What is the thing you want most from me? What can I do to make you love me?' Be yourself,' said Ipek.

Of course in Turkey I'm seen as being on the 'Western' side, criticised by the nationalists, criticised by the communitarians as not belonging. Even, sometimes, criticised for looking at my country through Western eyes. And in the Western media I'm portrayed as belonging to the East.

It's very gratifying to me to see my works bringing people closer to my country.

There's been quite a clear upswing in nationalist sentiments. Everyone is talking about it, in Turkey as well.

More than anything I am a novelist. But for me, an author's job is not only to create linguistically accomplished works. As an author I also want to stimulate discussion.

The silence of snow, thought the man sitting just behind the bus driver.

When something explosive is kept hidden away, a tension builds within that must ultimately be released.