Listen free for 30 days

  • The Architect's Apprentice

  • Written by: Elif Shafak
  • Narrated by: Piter Marek
  • Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (23 ratings)

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Architect's Apprentice cover art

The Architect's Apprentice

Written by: Elif Shafak
Narrated by: Piter Marek
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $46.30

Buy Now for $46.30

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

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
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    20
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    19
  • 4 Stars
    3
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    20
  • 4 Stars
    2
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book!

A compelling story- layered and nuanced, with richly drawn characters and places. I was utterly transported in time and place.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

very enjoyable!

really enjoyed this story, beautiful descriptions, interesting characters and enchanting locations. very nice narration too

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

A beautiful experience of history & humanity

This is a treasure of a book! A fascinating slice of history & geography, a collage of wonderfully complex characters and a heartfelt view of the desires, triumphs and weaknesses of humanity.

The voice artist was excellent and I will definitely be reading more by Elif Shafak.

Savour this one!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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

An Awesome Story

Great historical fiction. I’ve listened to several books by this author and she has become one of my favourites. Audiobooks are multi-dimensional creations and the narrator is just as important as the story. The Architect’s Apprentice is a fine example of both working well together. Totally enjoyable and highly recommended.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!