Penguin Classics: Madonna in a Fur Coat - Sabahattin Ali

Madonna in a Fur Coat by Sabahattin Ali is one of the most beloved and enduring works of 20th-century Turkish literature, a quietly devastating story of love and alienation that has resonated across generations.

The novel follows Raif Efendi, a shy and introverted young man who travels from Turkey to Berlin in the 1920s to learn about the perfume trade. There, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Maria Puder, a mysterious and independent painter whose self-portrait — the “Madonna in a Fur Coat” — captivates him completely.

Through their delicate, transformative relationship, Ali explores themes of loneliness, gender, art, and the human soul’s longing for connection. With lyrical prose and emotional precision, this book portrays the quiet despair of unfulfilled love and the tragedy of a man who dares to feel deeply in a world that has forgotten how.

Now available as part of the Penguin Classics collection, this translation introduces Sabahattin Ali’s masterpiece to a global audience, affirming its place among the great literary works of the 20th century.

Main Themes of the Book

• Unrequited love and emotional vulnerability
• Loneliness and self-discovery
• Art, identity, and the search for meaning
• Gender roles and emotional independence
• The clash between tradition and modernity

Why you should read this book

• A modern literary masterpiece that has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
• Written by Sabahattin Ali, one of Turkey’s most influential and tragic literary voices.
• A beautifully written psychological and emotional portrait of love and loss.
• Part of the prestigious Penguin Classics series with expert translation and notes.
• Perfect for readers who appreciate literary fiction, introspection, and timeless human emotion.

Madonna in a Fur Coat is a tender, introspective novel that explores the power and fragility of love, the pain of solitude, and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world. Sabahattin Ali’s timeless prose captures the universal longing for connection, making this Penguin Classics edition a must-read for lovers of modern classics and world literature.