Name: The Architect's Apprentice
Price: 16.77 EUR
Availability: InStock
Author: Elif Shafak
ISBN: 9780143108306

Type

Physical Book

Author

Elif Shafak

Publisher

Penguin

Year

2016

Language

English

Pages

432

Format

Paperback

Dimensions

21.6 x 14.0 x 2.5 cm

Weight

0.34 kg.

ISBN13

9780143108306

Synopsis "The Architect's Apprentice "

A colorful, magical tale set during the height of the Ottoman Empire, from the acclaimed author of The Island of Missing Trees (a Reese's Book Club Pick) Chosen for Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall's "Reading Room" Book Club In this novel, Turkey's preeminent female writer spins an epic tale spanning nearly a century in the life of the Ottoman Empire. In 1540, twelve-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.

Elif Shafak

(Author)

View Author's Page

Elif Shafak (Strasbourg, France, 1971) is a Turkish writer raised in various countries due to her mother's diplomatic work, including a period in Spain. She currently lives between Istanbul and London, where she combines her literary career with collaborations in the press. She writes in both Turkish and English, addressing in her works themes such as cultural identity, historical memory, and the role of women in Islamic societies. Her most celebrated novel, The Bastard of Istanbul, explores the complexity of Turkish history from a contemporary perspective. In 2019, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World made her a finalist for the Booker Prize, consolidating her international recognition.

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