Kantika: A Novel

Kantika is a novel by Elizabeth Graver set in Istanbul, Turkey. It is the story of a young woman named Kantika who is trying to find her place in the world. She is a talented musician, but she is also struggling with her identity and her relationships with her family and friends.

The novel begins with Kantika living in a small town in Turkey. She is a gifted musician, and she loves to sing and play the piano. However, her parents are not supportive of her musical ambitions, and they want her to get a "real" job. Kantika feels trapped and stifled by her life in the small town, and she dreams of escaping to Istanbul.

One day, Kantika gets the chance to go to Istanbul to study music. She is thrilled to finally be able to pursue her dream, but she is also nervous about starting a new life in a new city. Kantika quickly falls in love with Istanbul, and she thrives in her music studies. She makes new friends, and she even starts to date a handsome young man named Deniz.

However, Kantika's new life in Istanbul is not without its challenges. She struggles to keep up with her studies, and she is often homesick. She also faces discrimination from some of her classmates and teachers because she is a woman. Despite the challenges, Kantika is determined to succeed, and she eventually graduates from music school with honors.

After graduating, Kantika gets a job as a musician at a prestigious music hall in Istanbul. She is finally living her dream, but she is also starting to feel restless. She wants to do more with her life than just sing and play the piano. Kantika decides to go back to school to study law.

Kantika's decision to go back to school does not sit well with her family and friends. They think she is crazy to give up her successful music career to study law. However, Kantika is determined to follow her heart, and she knows that she wants to make a difference in the world.

Kantika graduates from law school and becomes a lawyer. She starts working at a legal aid clinic, where she helps people who cannot afford to pay for legal services. Kantika is passionate about her work, and she is determined to fight for justice for the people she represents.

Kantika is a strong and determined young woman who is not afraid to follow her dreams. She is a talented musician, and she is also a passionate advocate for justice. Kantika is an inspiration to everyone who knows her, and she is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.