André Gide – Strait Is the Gate 1957 Turkish Book Turkey

André Gide – Strait Is the Gate (Dar Kapı) – Varlık Yayınları Pocket Size Edition (1957)

Description:

This is the 1957 Turkish pocket size edition of Strait Is the Gate (Dar Kapı), published by Varlık Yayınları. Written by André Gide and first published in 1909, the novel is one of Gide’s most important psychological and spiritual works.

The story follows Jérôme and Alissa, two cousins whose deep emotional bond is shaped by intense religious devotion and personal sacrifice. As their relationship develops, Alissa becomes increasingly focused on spiritual purity, distancing herself from earthly love and desire. This internal conflict between love and faith leads to emotional restraint, missed opportunities, and tragic consequences. The novel explores how spiritual ideals can conflict with human affection and personal happiness.

André Gide is known for his introspective writing and exploration of moral, psychological, and existential themes. His works often question traditional values and examine the complexity of human desire and self-denial. In Strait Is the Gate, he presents a delicate and deeply personal study of love, faith, and inner conflict.

This Varlık Yayınları pocket size edition offers a compact and accessible format, reflecting mid-20th century Turkish publishing practices. Its small size makes it practical for reading while also adding to its collectible character as an early Turkish translation of a major modernist work.

Key Features:

• Title: Strait Is the Gate (Dar Kapı)

• Author: André Gide

• Publisher: Varlık Yayınları

• PublicationYear: 1957

• Language: Turkish

• Format: Pocket size paperback

• Genre: Psychological fiction; Philosophical novel

• Original Publication: 1909

• Main Characters: Jérôme; Alissa

• Themes: Love; Faith; Sacrifice; Spiritual conflict; Emotional restraint

• Literary Significance: Major early modernist psychological novel

• Condition: Book shows yellowing and age-related discoloration