The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi
Feb 2010 · Sold by Penguin
4.7star
91 reviews
Ebook
368
Pages
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About this ebook
In this lyrical, exuberant tale, acclaimed Turkish author Elif Shafak, author of The Island of Missing Trees (a Reese's Book Club Pick), incarnates Rumi's timeless message of loveThe 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 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.
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.
Ratings and reviews
4.7
91 reviews
Holly. Mulrooney
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July 23, 2017
Wow! What a beautiful, beautiful story. Though not an atheist, I usually turn away, walk away, put the book down.... if there is discussion of religion, God,etc. However, this was/is one of those books that is extremely hard to put down and when finished, should be left somewhere nearby to be referred to often and re-read time and again. It is that beautiful. It is a profound story of Love. All love.
10 people found this review helpful
Muslim Sumon
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December 24, 2019
I completed the book just a minute ago and when this prompt has come I just had to write something. Over a sad conversation my soulmate told me to read it. And I just did. Thank yoh Elif.
1 person found this review helpful
Dorrin
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August 15, 2020
This book has truly changed my life and point of view. It's beautiful. No matter what stage you are in your life, it'll help you become better. I strongly recommend it
About the author
Elif Shafak is an award-winning, bestselling novelist, a champion of women’s rights and freedom of expression, and the most widely read female novelist in Turkey. Her books have been translated into more than fifty languages. Her novels include The Bastard of Istanbul, Honor, The Architect’s Apprentice, Three Daughters of Eve, and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, which was a finalist for the 2019 Booker Prize. She is also the author of a memoir, Black Milk: On the Conflicting Demands of Writing, Creativity, and Motherhood. An active political commentator, columnist, and public speaker, she lives in London. Her Web site is www.elifshafak.com.
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