Radioactive Emergency

Disaster films seem to fill a need for people. Perhaps we feel lucky to have avoided one, or maybe we have suffered  and want to review from a safe location.  Chernobyl is one that adults can recall.  It was at a nuclear plant.  The disaster in Goiania, Brazil was with an abandoned barrel.

Two scavengers looking for scrap metal snuck into an abandoned clinic and discovered a lead capsule containing a glowing blue powder.  A few days later they took it to a scrap dealer and soon its unusual properties were brought to the attention of Marcio, a radiation expert and he realized the danger.  The blue powder was identified as Caesium 137, a radioactive agent, useful for treating cancer, but extremely dangerous.  Goiania is a city of over one million in a central part of Brazil.

Dr. Orenstein was brought in and took steps to control the spread.  Because it had been open in public for several days the danger had spread.  Eventually over 110,00 people were examined, over 200 were hospitalized and 4 died.   Much property including soil had to be destroyed or isolated.  Waste disposal  was a source of riots.

At first there had been resistance to being examined, but before too long hysteria set in.  One very young girl died and was buried in a lead coffin in a concrete lined burial plot, but crowds vocally protested as they felt it was dangerous for them.

Experts were brought in and there were conflicting views on treating the victims.  A bus trip was determined to be contaminated and required a wider effort.   An indigenous tribe was on the periphery and felt threatened.

Ultimately the experience led to new protocols that have become global standards.

Here are some of the key people for this well done film.

Fernando Coimbra was the director and a writer.  He has 16 credits for directing, 10 for writing and 3 for producing, including "Narcos" (2015-17).   

Gustavo Lipsztein was the creator and a writer.  He has 10 credits for writing, 4 for producing and 3 for directing.

Adrian Teijido was the cinematographer.  He has 44 cinematography credits and 2 for the camera and electrical department, including "Narcos" (2015-17) and Oscar best foreign winner "I'm Still Here" (2024- not seen).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/12/narcos.html

Karen Harley was one of the editors.  She has 55 editor credits, 7 for the editorial department and 5 for directing including "The Second Mother" (2015).

Vicente Kubrusly was another editor.  He has 21 editor credits, 3 for director and 1 for writer including "Caramelo" (2025).

Johnny Massaro played Marcio, a radiation expert.  He has a background in theatre, including as a playwright.  Johnny has 35 acting credits, 3 for directing and 3 for writing.

Paul Gorgulho played Dr Orenstein, a ,senior radiation expert.  He has 56 acting credits.

 Bukassa Kabengele, played Evenildo, a vocal victim.  He has 43 acting credits and 2 for soundtrack.

Antonio Sabola played Dr.Eduardo Souto  He has 35 acting credits, 2 for producing and 1 for directing, including "I"m Still Here" (2024).

"Radioactive Emergency" is available on Netflix, subtitled and dubbed in several languages.  It is worth seeing not only for the drama, but a reminder at how precarious life can be.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.

If you are fascinated by disaster films check out these posts. 

Another disaster:  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/04/chernobyl.html

A disaster in Communist Poland  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/02/lead-children-communist-enviromental.html 

A sea disaster  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2026/02/hewliusz-post-communist-disaster.html

Put Your Soul on Hold and Walk

Sepideh Farsi wanted to cover the war from Gaza, but was blocked from doing so.  She was able  with the help of refugees in Cairo to hook on internet with Fatima Hassouna, a photo journalist who spoke English.  

Fatima was almost always speaking with the same sort of smile seen in the poster.  She talks casually about bombing, drones and helicopters killing people, including many she knew.  Another concern was starvation and water contamination.

There were many discussions.  Fatima did not like new Hamas leader, but felt it was important to stand up for their rights.  Also talk of Iran's history with the Shah gaining power and then being replaced by fundamentalist was not an improvement.

Fatima was able to take photos of destruction.  The title comes from a comment she said when asked about going outside;  "Put your soul on hold and walk."  A couple of times she had to evacuate, but kept her camera.

The last conversation took place April 15, 2025 when she was informed that the film had been nominated for a Cannes Film Festival and she would be invited to attend.  The very next day she and her family were killed by a targeted missile.  Research suggested it was targeted with the rationale that they were Hamas. Likely she was identified as a journalist, getting out some truth.  Israel has been accused of killing over 200 journalists, 28 of them women over Gaza, Lebanon and Israel.

