Reading this felt less like a traditional narrative and more like an intimate documentary. By offering the dual perspectives of both authors, the book provides a balanced and realistic look at "cohabitation." It explores how two distinct personalities—with different habits and tastes—can create a harmonious sanctuary together.
There was a beautiful sense of familiarity in their daily struggles and triumphs, which made the reading experience feel incredibly heartwarming. It wasn't just about friendship; it was about the logistics of sharing a life, from splitting chores to managing their "maximalist vs. minimalist" conflict. For anyone who values independence but fears loneliness, this book serves as a perfect blueprint. I’d give it a solid 9/10—a refreshing, modern take on what "home" can truly mean.
Puan vermedi·248 syf.·
2025 20. kitabı
(English below)
[Türkçe]
Kitapta, 1989’da başlayıp 1997’de Arnavutluk’ta iç savaşın patlak verdiği döneme kadar, bir çocuğun gözünden rejim değişikliğine, liberal ekonomiye geçişe ve tanıdığı dünyanın altüst oluşuna tanıklık ediyoruz. Ailesinin bile hayatta kalmak adına farklı yüzlerini gösterdiği bu dönemde, başlığında da söylendiği gibi “her şeyin parçalandığı” bir süreçte büyüyen yazarın hikâyesine eşlik ediyoruz.
Kitap boyunca tekrar tekrar vurgulanan önemli bir tema var: özgürlük kavramı. Hem komünist hem liberal sistemin özgürlük anlayışları birbirinden farklı ama yazar, her iki sistemin de gerçek özgürlüğü sunamadığını, kendi içinde çelişkiler barındırdığını gösteriyor. Bu, okuyucuyu düşündüren güçlü bir ikilem yaratıyor.
Son bölümlerde ise iç savaşın gölgesinde, ailesinden ayrı düşmüş bir çocuğun korkularını doğrudan o dönemlerde tuttuğu günlüklerden okuyoruz. Bunların bir kurgu değil, gerçek bir çocuğun yaşanmış duyguları olduğunu bilmek insanın içini acıtıyor. Tıpkı günümüzde olduğu gibi… Savaşlardan uzak, çocukların özgürce büyüyebildiği bir dünya dileğiyle.
Günümüz dünyasıyla, ülkemizle o kadar benzerlikleri var ki, altını çizdiğim o kadar çok satır oldu ki. İçtenlikle okumanızı tavsiye ederim.
[English]
The book takes us through the years from 1989 to 1997, a period when civil war broke out in Albania, as seen through the eyes of a child. We witness the collapse of a familiar world as the country shifts from a communist regime to a liberal economy. During this time, even the child’s own family reveals unexpected sides of themselves in order to survive. As the title suggests, we accompany the author through a coming-of-age journey in a world that’s falling apart.
A central theme that is repeatedly emphasized throughout the book is the concept of freedom.
Puan vermedi·224 syf.·
2025 20. kitabı
[english below]
zeynep, başından sonuna kocaman sarılmak istediğim biri oldu. korkularımız, hayata bakışımız o kadar benzer ki. içindeki insanları siyah beyaz olarak ayırma isteği, kırılıp üzülme korkusundan geldiğinden hep o gökkuşağı renklerinden kaçışı olsun, insanlara ne kadar yakınlaşırsa o kadar kırılacağı korkusu olsun... hele aşk. toplumun baskılarına, kadınlara yüklediği sorumluluklar listesine bir savaş tekniği olarak baktığı evlenmeyeceğim nidaları. kocaman sarılmak istedim kendisine. zeynep'in kişisel gelişimi ise ne kadar güzeldi bir yandan da. tam olarak o bahsettiği murakami'nin, o kum fırtınasının içinden geçeceksin ve nasıl geçtiğini anlamayacaksın, nasıl hayatta kaldığını hiç anlayamayacaksın alıntısının zihninde dönüşleri. öyle değil mi hayat? içinden geçtiğimiz kum fırtınalarına şimdi olduğumuz yerden bakıyoruz, ben mesela diyorum ki ben nasıl geçtim bundan, nasıl hala ayakta durabiliyorum? zeynep de öyle bir acıda kavruldu ama kendi yolunu o geçmişindeki korkulara bağlayarak durdurmadan çizmeyi başardı. hayatın içinden birini okumak isterseniz kesinlikle tavsiye ederim.
zeynep has been someone i wanna hug tightly from beginning to end. our fears, our outlook on life..so similar. her tendency to see people in black and white, her avoidance of rainbow colors, all stemming from a fear of being hurt and broken. the more she gets close to people, the more she fears being hurt. and love, especially. her cry of “i won’t get married” as a form of resistance against societal pressure and the list of responsibilities imposed on women - it’s her way of fighting. i truly wanted to embrace her.
and then, zeynep’s personal growth was something so beautiful in itself. it was exactly like that murakami quote she mentions: “you’ll go through the storm, and you
I hate it here so I will go to
secret gardens in my mind
People need a key to get to
The only one is mine
I read about it in a book when I was a precocious child
No mid-sized city hopes and small town fears
I'm there most of the year
Cause I hate it here
8/10
2025 17. kitabı
allies of the night feels like the culmination of everything that’s been building up so far—it’s definitely one of those “the big clash is coming” kind of chapters. in terms of both plot and atmosphere, i’d say it’s a major turning point in the series.
this time, the story takes place in a city. so after dark tunnels and vampire mountains, we’re back in the world of humans. but this isn’t a comforting return at all. for darren, mr. crepsley, and harkat, this mission isn’t just another hunt—it quickly becomes clear that they’re part of a much more complex game. the vampaneze threat is no longer a distant whisper; it’s becoming very real.
one of the most interesting aspects is that some familiar faces from the past reappear. some help, others stir things up—but none of them seem to be there by accident. everything feels deliberately placed. these reunions are both nostalgic and suspenseful, building up the feeling that something big is about to explode.
darren really steps up in this book. he’s not just reacting emotionally anymore—he’s thinking strategically, protecting people, and becoming more aware of the bigger picture. he still has fears and doubts, but now he’s learning to manage them. it’s a very satisfying stage of character development.
the pacing is classic darren shan: tension slowly builds, and then suddenly spikes to the point where you just can’t put the book down. especially in the final chapters, the intensity is sky-high, and you’re constantly thinking, “What’s going to happen now?”
and of course—it ends with a twist. one of those cliffhangers that makes you glad you already have the next book ready to go.
Allies of the Night 
Darren Shan
Allies of the Night Darren Shan
8/10
2025 5. kitabı
in this book, darren, mr. crepsley, and another familiar character descend into the dark depths of the tunnels—and from this point on, things are no longer child's play.
the atmosphere is incredibly intense. the suffocating feel of the tunnels, the constant sense of danger, the lurking mystery in the background… it’s almost impossible to breathe comfortably while reading. the tension stays high throughout. but it’s not forced action—everything flows naturally, and with every step, the story deepens.
what darren goes through in this book is much heavier. he’s no longer just a kid; he has to take responsibility, make choices, and face painful truths. and this process is portrayed really well. his doubts, fears, and even the moments when he almost gives up feel so real that it’s impossible not to empathize with him.
there are also surprises from the past and some serious plot twists—some of them are truly striking. the world of the story expands, the threat becomes more tangible, and everything gets significantly darker.
once again, it’s written in a very simple and fluid style. you could finish it in a day, it’s that gripping—but it leaves a heavy emotional impact. if you liked the previous books, this one will pull you in even deeper.
Tunnels of Blood Darren Shan
Tunnels of Blood Darren Shan