The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi
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 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 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.BUY THE BOOK
Community Reviews
The novel combines two narratives: one set in the present century and the other in antiquity. This contemporary story is based on the life of Ella Rubinstein, a dissatisfied housewife who finds herself changed after reading one of her manuscripts for her job. This account is about the religious life of Rumi, the famous Sufist poet, and his teacher, Shams of Tabriz. The historical narrative centers on the spiritual journey of the famous Sufi poet Rumi and his mentor, Shams of Tabriz.
Main Themes.
Love and Spirituality: The book's story of the relationship between Rumi, Shams and Ella reveals how love and spiritual enlightenment intersect in their lives and careers.
The story of Ella is one of self discovery and the ability to find meaning in life through Shams.She has found.
The novel offers a glimpse into 13th-century Sufi culture and the profound influence of Rumi's poetry on history and culture.
Analysis.
Through her use of historical narrative and modern themes, Elif Shafak weaves a diverse range of characters and themes throughout her book. Through this dual narrative format, readers can draw parallels between historical and contemporary events, emphasizing the importance of love and spirituality.
Critique. Critique.
The historical segments about Rumi and Shams are both captivating and emotionally moving, but some readers may find Ella's contemporary plot dull. While the historical sections focusing on Rumi and Shams are compelling and deeply moving, some readers may find Ella's modern story less engaging. Her narrative can be characterized by its preachy spirituality. The spiritual ruminations in her narrative can feel preachy at times1. Despite its overall message and beautiful prose, the book is still worth reading.
Conclusion.
The Forty Rules of Love offers readers a stimulating and engaging read that challenges them to consider the intersectionality of love, faith, and personal growth. The book has many implications, encompassing both past events and present-day significance.'".
“You can study God through everything and everyone in the universe, because God is not confined in a mosque, synagogue or church. But if you are still in need of knowing where exactly His abode is, there is only one place to look for Him: in the heart of a true lover.” Are you living with purpose? If yes then “40 Rules of Love” is a book that you will cherish for a lifetime. This enlightening story with a life altering perspective will inspire you to further your own spiritual journey. Brimming with spiritual insight “40 rules of love” is like a balm to every weary soul and an absolute joy to read. I have re-read this book multiple times and it will stay with me forever.
Couldn’t finish this. After 150 pages I skipped to the last chapter to see if I missed anything major… didn’t feel like I needed to read more.
There are very few books which impact your life in a way that this one does. While the rules of love or Sufi teachings unravel as the story develops you can’t help but feel as if these rules were especially said out loud keeping your life in mind. Each teaching of “Shams of Tabriz” is a golden lesson for one in life. Simple philosophy helping you find your way just as helped the great “Rumi”. A gift for all who are feeling a bit lost.
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