There were news clips from CNN, Aljazeera and France 24.  We saw the slaughter denounced by the Hague and defended by Benjamin Netanyahu

A few key people made this documentary a must see.

Sepideh Farsi was director, writer, producer, editor, cinematographer and and one of the two main actors.  She had been born in Iran.  In 1981 two years after the Revolution, she was 16.  Although films were banned a mentor used a blackboard to explain classic films directed her toward a career ambition.  She was considered a rebel and spent a year in prison and afterwards escaped.  She ended up in France and started making films.  She has 13 credits as a director, 9 as a writer and 6 as an editor.

 Fatima Hassouna, the photojournalist, born in Gaza had earned a degree in multimedia from University College of Applied Science in Gaza.  She was a producer for "Israel and Gaza Into the Abyss" (2025).

 The conflict in Palestine continues to draw attention.  For many, who used to see the Israeli Jews as besieged have begun to appreciate the Palestinians as the ones being besieged.  It is very complex, but boils down to two emotions:  Fear and Hate.

Zionism is based on the thought that there is no safe place for Jews.  The Palestinians for over a millennium have felt this was their land.  Going back to World War I in which some Arabs did help the British defeat the Turks they had been led to believe they would get their own country.  

The Jews really do have reason to fear the Palestinians and many of their Muslim neighbors.  They feel words written in the Bible, centuries ago proclaim Israel and Palestine have been chosen by God for them.  To justify their obstinacy they may also look down upon the Palestinians as backward and provocative.

The Palestinians hate those they feel have stolen their land and humiliated them.  Further aggravated by Israel moving Jewish settlers building in the West Bank and discussing doing so in southern Lebanon.

One long term strategy for Palestinians would be to lessen the fear felt by the Jews.  Easier said than done. Since recent months Palestinians fear Israelis (and Americans) and that is not likely to change.

"Put Your Soul on Hold and Walk" is news, but more personal--not just numbers.  Such films may help to give better balance to the conflict.  Students who have rallied to the Palestinian cause are tainted with anti-Semitism which undoubtedly has some truth and there is the danger of increasing it.  Here might be one opportunity to alleviate the tension.  Older generations have difficulty seeing a new perspective among the young.  The core of the present situation seems to be anti-Zionism, not anti Semitism. but the two are too easily linked. 

The world should condemn Israeli settlements in the West Bank.  They have been denounced by international authorities, but even now, they continue.  They seem to prove that might is right.

I watched it on a Blu-ray disc.  The language is overwhelmingly English with occasional Arabic, mainly a poem written by Fatima.

More than Blue: the Series

"More than Blue:  the Series" (2021) is a sad story, but also inspiring about the strength of love.  Another great series from Taiwan.  It is a story within a story.

Near the beginning we see a young woman pummeling a young man for no discernible reason.  We learn eventually that the boy's father had killed her parents in an accident and she, soon known as Cream wanted revenge.  Soon she learns the boy's father has leukemia and dies.  The boy to be known as K has his mother also die.  Cream realizes they both lack a family and she ironically, perhaps moves in with him, as a family.  Neither wants to admit it, but they end up loving each other.  K. learns he has leukemia like his father and gradually deteriorates.  His concern is to find a good man for Cream.

The story adds a complication.  He picks his dentist, Yang Yu-hsien as the ideal candidate, but he already has a fiancee, Cindy, a photographer.  K persuades Cindy to break up the engagement and then maneuvers Cream to get closer to Yu-hsien.  K manipulates her to marry which she does only to please him.  A frame over this is that K is a song writer who is poor on lyrics.  Cream laughs at his attempt to put words to an admittedly good melody and comes up with a much better song.  It appeals to the record boss, but the copyright is elusive.  K dies and she disappears after arranging his funeral.

Another frame is three years later when Wang Po han, a manager wants to include the song in an upcoming album.  Chasing the copyright he gets involved with  An Yi-chi, an employee and a single mom.  Her son, An Ke-le, has been told to call his mother his sister.  Ke-le has a heart condition and is conscious of his mortality and his mother's vulnerability.  Po han wants to help, but she is resistant and he develops a relationship with Ke-le.

Cindy is still involved.  Two singers are also involved and chasing the copyright is a challenge.  For many of you, you will shed tears, but you will also feel good about love.

