Voice of Conscience
Author Behcet Kaya draws on his vast knowledge of Turkish and Muslim customs and traditions, captivating his audience from the first chapter. We first meet the Ozcomert family in Atamkoy, Turkey in 1962: Ramzi Sr., his wife, Nermin, their beautiful daughter, Erin, and son, Ramzi Jr. The scene is set for a traditional wedding when Erin is engaged to Turkel with both families' blessing. The elder from the rival Korucu family has decided that he will have Erin marry his grandson. When Ramzi Sr. turns the elder Korucu down, it brings shame to the Korucu clan and soon several of the Ozcomert livestock are slaughtered. Fearing increased violence, the wedding date is moved up.
Ramzi Jr. is awakened in the night by his cousin and aunt and soon learns the horrible truth that will haunt him for the rest of his life - his father, mother, and sister have been murdered in their sleep. Ramzi travels to Istanbul and finds work in construction as he attempts to build a life for himself. Memories of the night his family was murdered continue to disturb him, as does his paranoia that his enemies will find him and kill him as well.
In England, Ramzi is studying for his engineering degree and working as a waiter. He meets Megan, a wealthy, sophisticated American. They fall in love, move to the United States, marry, and begin a family of their own. Ramzi has it all - a beautiful wife, children and a very successful business...however, he can't cast off the nightmare of his past. Not even the love of his wife and daughters, and his place in the business community are enough to keep Ramzi from seeking to quench his thirst for revenge. This desperate need to avenge his murdered family gradually destroys everything he has worked so hard to obtain.
Kaya has crafted an epic story with an intriguing plot filled with plenty of drama, tension and conflict, wonderful character development and crisp dialogue. As well, there are beautiful moments of joy, wonder, and romance. Whether in a Turkish village, London, or the U.S., he puts us right there with vivid sensory descriptions and strong, scene-setting narrative.
Kaya's talent for storytelling is evident on every page and it is easy to forget that Voice of Conscience is his first novel. Frequently, I was shaking my head in shock, laughing at his humor, and moved by a sad passage all in the same chapter. I highly recommend this riveting tale.
Voice of Conscience
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