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THE LITERARY CRAFTSMAN

Novelist Hüseyin Akbaba explores the depths of human experience during periods of change through her works, which combine philosophy, psychology, history, and symbolism. After graduating from the Department of Russian Language and Literature at Ankara University, he lived in Russia and the Soviet Union for 25 years, where he saw personally the social and ideological changes that altered a country.

 

His work, which blends history with surrealism, symbolism, and profound philosophical analysis, is greatly impacted by Dostoyevsky's psychological depth, Kafka's existential angst, and Márquez's poetic realism. His most recent book, Once Upon a Time in Moscow, is a four-part literary epic that examines the fall of the Soviet Union, the first and only utopia ever established, and the psychological effects of its dissolution.

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Readers who are looking for compelling stories, deep philosophical underpinnings, and engrossing storytelling that cuts beyond time and ideology may find his books appealing.

Turkish novelist Hüseyin Akbaba is renowned for his experimental, philosophical, and literary approaches to writing

Hüseyin Akbaba

Hüseyin Akbaba has been passionate about literature since childhood, though life's unpredictable paths often postponed his full dedication to this craft. Over the years, his writing has transcended mere storytelling—becoming a vehicle to explore existence, human consciousness, and the transformative power of imagination. To date, the writer has authored five novels, each examining themes of identity, memory, temporality, and the boundaries of subjective perception.

 

Turkish novelist Hüseyin Akbaba is renowned for his experimental, philosophical, and literary approaches to writing. Appealing to both young adult and mainstream literary audiences, his writings explore themes of identity, resiliency, human connection, and social consciousness. He frequently engages with philosophical and social concerns in his storytelling, which combines poetic language, allegory, and introspective narratives.

 

Akbaba lived in Russia and the Soviet Union for 25 years after earning his degree from the Department of Russian Language and Literature at Ankara University. His literary vision was greatly influenced by these encounters, which gave his stories depth, cultural richness, and philosophical reflection.

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Career and Works

Hüseyin Akbaba has authored several novels that explore the intricate landscapes of memory, history, and identity. His writing incorporates elements of magical realism, stream of consciousness, historical fiction, and deeply philosophical reflections, making his works both literary and accessible to younger readers. His books are available on Amazon and other digital platforms, reaching an international audience.

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Literary Style and Themes

Akbaba's writing is characterized by its experimental prose style, often employing stream of consciousness techniques reminiscent of James Joyce. His narratives frequently blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy, creating works that could be classified as both historical fiction and magical fiction. His novels are known for their non-linear narrative structure, rich symbolism, and the psychological depth of their characters.

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Scholars have identified in Akbaba's work a distinctive narrative approach termed "absurdist fragmentalism," which combines elements of Beckettian absurdist drama with fragmented narrative structures. This technique manifests in his prose through deliberately disjointed chronology, cyclical dialogue patterns, and the strategic deployment of narrative silence. Unlike traditional absurdist literature that often emphasizes meaninglessness, Akbaba's approach suggests that meaning exists precisely within the fragments and discontinuities of experience, offering a post-absurdist perspective that acknowledges chaos while simultaneously finding pattern within it.

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His prose often features what literary critics have described as "recursive memory loops"—narrative structures where characters revisit and reinterpret memories, with each iteration subtly altering the memory itself. This technique serves to interrogate the reliability of subjective experience while creating a distinctive textual rhythm that alternates between disorientation and revelation.

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Notable Works

  1. The Lost Children Cannot Draw Their Mothers Happy – An inspiring novel for young readers that delves into themes of loss, hope, and self-discovery.

  2. The Canvas Grins: A Painting in Prose – A masterwork of literary artistry, this novel unfolds like a painting in motion, exploring the depths of human consciousness through experimental prose techniques.

  3. The Man Who Mistook Himself for a Memory – A narrative examining the unstable architecture of identity, following Remzi, a bridge engineer grappling with memory and self-perception.

  4. Once Upon a Time in Moscow – An epic four-part historical fiction series weaving historical events with deeply personal narratives, reflecting on time, memory, and reality.

  5. The Horseless Riders' Odyssey – A tale merging poetic realism with psychological depth, exploring human experience in times of transformation through elements of magical fiction.

 

Influences

Akbaba's writing is deeply influenced by literary giants and philosophical thinkers who explore the complexities of human existence, memory, and history. His work reflects the psychological depth, existential themes, and narrative experimentation found in:

  • Fyodor Dostoyevsky – for his deep psychological and moral inquiries

  • Franz Kafka – for his exploration of absurdity, alienation, and bureaucratic oppression

  • Jorge Luis Borges – for his fascination with labyrinthine narratives and metaphysical puzzles

  • Gabriel García Márquez – for his use of magical realism and poetic storytelling

  • Marcel Proust – for his introspective exploration of memory and time

  • Leo Tolstoy – for his grand, philosophical approach to human destiny and history

  • James Joyce – for his innovative stream of consciousness technique and linguistic experimentation

  • Mikhail Lermontov – for his romantic sensibilities and exploration of the individual's relationship with society

  • Samuel Beckett – for his absurdist drama elements and minimalist approach to language that reveals the limitations of communication

 

His narratives often engage with philosophical dilemmas, allegorical storytelling, and deep existential themes, making his work stand out in contemporary literature.

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Recognition and Influence

Akbaba's literary contributions have been praised for their impactful storytelling and thematic depth. His work resonates with readers who appreciate poetic narratives and thought-provoking fiction, bridging the gap between literary, historical, and young adult genres.

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External Links

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