Ancient & Medieval Historical Fiction discussion
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MARCH 2016- The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak
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I am hoping to get this from the library next week. I had to search outside my library system for a copy. My system only had a large print copy and it wasn't available.
I picked up my library copy yesterday. The Architect's Apprentice author Elif Shafak did a TED talk about story-telling. https://www.ted.com/talks/elif_shafak.... It's interesting.
Library emailed that this is ready for pick up. Yes! :)
Thanks for suggesting that TED talk by the author. Interesting to hear about her background and ideas about storytelling.I'm planning to start reading the book in the next couple of days. It's a fascinating setting and subject -- looking forward to discussing it here.
-- Roy K.
I've just picked this up from the library! So glad they had it available! Look forward to reading it and the discussions.
Terri wrote: "Anybody started?"Yes, I've started. So far it's an engaging story with an intriguing setting.
ARK
I have three other books I have to get through first. I was finally able to find a version that wasn't large print.
I'm about 75 pages into it. This woman can write. I find myself rereading sentences to see what she did. It's also a very interesting setting.
Also trying to finish a couple of others first, but plan on starting it this weekend.
About 30 pages in. So far, I like this author writing style.
I am 35% into this and I am enjoying it. I like the protagonist and the setting is well described. I took five days off to read another book, and I am looking forward to getting back to this one.
Page 302, and I started to feel bogged down.
Lia wrote: "Page 302, and I started to feel bogged down."I'm almost to that point. When in the story did you start feeling that way?
ARK
@ A. : I think it was about halfway through 'The Dome'. Storyline was getting stagnant and somewhat repetitive.
I still like the story and wouldn't say I'm bogged down. But I kind of think there's some loss in suspense and forward momentum with the fading away of some of the sub-plots, particularly Mihrimah and Captain Gareth. Maybe those sub-plots will re-emerge later on!ARK
I am starting this today while I make Mr. Gretchen drive me to the Mall of America. I need to do some birthday shopping for the twinkers.
I have started this but only about 60 pages in. Like it so far, but will probably take me awhile to finish. Has anyone else finished it?
Patricia wrote: "I have started this but only about 60 pages in. Like it so far, but will probably take me awhile to finish. Has anyone else finished it?"Yes, I finished. Very good story, I thought. Love the Istanbul setting and the way the story is weaved around historical characters and events.
ARK
Well, I haven't picked up this book but I was in Istanbul a couple of weeks ago and learned of Mimar Sinan for the first time when I was touring several mosques he designed. They are magnificent buildings. I will definitely have to read this book!
I'm working on finishing. I left my copy in the waiting room during the twinkers' speech appointments last week. It's on my to do list this weekend unless it's nice enough to work on my flower beds.
I have a lot of extra life stuff going on this week but I did manage to finish this book. I loved the beginning. I loved the end. The middle was a struggle. There was lots of crying towards the end.
I started yesterday, its quite good I'm 20% through
I finally finished this & quite enjoyed it. I also enjoyed reading the author's note at the end, telling how she had gotten the idea for the story and what she had based the story on. Even though I didn't rush through it, I never found it difficult getting through. Sad, of course, at times, but well written & engaging characters.
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, 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.
This book was a nominee for a Goodreads Choice Award in the Historical Fiction Category.