Pamuk

Twenty years ago I traveled to Alacati to windsurf. One day there was no wind. I went to the local bookstore and asked the owner which Pamuk I should read. He didn't hesitate for a moment and gave me Snow, an epic novel. I then read Pamuks euvre. I hoped to understand Turkey better through his books, but only met resistance when I wanted to talk about it with Turks. What is the nature of that resistance? Is it political, religious, tribal or regional. Please explain this without judgement.