In this lyrical, exuberant follow-up to her novel The Bastard of Istanbul, acclaimed Turkish author Elif Shafak incarnates Rumi’s timeless message of love
The Forty Rules of Love unfolds two tantalizing parallel narratives—one contemporary and the other set in the thirteenth century, when Rumi encountered his spiritual mentor, the whirling dervish known as Shams of Tabriz—that together explore … Tabriz—that together explore the enduring power of Rumi’s work.
Ella Rubenstein is forty years old and unhappily married when she takes a job as a reader for a literary agent. Her first assignment is to read and report on Sweet Blasphemy, a novel written by a man named Aziz Zahara. Ella is mesmerized by his tale of Shams’s search for Rumi and the dervish’s role in transforming the successful but unhappy cleric into a committed mystic, passionate poet, and advocate of love. She is also taken with Shams’s lessons, or rules, that offer insight into an ancient philosophy based on the unity of all people and religions, and the presence of love in each and every one of us. As she reads on, she realizes that Rumi’s story mirrors her own and that Zahara—like Shams—has come to set her free.
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I’m not sure how this book came to be on my kindle, but I can only imagine that I was meant to read it. This is the love story of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz. Not a love story in the traditional sense, but a love of the soul. If you have ever read any poems of Rumi, or even if you haven’t, you will love this book. I am going to go back and read the author’s other books. This one is the follow-up to her previous novel, The Bastard of Istanbul, which is next on my reading list.
Two stories are woven together in this amazing novel. One is the story of Ella and Aziz, who fall in love when she read his novel about Shams and Rumi and correspond through emails. The second is Aziz’s novel, told it varying points of view. We read about the two men separately, how they meet, how they complete each other, and how they eventually part.
I read a lot, and I only recommend books that have moved me in a big way. This is one of those books.
This is a tale, set in the past and present, of characters struggling to teach and learn to connect to the world in ways that help them grow spiritually is truly inspirational. After reading this book I want to learn more about the ancient characters Rumi and Shams Tabrizi. The book is full of inspirational passages that when read are like taking a little road towards enlightenment.
I learned about Runi and others of that era.
An amazingly well written and well crafted masterpiece from one of my favorite authors ever. An excellent introduction to the world of mysticism and sufism.
Good, not great. Subject matter interesting but storyline contrived and not super compelling. Overall a mostly enjoyable read.
This is an excellent book. The author has done a great service to the mystic figures in the book.
I liked the way history of Rumi and Shams with the life of a modern-day wife and mother. Very well done.
Possible theories written about the life of Jesus and here stated he had a twin brother named Christ.
One needs to read 40 Rules of Love with a notebook handy to jot down the numerous quotable ideas expressed by the main characters. It also should influence the reader’s opinion of Islam in a positive manner. Shams of Tabriz is unforgettable, and the poetic works of Rumi are available in several editions. 40 Rules of Love is not a casual read, but its impact is well worth the effort.
I did not know what I was getting into. But I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The present day connection was a little weak. But the ancient narrative more than made up for it. The Rules referred to are universal in space and time. Worth reading more than one time.
Forty rules of love will tell you the meaning of true love .Elif shafak is trying to tell us the interesting chemistry between rumi and shamz Tabriz
tnterestringchemist@between rumi and
A fictional book about Rumi, the Sufi mystic and poet, written in the vein of “Tuesdays with Morrie” and “The Alchemist.” Beautiful. A hit with my bookclub as well.
This book is one of the best books written ever.
Way to the truth
This is A book about love, affection, and Sufism. It though me that it’s never to late to live and to love. A worth reading book and highly recommended.
This book has a bit of a unique concept – it’s interesting to read, however not great.
I think it is one of the best contemporary novels in the world. It is profound, romantic and packed with passages you will love to quote.
A truly ‘beautiful’ book from an amazing and inspiring author!
Very original and interesting book. Enjoyed it immensely.
I thoroughly enjoyed it!