As usual in such good films there are a lot of people responsible.  Here are only a few. 

Pei-Ju Hsieh was the director.  He has 8 writing credits, 7 for directing and 4 for assistant director.

Francis Sun was one of the composers.  Although raised in Taiwan he resides in Los Angeles.  He was inspired by an album by Yo Yo Ma of film music by Ennio Morricone  (in my music collection).  Francis  has 113  composing credits, 3 for the music department and 2 for the production department.

Tomm Matthews was the second listed composer.  He  resides in Auckland.  Tomm has 11 composing credits and 9 for the music department.

Randy Che was the cinematographer.  He has 47 cinematographer credits, 58 for the camera and electrical department and 2 for directing.

Yi-Ning Chiang was the editor.  He has 13 credits as editor, 6 for the editorial department and 1 for cinematography.

Fandy Fan played K.  He has 19 acting credits.

Gingle Wang played Cream.   She has 19 acting credits including "The Falls" ((2021), "Light the Night" (2021) and "Wave Makers" (2023).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/08/taiwan.html

Po-Chieh Wang played Wang Po han.  He has 47 acting credits including "Life of Pi" (2023) and "Forget You Not" (2025), one of my top series,.  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/06/forget-you-not-something-from-taiwan.html   

Yu-wei Shao played An Yi-chi.  She has 32 acting credits and 1 for soundtrack.  

 Eleven Yao played Cindy.  She has 39 acting credits.

Figaro Tseng played the dentist.  He performed in a boy band, Comic Boyz for a few years.  Figaro has 34 acting credits and 1 for production design.

Bai Run-yin played Ke-le.  His mother was a translator from Japan and his father was a Taiwanese photographer and an agent for his two children.  Run-yin did his first tv commercial at age 5 after the producer had seen a photo from the father.  He also has done music videos.  When he started doing films he was praised for psychological sensitive roles.  He has also done a Japanese film perhaps because he had been active in martial arts.  In "More Than Blue:  The Series" he won a supporting actor award.

It is available subtitled on Netflix.  It is a tear jerker for sure, but a strong love story.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  They are not necessarily a recommendation, but generally I found them pretty good.  Check out the links to get a fuller idea of what those films offer.

Hello Bachhon

"Hello Bachhon" (2026) is unusual as it focuses on teaching.  With emphasis on a scary subject, physics.  

India has been the source of many mathematical and scientific success stories.  The problem is intense competition to get into the top schools.  Some capable students lose out because they can't afford top coaching.  A few are desperate and some of them commit suicide because of the pressure.

Alakh Pandey enters the fray with a different approach.  Coming from a poor background he never made it to the IIT, but was able to garner support from someone who did.  Rather than focusing on entry to limited positions at IIT, he felt physics was a basis for love of science and the discipline needed for other aims.  The big coaching schools were big business and they resisted his efforts at every turn.

The series focuses on his efforts to raise funds and recruit more support for his idea.  Simultaneously we follow some youngsters who feel the pressure to qualify for the necessary education.  One girl is temporarily sidelined by her parents arranging a marriage.  Another gifted youngster is sidelined by a simple mistake and attempts to kill himself.  Constantly Alakh tells youngsters the discipline they learn can lead to other career paths than to IIT.  

Eventually he does succeed and helps to change physics education and make it more accessible to more youngsters.  The school offers online and off line options.

The cast and crew help make this a compelling story.  Here are a few of the contributors.

Pratish Mehta was the director.  He has 9 acting credits, 4 for directing and 1 for assistant directing.

Abhishek Yadav was the creator and a script writer.  He got a start with advertising commercials.  Abhishek has 14 writing credits, 11 for producing and 3 for directing.

Anand Bajpai was the composer.  He sings and writes lyrics.  He has been involved with over 2,000 tv. commercials.  Anand has 6 composing credits.

Amogh Deshpande was the cinematographer.  He studied at the Prague Film School.  Amogh has 13 cinematography credits, 4 for the camera and electrical department and 1 for assistant directing.

Akash Bundhoo was the editor.  He has 20 editor credits.

