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  • The Architect's Apprentice

  • By: Elif Shafak
  • Narrated by: Piter Marek
  • Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (351 ratings)

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The Architect's Apprentice

By: Elif Shafak
Narrated by: Piter Marek
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Publisher's summary

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

What listeners say about The Architect's Apprentice

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    190
  • 4 Stars
    96
  • 3 Stars
    48
  • 2 Stars
    6
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Performance
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    75
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Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    175
  • 4 Stars
    79
  • 3 Stars
    46
  • 2 Stars
    7
  • 1 Stars
    5

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this tale.

Enjoyed the journey of the elephant trainer and life. There is something special about Architects and love.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Journey to another time, another land

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

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Delightful

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

An absolutely enthralling and beautifully written tale

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful story. Beautifully written. Excellent narration.

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Engrossing

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Beautful story!

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good story, Narrator needs practice

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

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional author

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

a story of love and life lessons

A beautiful tale that made me both laugh and cry. this is one of those stories then I believe help you grow a little and you can reflect on later in life.

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