Voice of Conscience

Author: Behcet Kaya
Publisher: Authorhouse
ISBN: 9781449014537

"The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience." Mohandas Gandhi

With the on going discussions of where to build a Mosaic in New York City near ground zero or not, a book comes along to give a reader some insight into the lives of a Muslim family in Atamkoy, Turkey.
Although the first part of the book takes place in the year 1962, the descriptions of the rites and ceremonies may still take place in some remote parts of that country. With the abundant of Turkish words included in the text, they are recognized as being italicized and are given the English translates right after so a Turkish dictionary is not needed.

"Voice of Conscience" is a story of a family preparing for the marriage of there only daughter Erin, whose mother died in childbirth. Ramzi Ozcomert, her father, has remarried a woman named Nermin Ozcomert and they have a son named Ramzi Ozcomert Jr. Even before the wedding week can begin a rift is make with Ramzi Ozcomert and Elder Korucu for not giving in to the request of the Elder that Erin should marry his grandson instead of her boyfriend Turkel. Tragedy strikes with a very heavy and violence plow on the family of Ramzi Ozcomert Jr., which changes his live forever. His taken on a journey of both through different lands as wells as different ideas and what his destiny may have to be.

Within the Turkish culture it is instilled that vengeance is away of life and a death should be avenged at any cost. This becomes Ramzi's mantra has he grown into a man of great means; wife, two daughters and a vast company. He soon finds that this way of thinking takes a toll on the mind as well as his heart. He must make the decision to uphold his traditional ways or let go of the rage that will consume him.

"Voice of Conscience" gives a glimpse into the world of the Turkish Muslim as he becomes an American with more questions than answers regarding his religion, philosophy and challenges of his life. As this book is written in a easy understandable way, I would recommend this book to adult readers and even to young adult readers.