Vineet Kumar Singh played Alakh Pandey.  He was a boxer and also reached national level basketball. Winning a Superstar Talent Hunt helped start his film career.  Vineet has 48 acting credits, 2 for assistant directing and 1 for writing including "Gangs of Wassepur" (2012), "Bombay Talkies" (2013), "Gold" (2018), "Gunjan Saxena" (2020) and "Chhaava" (2025).

Vikram Kochhar played, Prateek a key supporter.  He has 75 acting credits including "Matru Ki Biljlee Ka Mandola" (2013), "Ghanchakkar" (2013), "Sacred Games" (2018-19) and "Dunki" (2023).

Girja Oak played Alakh's sister.   She has a degree in biotechnology.  Girja has 38 acting credits including "Like Stars on Earth" (2007), "Shor in the City" (2010), "Qala" (2022) and "Jawan" (2023).

"Manoj Joshi" played a potential investor.  He started in the Marathi theatre and also Gujarati.  While acting in "Devdas" (2002) he suffered a stroke and was bedridden for a year and a half.  He has been the vice president of the Bombay Art Society.  Manoj has 211 acting credits including "Sarfarosh" (1999),  "Vivah" (2006), "Guru" (2007), "Bhool Bhulaiyaa" (2007),"Billu" (2009), "Khatta Meetha" (2010),   "Hasee Toh Phasee" (2014), "Jaadugar" (2022) and "Shastry Viruddh Shastry" (2023).  see http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/07/jaadugar.html

"Hello Bachhon" is available on Netflix, subtitled and dubbed.  If you wondered how so many Indians rise to the top of mathematics, engineering and the internet this will provide a few clues.

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.

"Alef" An Engaging Turkish Police drama

 This wasn't planned, but when "Alef"(2025) appeared on my library arrivals I felt obligated to watch. In fact I binged.  Hence this blog.

This is my second engaging Turkish police drama in the past year.   Check out http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/08/graveyard.html

"Alef" is set in Istanbul and captures a lot of it around the Bosphorus.  You may have heard about "whirling dervishes" that were attached to the Sufi religion, a sect of Islam.  Apparently there were divisions and in modern times thought to be very rare, but we learn a bit about it as it is a key part of a series of grisly murders. 

Alef is the first letter in the Hebrew alphabet and was found as a sort of signature on a few dead bodies.  Lots of Qu'ran references.  

Most series revolve around a team of police officers and this has an interesting pair.  Settar is a veteran of the traditional type who tends to beat out answers.  Kemal had been born in Turkey, but was raised in England and rose in police ranks to a Scotland Yard division.  He is more ethical and studious.  Each has a sad background which is revealed over episodes.

Kemal seeks out more information about the early history (going back to the 1500's) and finds a university professor, Yasar who not only provides useful information, but becomes a romantic interest.  There are intriguing clues that a combination of modern technology and traditional methods uncover that lead us to a surprising conclusion.

Whirling dervishes may seem like an odd form of entertainment, but to a serious practitioner it seems to put them into a sort of hypnotic trance that makes them feel part of the infinite wisdom.  One thought expressed was "Everything is one and one is everything." 

A few issues referred to include transsexuality, human trafficking and Afro-Turks.

I found this a very engaging series and was struck with the professionalism displayed.  Below are a few of those who made this worth watching.

Gokhan Tiryaki was a director.  He has  42 credits for cinematography, 5 for camera and electrical department and 5 for directing including "Once Upon a Time in Anatolia" (2011), "Winter Sleep" (2014) and "The Wild Pear Tree" (2018).  See http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2021/10/winter-sleep-turkish-masterpiece.html

Emre Kayis was the creator and key scriptwriter.  He is a graduate from the London Film School with a MA.  Emre has 5 writing credits, 5 for directing and 4 for cinematography.

Mercan Dede was the composer.  He was chosen for his experience with Sufi electronic fusion which had been used in a German documentary.  He had won a scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan and has lived in Montreal.  Mercan has 13 composing credits pus 6 for the music department including "Head-on" (2004).

Serkan Gulguler was the cinematographer.  He has 34 camera and electrical department credits and 14 for cinematography including "Winter Sleep" (2014) and "The Wild Pear Tree" (2018).  

 Ozcan Varder was an editor.  Born in Turkey, but based in Germany as a free lancer he has edited films in other countries including Netherlands.  He has 31 editor credits, 4 for the editorial department and 1 for cinematography.

