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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Did not hold my interest.
To say I loved this book is true, but more than that, I was moved by it. There are two sets of stories, set 6 or 7 centuries apart and both were completely engaging. They often take unexpected turns that differ from the conventional yet eventually reveal a logic that I found thought provoking and enriching.
This was an unexpected tale. I was caught up in the modern tale, but reminded and refreshed by the ancient tale of the Biblical precepts at the core of at least the three Abrahamic monotheistic faiths.
In this way it is a very subversive way to teach a non believer that there really is nothing to fear in the Bible. The battle of the religions come from the human interpretation of the words and human traits we all have. But again, this book covers that as well if you are willing to take an honest look at yourself.
So, if you are open to a different presentation of a refresher, you will find this quenching. The story is an interesting way to draw a new audience in to the Good Word without weighing it down with the complex history of the world which seems to cause people to feel they must take sides.
I highly recommend this. It would make great reading for advanced young readers who are forming their view of themselves and the world. The creation, by each of a consolidated book of 40 pages with their own interpretations would be something they would value later in life.
One of those books where you don’t feel the full impact until the end, then you realize you’ve read a remarkable story.
This book has taught me about Sufism while pulling me into the life of a present day woman who is disconnected from her life. She reconnects through the book within the book.
Love and wisdom, the ultimate story.
Very disappointing after the wonderful “Bastard of Istanbul.” Cutout characters, cliched plot.
A very interesting book to read ..
Wonderful fictional rendition of Rumi and Shamiz I Tabriz ‘s famous friendship. The parallels to a present day relationship brings relevance to this story. My favorite book. I recommend it to everyone I know.
Excellent, unusual and thought provoking book.
Could not get involved with characters and bouncing back and forth historically. Confusing.
I love this author and this is by far my favorite of all her books. Of course, it helps to be a fan of Rumi, but even so, it’s a lovely tale. I was sad when it ended. I wanted it to go on and on.
Pure delight from start to finish. More please.
Enjoyed each chapter written from the perspective of a different character. Also, the current time-period’s story was sweet and sad. Thought-provoking as a personal reflection.
boring
Hard to read.
If you enjoy beautifully constructed literature, Elif is your gal!. Book uses references to the poet Rumi, and it provokes thought and imagination while it is also deeply captivating. Not for the romance novel reader unless you also read serious literary novels, too.
This book is possibly one of the top 10 books I’ve ever read. I’m fascinated with Rumi and this book goes into his story in a way that I never thought possible. I’m not even sure this book is historical fiction. It feels so true to life it almost as if it has been channeled.
i liked the characters once past the superficial first chapters – the back and forth in time was well written – enjoyable
40 rules of love gives readers great insight into Rumi and his muse. A touching and informative look at the influences on this great poet and his life and loves. I loved this book!