The character who tries to make sense of religion, and why it can be such a divisive subject, is Professor Azur. The other underlying contrast present is, as can be expected, between normal, peaceful Muslims, and religious fanatics, as shown by the references to 9/11, and the distress it causes both the Muslim and non-Muslim characters.

In 2016, this debate is depicted as still being very much present, as some members of the dinner party are conservative Muslims, while others are happy to accept Western influences like alcohol. The theme of contrast within Islam is present throughout the novel - the very reason Peri is undecided about what she actually believes about Allah and religion stems from the fact she grew up with a devout Muslim Mother, while her Father hardly practised his religion and drank most of his time away. Peri herself - The Confused - is stuck somewhere in the middle of the two, both figuratively, because of her beliefs, and literally, when the two often engage in heated debates. On the opposite extreme is Mona, The Believer, who never leaves the house without her headscarf and is prepared to defend Islam from any criticism. Her behaviour and appearance are as Western as her religious views. On the one hand, there's the feisty Shirin, described as The Sinner, who has long since denounced the religion she was born into, and is happy to tell anyone who asks her about her beliefs just that. All of the girls were raised in Muslim countries or families however they have since taken very different paths in life, and have very different, contrasting beliefs as a result.

One thing I loved about the novel was the clear contrasts Shafak created between her three main characters, making them live together in a situation highly reminiscent of some sort of odd social experiment. More of a commentary on religion than a story, the novel asks many questions about faith - in particular, Islam - and whether its customs and traditions can be adapted to suit modern life.

Much of her thoughts revolve around the scandal that prevented her from graduating from her dream university. Her reminiscing is triggered when she finds an old polaroid of herself, her friends Mona and Shirin, and the rebellious Professor Azur. Set in Istanbul in 2016, Three Daughters of Eve centres on Peri, a Turkish woman who finds herself thinking back to her years at Oxford University to distract herself from a boring dinner party.

Eve's three daughters