Harika Uygur was involved with casting.  She trained at the Seattle Broadway Hall and set up an acting studio where she coaches performers.  Harika is also a certified yoga instructor.  She has 99 casting director credits, 17 for the casting department and 1 as assistant director including "Head-on" (2004) and "Mustang" (2015).

Kenan Mirzalioglu played Kemal, the studious police detective.  He has a university degree in mathematics.  In 1997 he represented Turkey at the World Best Model of the Year and won.  He has also been a tv. host.  Kenan has 16 acting credits.

Ahmet Mumtaz Taylan played the rougher detective.  He had a career in the theater including in Germany.  He was the General Secretary for the State Theater Artist's Association and won a directing award for a play.  Ahmet has 90 acting credits, 1 for composing and 1 for soundtrack including "Once Upon a Time in Anatolia" (2011).

Melisa Sozen played Yasar, the doctor of Islamic history.  She has done television commercials.  Melisa has 45 acting credits including "Winter Sleep" (2014).

There are some grisly scenes in the first episode, but if you can get by that it is a riveting police drama.  I watched it on  a DVD from my local library.  Subtitled.  

As usual I have bolded the first mention of films I have seen.  Some of them are among my Turkish films.  If you follow the links you should be able to determine if any film is worth following up.

We desperately need another Nelson Mandela

This blog may seem rambling, because it is.  My belief is that everything is connected.  Unfortunately the weaknesses of mankind has a strangling influence.  Some of those in power cling to it with little regard to long term consequences.  Power has been centralized.  The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.  If something is not done (and soon) mankind seems destined for disaster.

Power is like a magnet for some individuals.  They visualize what they can accomplish with it.  Bigger house, nicer car, better clothes, more sexual choice.  Some enjoy obedience from everyone, even creating the fear of disobeying a whim.  Others fancy getting important things done ranging from lowering taxes to reducing crime to purifying the air.   Being important is a goal in itself.  Being above the law is intoxicating.  Controlling others allows one to indulge in fantasies.  To get power it is necessary to take advantage of prejudice and ignorance   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2019/06/dying-of-whiteness.html

The Epstein Files, such as we know them, reveal that the very rich can indulge in sexual fantasies.  For some that means having sex with younger females or inflicting pain.  One man seems willing to use hurtful diversions to maintain his innocence.

Nelson Mandela, after suffering unfair imprisonment was so courageous and principled that he was eventually given power.  He was admired by enough people that he gained even more power.  He could easily have sought revenge or sought to enjoy all sorts of luxuries that he had been denied until he was almost too old to enjoy them.   He wanted the white South Africans to stay and developed the concept of truth and reconciliation and attracting the World Rugby Championship.  After his death I wrote a blog about Nelson Mandela.http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/12/nelson-mandela.html    A decade later I realized it took two men to change South Africa.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/09/we-need-another-nelson-mandela-and-fw.html

 There are still a lot of capable individuals who are honest and caring.  Unfortunately most of them lack sufficient power.  The people below are some examples of leaders who have demonstrated leadership.

Barrack Obama used Abraham Lincoln as a sort of model.  Both men prefer a team of advisors that would challenge them.  Doris Kearns Goodwin noted that Abraham Lincoln deliberately developed a team of rivals.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2011/11/team-of-rivals-has-lessons-for-today.html

It was pretty nervy for Pete Buttigieg, a small town mayor who was openly gay to run in a presidential leadership contest.  Somehow he proved to be well tempered, remaining calm while using logic to determine root causes and options.  He strikes me as a logical choice to make decisions on a global scale, but is handicapped by prejudice and ignorance.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a comic actor whose politics was expressed in satire, struck a nerve.  His election surprised many, even more so when Russians invaded he did not flee.  He displayed courage and organizing.  His first language is Russian and at some point he may be able to demonstrate forgiveness.   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2022/06/servant-of-people-final-episodes.html

A woman who crossed my path is Chrystia Freeland.  She has a long run view and understands the lure of power.  She played second fiddle to the Prime Minister and made a bold move that forced him out. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2013/01/plutocrats-by-chrystia-freeland.html

Yuval Noah Harari  has caught my attention for his understanding of human nature, where we came from and where we are headed.  He explains AI.  Does not subscribe to the idea of Jews being God's chosen people.  He is also openly gay and lives in Israel which may be a bonus, or a deterrent. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2024/10/nexus.html

Mark Carney has recently come to global recognition.  Handling Trump is a real test, but Carney has done a fair balancing act.  He has drawn a few lines and diversified trade and defense

Of course others could have been mentioned, and there is no perfect choice.  Is the final decision maker the only leader?  Part of Trump's downfall will be attributed to his choice of advisors selected for loyalty, not expertise or level headedness.  That should have been a clue before the election.

