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The Architect's Apprentice

By Elif Shafak
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak is set in the splendour of the Ottoman Empire during the sixteenth century. It follows a young Indian boy named Jahan, who travels to Istanbul with a rare white elephant as a gift for the sultan. The story unfolds as Jahan becomes an apprentice to the empire's chief architect, Mimar Sinan, exploring themes of ambition, love, and the intricate artistry of architecture within a vividly atmospheric setting.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by history and architecture, as it takes you on a journey through the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, blending rich historical detail with a coming-of-age story. The narrative's vivid depiction of love, ambition, and the art of creation may captivate those who appreciate complex characters and intricate storytelling. If you like tales that intertwine personal fate with the sweeping currents of history, this novel could be a rewarding choice.

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The Architect's Apprentice

Sixteenth century Istanbul: a stowaway arrives in the city bearing an extraordinary gift for the Sultan. The boy is utterly alone in a foreign land, with no worldly possessions to his name except Chota, a rare white elephant destined for the palace menagerie.

Sixteenth century Istanbul-a city of wonder and danger.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A sweeping, magical novel from Elif Shafak set in 16th-century Istanbul, bursting with colour, romance, and white elephants.

When Jahan travels to 16th-century Istanbul as a stowaway carrying the gift of a white elephant for the sultan, little does he know the journey on which he is about to embark.

As he settles into life in Istanbul, Jahan's fortunes are shaped by chance encounters. In the palace gardens, he meets Mihrimah, the beautiful and mischievous princess, and loses his heart in an instant. Later, he catches the eye of Grand Architect Sinan, who chooses Jahan as his apprentice and changes the young boy's destiny forever.

Full of magic, colour, and societal upheaval in the architectural renaissance of Turkey, this is the sweeping tale of plagues, wars, forbidden romance, and the simple love between a boy and his elephant.

The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak is a captivating narrative that unveils a world of enchantment and historical intrigue.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak is highly praised for its vivid depiction of a vibrant city alive with secrets, intrigue, and romance, creating a rich tapestry of life in the Ottoman Empire. It is described as both exuberant and epic, combining fantastical elements with realism to explore deeper human experiences. The storytelling is intricate and multi-layered, with a resplendent and beautifully written narrative that is absorbing and emotionally moving.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241970942

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 April 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 323g

Pages: 464

Collections

Elif Shafak Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books

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About the Author

Elif Shafak is the acclaimed author of nine novels including The Bastard of Istanbul and Honour, and is the most widely read female writer in Turkey. Her work has been translated into over forty languages and she regularly contributes to publications including The New York Times, Guardian and Time magazine. Elif has been longlisted for the Orange Prize, the Baileys Prize and the IMPAC Dublin Award, and shortlisted for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize. She lives in London and can be found at www.elifshafak.com.

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