Tequila Leila

Tequila Leila is the protagonist of the novel. After she is murdered at the start of the text, she lies on the street and recalls the summation of her life through a network of taste and scent memories. Leila was born Leyla Afife Kamile to Binnaz and Haroun of Van. Because Haroun’s other wife Suzan was unable to bear children, he decides Leila should be given to her instead. For several years Leila believes Suzan is her true mother, until Binnaz reveals the truth. Confused by her parents’ deception, Leila attempts to navigate their strange familial dynamic. Circumstances worsen when Leila’s uncle begins sexually abusing her when she is just six years old. He continues molesting her throughout her childhood and adolescence.

Leila carries the guilt of this distorted affair for years, afraid it will lead to her condemnation. After her brother Tarkan dies and...