Mahi 2

The author opens with a personal note: she lost her father at nine, and so understands those who grow up without a parent; she asks readers to see Mahi this time as someone who «knows and understands motherlessness». The note explains Mahi's seemingly excessive self-sacrifice in the first book and signals the sequel's emotional key — loss, belonging and the theme of «becoming a mother».

Chapter one is a tense opening: Mahi wakes in hospital as memories flood back — the sound of the car driven at them, everyone shouting, Ali Asaf shielding her, a deafening blast and blood on his fingers. Despite his wounded arm, Ali Asaf keeps insisting all is well, but the unease in his eyes suggests «something he knows but cannot say». Mahi, for her part, says she accepted his dangerous profession — soldiering — from the very first day, but cannot bear the thought of losing him because of «some maniac on the road».

The chapter also shows the relationship's new stage: Ali Asaf now calls her «Yavrum» and «Mahinev», «battles» Bahar and Emine for the right to stay by her bedside and ends up shouting in front of everyone, «And I'm her boyfriend!». This comic moment is one of the novel's most endearing — the contrast between the tough-soldier image and his childish stubbornness within the family is nicely handled. But the same chapter's romantic scene is long and detailed; the «for adult readers» label is there for a reason.

Chapters told by Bahar give the novel room to breathe. Bahar is hiding her relationship with her brother's friend Selim from the family, and Selim now insists «no more hiding». Selim's three-storey family house, his sister Nalan who moved back after her divorce, little Ayşin — such details keep neighbourhood life vivid. Bahar going to Selim's flat to mend his hurt feelings, followed by Mahi's call — «Ali Asaf wants to see you both» — creates a gentle tension.

The weaknesses mirror the first book: very long descriptions of the same emotions, recurring phrases like «my eyes filled» and «he clenched his jaw», and romantic scenes that slow the plot. The secret behind the attack does arouse curiosity and builds a bridge to Ali Asaf's «I had no other way» confession in the first book. A satisfying continuation for fans of the series; new readers should start with book one.

• Alternating chapters from Mahi's and Bahar's points of view
• The timeline continues under the heading «Past»
• Each chapter opens with Cemal Süreya verses and song titles