In pre history leaders were chosen informally by followers recognizing competence first hand.    Expertise was acknowledged and different group members would lead different tasks.  Then we got civilized.  http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/07/selected.html

Since recorded history we have endured many monarchs or dictators and have developed concepts of democracy, but in general powerful people were able to use money, connections and sophistication to manipulate.  As my regular readers know I advocate proportional representation, but even that only works with educated voters (but PR generally is more conducive to education).   http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2023/10/your-vote-neednt-be-wasted.html

There have been many dominant powers, but they all eventually are diminished. Fareed Zakaria refers to the British Empire whose power was global didn't collapse from outside attack, but did get spread too thin to manage.

At some future date it seems possible that mankind could galvanize over climate change.  At the moment it seems not enough powerful people are suffering, but it seems likely the suffering will steadily increase. The Iran war is steering more nations and people to seek alternatives to fossil fuel.  We are still headed for climate disaster, but sufficient people do not yet realize that.

To survive the world needs more long term thinking and more respect for science.  And above all we need to co-operate for everyone's best interest.  Hate hurts everyone and has all too often been used as a tool to benefit a small number of people.

Nelson Mandela presented what we need.  A collaborator with a vision.

Thank you Fabrice for getting me on this track. 

Madonna in a Fur Coat

 I really should read more fiction as it has been told that it helps you become more empathetic, an area I feel weak in.  Charity Norman, a New Zealand novelist suggested "Madonna in a Fur Coat" was a reading she strongly enjoyed.  

In the introduction by David Selim Sayers we were told about the author, Sabahattin Ali.  What I got out of it was that all his other books had a political theme.  It was also suggested that "Madonna in a Fur Coat" was semi-autobiographical.  My belief is that every novel has something personal about it--perhaps we will never figure it out.  Picasso had said that  "Art is the lie that shows us the truth."

In real life as well as the story, a male lead travels from Turkey to Berlin for a business venture.

 To start this story, the narrator encounters Raif Effendi working as a translator in Turkey, who talks with others as little as possible.  Gradually a relationship is developed partly because Raif is ill from time to time and the narrator is required to pass on requests for translation.  At one point Raif is so ill they decided to move his office supplies to his home.  By accident the narrator picks up an unknown notebook and although very curious, does not read the content.  When he hands the notebook to Raif,  the translator becomes very flustered and says he should burn it.  The narrator encourages him not to destroy it just yet.   Raif wrote a personal story just to get it on paper, but now thought he wanted someone he trusted to perhaps understand.  The narrator is to take it back to his home and return it the next day. The notebook contained the essence of the book.

In "Madonna in a Fur Coat" Raif is sent to Berlin, Germany to learn something about the soap trade.  Wandering around on his own he enters an art gallery and  is soon mesmerized by a self portrait, "Madonna in a Fur Coat"  His steadfast interest over several days draws the attention of the artist, Maria Puder.  She later admits that she initiated a conversation to mock him.  She finds him honest and open unlike any others.  We learn she is a poor artist who lives with her mother from Prague and is also a nightclub entertainer.

They find each other easy to talk with.  She does say they are just friends and he accepts that.  Over time they spend more time with each other.  Their relationship is a bit ambiguous to us readers, but apparently they are very engrossed with one another.  All good things end and in this case Raif is notified that his father has died and he must leave.  They pledge love, not friendship, to one another and to keep in contact.

The story is not quite over, but he does end up marrying and having children.  Some of the gap is filled in when an acquaintance visits from Germany.  You, my blogger reader have been given a summary of the story, but you have to read it to get the real essence of it.

Sabahattin wrote this, his only romance in 1943.  Turkey and Germany had been allies in the First World War, but Turkey avoided an alliance in the Second World War.  The author strikes me as being anti-Fascist.

To learn about the interesting author, Charity Norman who recommended this book check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2025/04/remember-me-by-charity-norman.html