This book did indeed flow like water. I loved how she brings Mimar Sinan to life. Living in Istanbul, one pass his work so often that there is no way to avoid wondering what his life must have been like, and this work has breathed new life into the beautiful edifices, and even into the history of his time with regard to the lowest of inhabitants. I particularly appreciated how she makes the gypsies heroes through out the story. And even shows how much love can come from an elephant!
I finally have a copy arriving in Turkish, although my English copy does not indicate that it was a translation, so I would love to know in which language she composed this book. As I read it, it seemed to me that it would feel better in Turkish. We shall see.