1. Discuss the reasons why the author may have chosen the title Bliss for his novel. What is its significance?

2. Did you have any ideas or opinions on Turkey before reading the novel? Take a moment to talk about your collective knowledge of Turkish history and culture before and after reading Bliss.

3. Who is your favorite character in Bliss and why? Are there those you like who are, in fact, “unlikable?” Take a moment to talk about the cast of characters——and range of personality types——in the novel.

4. Discuss the two distinct settings of the novel——the small rural village and the larger-than-life city. What does each locale mean to each of the main characters?

5. In what ways do Meryem and Cemal’s encounters with different people on the train shed light on the problems of identity that characterize contemporary Turkey? Also, in what ways is sailing the Aegean Sea symbolic for them both?

6. What are the themes of tradition and modernity, religion vs. secularity, and male domination and female empowerment that resonate throughout Bliss?

7. Each of the main protagonists in Bliss experiences tragedy on a profound, indeed existential level. How would you describe each character’s personal transformation? What unites them in their struggle to overcome their demons?

8. How do you interpret Irfan’s final resolution at the end of the novel about what kind of a life he’s to lead? And what about Meryems?

9. How would you describe Irfan’s relation to Hidayet, a character who never appears in the novel but who’s always in Irfan’s thoughts?

10. One of the chapters in the novel is titled “At Night Don Quixote, Sancho Panza in the Morning.” Were there times in your life when you felt the same? Please discuss.

11. At one point in the novel Irfan likens himself and all Turkish intellectuals to “trapeze flyers.” Why?

12. Why is Irfan’s relationship with his parents marked with deep feelings of guilt?

13. What are the differences between Irfan’s and Cemal’s attitudes about national identity and belonging?

14. Discuss the ambassador’s comment that there are three phases in the life of an individual: camel phase, lion phase, and childhood phase.

15. There are numerous references to mythical figures and stories in the novel. Why do you think the idea of myth has such an important place in Bliss?