Ancient Turkey is brought to life through the author’s evocative descriptions of not only the places but the buildings, humans and animals. It is the time of the Ottoman Empire and the story follows the life of Jahan who becomes an apprentice to the Chief Royal Architect. Jahan has gained entry to the Palace in Istanbul by becoming the tamer of an elephant, Chota, sent as a gift to the Sultan. Throughout the course of the story we follow Jahan’s life experiences, his career successes and failures and the dangers he encounters along the way. This is a true epic story and the cast of supporting characters are just as vibrant as Jahan and Chota. A rich tapestry of a novel with history, love, intrigue and emotion throughout. Highly recomm

This book was recommended to me by a member of staff at Waterstones in Northampton. It is a wonderful story, full of colourful characters and marvellous descriptive passages. The language is beautiful, making the story flow so well, you are at the end of the book all too soon. Surprising ending, just when you think you know what will happen. Read it soon.

This is a wonderful historical novel set in 16th century Istanbul, with many of the characters based on real life individuals who Elif Shafak has painstakingly researched to give the novel its vibrant and authentic feel. The narrative follows the young Jahan and the rare white elephant Chota as he escapes from his abusive stepfather by pretending to be the elephant’s trainer. Not long after he is immersed in the world of the sultan’s palace, with its cavernous halls, countless courtiers and harems, rules punishable by death if broken, and of course, the princess with whom he quietly falls in love. The novel spans most of Jahan’s very long life, which means that it is presented as fragments over a long period of time. This almost makes the novel feel like a collection of small stand alone stories, in which Jahan and Chota go through trials and tribulations (performing for the sultan, riding into war), each ending with Jahan learning a little bit more about himself (and Chota) and the world in which he lives. The writing is very impartial and occasionally distant, presenting the facts of each adventure as if they were a fable from which lessons are to be learned, but Jahan’s emotions are still felt strongly throughout. I haven’t read any of Shafak’s previous novels, so I can’t compare it to her previous work, but I am definitely interested in reading some after finishing this. This is a poignant novel filled with everything you could want in a historical novel: love, desire, mystery, betrayal, war, death, and all that lies in-between.