Goodreads Synopsis
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.
In this lyrical, exuberant follow-up to her 2007 novel, The Bastard of Istanbul, acclaimed Turkish author Elif Shafak 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 incarnate the poet’s timeless message of love.
My Review
Immersing oneself in the pages of “Forty Rules of Love” feels like drifting along the tranquil flow of a river, occasionally called to explore deeper into the realms of spirituality and love. It’s a book that leaves me at a loss for words, despite the overwhelming desire to express its profound significance.
While Sufism had been a familiar concept, delving into its intricacies through Shafak’s narrative was a revelation. The exploration of love and spirituality in this book is nothing short of transformative. Prepare to have your perspectives shifted.
The story unfolds through dual narratives, with Ella Rubenstein, a discontented woman in her forties, embarking on a journey of self-discovery after encountering the book “Sweet Blasphemy.” As she delves into its pages, her life takes an unexpected turn. Simultaneously, we follow the journey of Shams of Tabriz, a dervish seeking a companion to impart his wisdom to, leading him to the Sufi mystic Rumi.
Blending elements of general fiction and historical fiction, Shafak skillfully intertwines the spiritual companionship between Rumi and Shams, rooted in true events. Despite its 350+ pages, the novel remains accessible to beginners, thanks to Shafak’s straightforward prose that captivates from start to finish. It’s a book that refuses to be set aside, drawing readers in with its irresistible charm.
Central to the narrative are the 40 rules of love imparted by Shams, presented as poignant quotes that resonate deeply with readers. One such rule that struck a chord with me is:
“Try not to resist the changes that come your way, instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”
In conclusion, “Forty Rules of Love” is not just a book; it’s an experience—an essential read for anyone seeking enlightenment and a deeper understanding of love and spirituality.
