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The Architect's Apprentice

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The Architect's Apprentice

Written by: Elif Shafak
Narrated by: Grant Cartwright
Free with 30-day trial

₹199 per month after 30-day trial. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for ₹1,195.00

Buy Now for ₹1,195.00

About this listen

There were six of us: the master, the apprentices and the white elephant. We built everything together...

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 and valuable white elephant destined for the palace menagerie.

So begins an epic adventure that will see young Jahan rise from lowly origins to the highest ranks of the Sultan's court. Along the way he will meet deceitful courtiers and false friends, gypsies, animal tamers, and the beautiful, mischievous Princess Mihrimah. He will journey on Chota's back to the furthest corners of the Sultan's kingdom and back again. And one day he will catch the eye of the royal architect, Sinan, a chance encounter destined to change Jahan's fortunes forever.

©2014 Elif Shafak (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Historical

Critic Reviews

"This is Shafak's most ambitious novel yet, and it is her best ..." ( The Independent)
"This edifying, emotionally forceful novel shows how hate and envy destroy, and how love might build the world anew ..." ( The Guardian)
All stars
Most relevant
Haven't been to Istanbul, or even Turkey yet. But this book took me to the times of the Ottomans and Mughals with such ease and fluidity, would love to see that antique land some days...

A magical journey from Istanbul to Agra

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Loved everything about the book. This is my first Elif Shafak book and I am amazed by her style of storytelling . The beautiful narration by Grant Cartwright makes it even more enjoyable.
This audiobook is a must listen.

Excellent storytelling and brilliant narration

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well developed characters. mystifying and invigorating setting with exotic period of building mosques and seeing the norms. loved "chhota".

a fine read

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It felt like seeing the scenes being there in Istanbul. somehow the accent of the narrator added well to my experience.

Storytelling that works

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It was an engaging read, transporting me to 16th century Istanbul. The story has been beautifully woven into the already known Ottoman history. The narration was good, but probably someone who could pronounce the Turkish and Indian names without the Western accent would have been better.

A beautifully detailed tale of life

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