I may not have had the buy-in to finish reading this more reality-based rendering... or perhaps I would have! Just be aware that it is a quieter read than you might expect from binge-watching the show. Many of the bad guys from the series either don't make it out of Russia, or don't appear at all. The protagonists feel far more flawed, when not being played by such gorgeous actors (if you are prone to like or dislike a book based on the moral decisions of its main characters, prepare yourself for some judgment). Several of the especially melodramatic moments from the show (such as a certain someone getting shot) don't happen in the book at all.

    Again--that's because the book is based on the real, thoroughly researched story, while the TV show has license to go for even more drama. In many ways, though, reality enhances a different kind of drama, and there lies the true strength of Kurt Seyt & Shura--the book. Not only is this the tale of an amazing, if melancholy love story... it explains, better than the series, some of the more frustrating, self-created obstacles in the path of such love.

    What I truly loved about this was how the role Seyt and Shura held for each other toward the end--representing everything about their previous lives in Russia--they also held for the reader. It is one thing to just read history books about the Russian Revolution, and the Crimean Turks (who would later face ethnic cleansing under Stalin). But such momentous moments in history often don't become real until we see them played out through real human beings. The "White Russians" lost everything, reminding us that such changes of fortune are all too possible, and their plight puts current refugee crises into a more personal light. The current situation in Crimea becomes far more clear when a western reader like myself better understands how significant a role the Muslim population held, and how they were forcibly evicted. In this way, KURT SEYT & SHURA played much the same educational role for me as did Ruta Sepetys novels BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY and SALT TO THE SEE, opening my eyes to human crimes and tragedies I'd been blithely ignoring. Thank you, Nermin Bezmen, for sharing your grandfather's story and expanding my world.

    After having finished this, Murka has become my favorite character, so I look forward to the sequel. And of course I want to know more about the amazing SHURA in her own book--please let us know when there are English translations for these as well.
    35 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • booklover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Love Story
    Reviewed in Canada on August 22, 2022
    A great story of the Russian Revolution and fall of Tzar. Gives you an understanding of the struggles of the Aristocracy who some emigrated to Istanbul and had dreams of returning to their majestic Russia. Lots of losses, loss of family members, loss of their old cultured lives and their new struggles in a different world where they pawned all that they had for pennies. Lots of suppressed pain trying to figure out who they now were and how to survive.
  • Patricia Neves
    5.0 out of 5 stars Une histoire vraie simplement fascinante
    Reviewed in France on November 22, 2024
    J'ai reçu ce livre super vite et en excellent état. L'histoire est simplement fascinante. J'adore. Je voulais ce livre depuis des années et finalement je l'ai eu. Je suis trop contente.
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    Patricia Neves
    5.0 out of 5 stars Une histoire vraie simplement fascinante
    Reviewed in France on November 22, 2024
    J'ai reçu ce livre super vite et en excellent état. L'histoire est simplement fascinante. J'adore. Je voulais ce livre depuis des années et finalement je l'ai eu. Je suis trop contente.
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  • Silvana
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo libro
    Reviewed in Italy on September 12, 2024
    Mi piace la narrazione sia per il periodo storico che per le vicende personali dei personaggi. Non li dimenticherò mai ❤️
  • Txaro
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 18, 2024
    Absoutely love it. Saw the serial and I love their eyes looking at eachother with a deep soul that words cant express.
    Story that makes me cry.
    End of the serial should be different as Kurt Syet and Sura love eachother to the deepest soul.
    Beautifully written.
  • Edd Galaviz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cumplió con las expectativas
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 30, 2019
    Excelente tiempo de entrega, llego antes de navidad y fue lo mejor, totalmente nuevo sin detalles y la persona ahora lo esta disfrutando en ausencia que no esta en español el libro.

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