They Burn Thistles — Yashar Kemal

This is the story of a bitter war between the poor Turkish peasants of the Taurus Mountains and the greedy Aghas who covet their land and are prepared to go to any lengths including theft, arson and murder to get it. Ali Safa has determined to take possession of the village of Vayvay but its inhabitants will not sell. Then one named Hassan weakens - he is prepared to part with his land for the Agha's best stallion. But this ill-fated deal sets in motion a chain of a events which will see the young brigand Slim Memed take up the cause of the poor once again, with dramatic consequences.