Group Read | The Architect's Apprentice

[Marieke, Former moderator]

Welcome to our group read for the Women's Literature Challenge! The group selection is The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak.

“Destroying a bridge was easier than building it,” Jahan discovers: it takes time, skill and patience to create, yet only moments to demolish. Shafak excellently explores metaphorical bridge-building, too, between classes and cultures. This edifying, emotionally forceful novel shows how hate and envy destroy, and how love might build the world anew.
from a review in The Guardian

[Marieke, Former moderator]

Unfortunately my book will not even arrive until the end of the challenge, so i will have to join in late.

[Zanna]

I've got my copy and I was planning to start reading today, but since there's no activity here I'll read something else and wait for the group :-)

[Jalilah]

Zanna wrote: "I've got my copy and I was planning to start reading today, but since there's no activity here I'll read something else and wait for the group :-)"

I couldn't wait and read it already, but will definitely participate in the discussion. In fact I am looking forward to talking about it!

[Zanna]

hmmm maybe I'll just get on with it then! I can't decide haha I'll go with my gut feeling on leaving the house

[Niledaughter]

I will try to get a copy , if I manage to I may join you at some point !

[Jalilah]

In fact I think I might even re-read. This book and The Kindness of Enemies have been my favourite books this year. Here is my review of The Architect's Apprentice
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Jalilah]

As we know Mimar Sinan was real person and is considered the greatest Ottoman architect of the Ottoman Empire's Architectural heritage. You can see some of his building in this site:
http://greatsinan.com
And also here:
http://www.turkishculture.org/archite...
Suleiman the Magnificent plays a significance roll in this novel.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulei...
As does Princess Mihrimah was also a real person
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mihri...

[Carol]

Jalilah wrote: "In fact I think I might even re-read. This book and The Kindness of Enemies have been my favourite books this year. Here is my review of The Architect's Apprentice
https://www.good..."

So you've given me the push I needed to read The Architect's Apprentice which I joyously bought and placed on my bedside table in January, and since have read 15 other books first . . . Thank you, Jalilah!

[Zanna]

Thank you for sharing, Jalilah, it's awesome to have some visuals. I will read The Architect's Apprentice when I'm done with Mornings in Jenin and The River Between

[Sue]

I've just requested this from the library. Not sure how I'm going to fit this in with everything else but I really want to read with you all and I haven't read this author. Hopefully I will start by the end of the week.

[Zanna]

I've just started. The tone is warm and cosy but the subject matter disturbing!

[Zanna]

Loved it. here's my review

[Jalilah]

Zanna wrote: "Loved it. here's my review"

As usual Zanna, I loved your review!
You made a good point about Sinan's story being told through Jahan. I agree the novel would not have worked so well had it been directly about Sinan or told through his point of view.

its really a novel that lingers on with you long after you've read it isn't it?

[Zanna]

Yes you're right Jalilah, it does linger, i think because historical fiction done well has that quality of reality and significance and richly textured uniqueness

[Jalilah]

I just saw this article http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/feat...
and immediately though of this group!

[Marieke, Former moderator]

I just saw that too! Thanks for sharing it here. I didn't read it yet but look forward to it :)

[Tamara]

I finished The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak. It was an interesting blend of historical fact and fiction set in Istanbul during the 16th Century. I enjoyed it and gave it 4 stars.

My review on goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

and on my website at www.tamaraaghajaffar.com

[Melanie, Marhaba Language Expertise]

Thanks, Tamara! I still haven't read it yet, and hope to some day.

[Tamara]

Melanie wrote: "Thanks, Tamara! I still haven't read it yet, and hope to some day."

You're welcome.

[Jalilah]

Tamara wrote: "I finished The Architect's Apprentice by Elif Shafak. It was an interesting blend of historical fact and fiction set..."

Great review as always Tamara! I liked it slightly more 5 stars, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[Tamara]

Lila wrote: "Great review as always Tamara! I liked it slightly more 5 stars, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!"

Thanks, Lila. And thank you for recommending it. I've read so many wonderful books based on your recommendation. I really appreciate it.