The Architect's Apprentice

by Elif Shafak

‘Sometimes, for the soul to thrive, the heart needs to be broken, son.’

‘What we create can weaken us,’ said Sinan. ‘Rarely does it kill us.’

He had always left a flaw in his works to acknowledge he wasn’t perfect or complete, as such qualities belonged solely to God.

Although each and every one, when asked, would say they believed that everything, good and bad, was in His hands, they still preened themselves on their achievements and accused others of their misfortunes.