Scoundrel (Hergele) is the debut novel by Uğur Sezen, published in 2025 as part of Dergâh Publications' Turkish Literature series. The novel addresses the interaction between individuals’ inner worlds and societal change in a time span extending to the early 20th century, utilizing Istanbul’s historical locations and cultural fabric.
Subject
The novel focuses on the main character's internal and physical journey, beginning with the founding years of the Karagümrük Sports Club. The developments that take place at Hergele Square within the Faculty of Letters in Istanbul are intertwined with impressions from different geographical locations, such as the Grand Bazaar’s antique book district and Baku–Shusha. It narrates themes of loneliness, love, hallucinations, and mental turmoil with a simple language and an intense emotional framework.
Themes
- Istanbul and Identity: A metaphorical connection is established between the changing face of the city and the individual's search for identity.
- Collective Memory: Traces of the collective past are pursued through institutions and places.
- Psychological Conflict: The state of the individual’s internal fragmentation is narrated through the theme of schizophrenia.
- Love and Loss: The main character’s love for a character named Gülizar is intertwined with a poetic metaphor.
Narration and Style
The work occasionally features inner monologues and intensely descriptive narratives. In addition to a realistic style, the author uses a poetic narrative to directly reflect the character's emotional world. Places are sanctified in parallel with emotions, while the language remains simple and fluid.
