The Last Apartment in Istanbul by Defne Suman

The Last Apartment in Istanbul

Echoes of Istanbul's Vanishing Soul

Written byDefne Suman
Narrated byJohn Moraitis
Length13h18m
Release dateJuly 3, 2025
LanguageEnglish
★★★★ 4.0 (19 ratings)

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Quick Facts

AuthorDefne Suman
NarratorJohn Moraitis
Runtime13h18m
PublishedJuly 3, 2025
Rating★★★★ 4.0 / 5 (19 ratings)
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, City Life, Literary Fiction, Urban, Historical Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

In Defne Suman's poignant novel, The Last Apartment in Istanbul, the ancient city's essence is distilled into a single, crumbling building. The Circle Building, home to Pericles Drakos, stands as a testament to Istanbul's transformation. This audiobook deftly navigates the intersection of nostalgia and gentrification, yielding a richly layered narrative. The author's vivid descriptions of the city's labyrinthine streets and forgotten corners will transport listeners to the bustling streets of Istanbul.

Narrator John Moraitis's smooth, measured tone brings the characters to life, investing listeners in their struggles and triumphs. His nuanced delivery perfectly captures the complexity of the novel's themes, from the bittersweet memories of a bygone era to the anxieties of a rapidly changing world. The audiobook's pacing is masterful, effortlessly shifting between the present and the past to create a sense of depth and continuity.

Tags: Istanbul fictionLiterary city storiesGentrification novelsNarrative non-linear storytellingAging and identityMiddle Eastern literature

Why Listen to The Last Apartment in Istanbul?

  • Expert narration by John Moraitis brings every character and scene to life across 13h18m of immersive audio.
  • Highly rated at 4.0 stars by 19 listeners.
  • Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
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Editor's Review ★★★★

AudioBook Atlas

I was captivated by The Last Apartment in Istanbul from the opening scene, where Pericles's wispy voiceover threads its way through the city's decaying heart. John Moraitis's skillful narration perfectly complements Defne Suman's evocative prose, conjuring the sensory tapestry of Istanbul's streets, markets, and forgotten alleyways. As the story unfolds, the listener is drawn into Pericles's world, where memories of his past and present collide in poignant, often heartbreaking ways. If I have a quibble, it's the occasional over-reliance on nostalgia – at times, Pericles's ruminations on the good old days feel a tad too rosy. Additionally, some supporting characters feel somewhat one-dimensional, lacking the richness and nuance of Pericles's narrative. However, these minor criticisms are easily outweighed by the audiobook's many strengths, making The Last Apartment in Istanbul a compelling listen for fans of literary fiction and anyone drawn to the city's enigmatic, ever-changing beauty.

Download: The Last Apartment in Istanbul

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The Last Apartment in Istanbul by Defne Suman is an immersive listening experience. Performed by John Moraitis with a runtime of 13h18m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.