The Architect's Apprentice Audiobook By Elif Shafak cover art

The Architect's Apprentice

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The Architect's Apprentice

By: Elif Shafak
Narrated by: Piter Marek
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From the acclaimed author of The Bastard of Istanbul, a colorful, magical tale set during the height of the Ottoman Empire. In her latest novel, Turkey's preeminent female writer spins an epic tale spanning nearly a century in the life of the Ottoman Empire.

In 1540, 12-year-old Jahan arrives in Istanbul. As an animal tamer in the sultan's menagerie, he looks after the exceptionally smart elephant Chota and befriends (and falls for) the sultan's beautiful daughter Princess Mihrimah. A palace education leads Jahan to Mimar Sinan, the empire's chief architect, who takes Jahan under his wing as they construct (with Chota's help) some of the most magnificent buildings in history. Yet even as they build Sinan's triumphant masterpieces - the incredible Suleymaniye and Selimiye mosques - dangerous undercurrents begin to emerge, with jealousy erupting among Sinan's four apprentices.

A memorable story of artistic freedom, creativity, and the clash between science and fundamentalism, Shafak's intricate novel brims with vibrant characters, intriguing adventure, and the lavish backdrop of the Ottoman court, where love and loyalty are no match for raw power.

©2015 Elif Shafak (P)2015 Recorded Books Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Ottoman Empire Imperialism Heartfelt
Immersive Historical Setting • Beautiful Storytelling • Excellent Narration • Rich Architectural Details • Foreign Flavor
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Enjoyed the journey of the elephant trainer and life. There is something special about Architects and love.

Loved this tale.

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A poignant, at times touching, novel of humanity. You will love the story beautifully presented by Elif Şafak - an exceptional author.

Journey to another time, another land

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A great addition to anyone's listening library. An imaginative trip into the Ottoman world. Colorful and moving.

Wonderful story. Beautifully written. Excellent narration.

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Once again Elik Shafak brings poetry and incredible story telling. The characters come to life and you find yourself rooting for or against them. Beautifully done.

Engrossing

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Enjoyed sooo much! Story is great and narated perfectly. Had great time listening.well spent 16 hours!

Beautful story!

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What did you love best about The Architect's Apprentice?

Resonates nicely with historical works on this period and region.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Architect's Apprentice?

revelation of the identity of one of the apprentices

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Narrator sounds almost foreign which adds a nice flavor, but i found myself mentally correcting so many of his mispronunciations of the foreign words. He needs practice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Very nice story. Would look for more from this author

Good story, Narrator needs practice

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Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire come alive in this beautiful book. Sinan and the passion for architecture, life in the 1500s are vividly described, all characters are elegantly built.

Exceptional author

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Although the story itself is flawed… The author has so many strands going it sometimes hard to feel the focus… the novel is still well worth five stars for it’s expansive vision and beautiful rendering of this incredible century.

Brings Turkey- and architecture- alive!

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This was a lovely story, taking me to places where I haven't been neither in person nor in thought before.

Delightful

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This is a fantastic historical novel through the life and eyes of an architect whose lifetime spanned three monarchs in Istanbul. It is so beautifully written and excellently narrated. I was totally captivated. Elif Shafak never disappoints.

An absolutely enthralling and beautifully written tale

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