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Comments (19)

What did you think about this title?
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Jul 26, 2021
Rec by Samreen
Sep 17, 2020DanglingConversations rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
A disappointing read. Some interesting background on Sufi thought , but this is a story of a spiritual journey in which I have absolutely no interest.
Dec 03, 2019smruthir rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Having read all her books, this is by far my favorite book of Shafaks. I won't comment on the facts of Sufism portrayed in the book as I know little of it, but my understanding is that it is a bit of historical fiction. I loved her style…
Nov 24, 2019afarin1 rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I loved bastard of Istanbul and am a fan of Rumi, so I expected to fall in love with this book. But sadly I found it devoid of a sympathetic character, or even a well developed one. The prose is nice, but there is little plot, no…
Oct 28, 2018SurreyLibraries_Reads rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This novel, by the acclaimed Turkish author, unfolds very different and parallel stories, set in different centuries and different countries. Ella, a forty-year-old American, unhappily married, and mother of three, take a job as a reviewer…
Apr 17, 2018values rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
it was hard to keep reading due to very opposite settings of two stories one is from modern world and the other one very old times. still I enjoyed some great wisdom and passionate love in both stories, especially the letter from Aziz to…
Oct 28, 2017faimeh rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
An interesting book, however, it is a bit strange that in her book, Elif neither says anything about the Iranian origin of both Rumi and Shams nor anything about the fact that all Rumi's poetry were written in Persian (Iranian language)…
Dec 16, 2016uncommonreader rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
This is a very innovative novel. The character of the wandering dervish is particularly compelling and the book communicates its messages of love and living in the present very well.
Nov 25, 2015laurakramer22 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Such an amazing book. The characters are so colorful and rich, it is extremely well written, and is entertaining: you'll never want to put it down! It's reflective and sensitive, yet powerful.
Jun 11, 2015PankajMehra rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
On a business visit in India, I walked into my favorite bookstore in Mumbai and was browsing for Rumi's poetry. The owner highly recommended this book and I was enthralled by the parallel narrative drawing on the relationship between Rumi…
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Oct 03, 2014SB_14 rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
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Apr 28, 2014
A fictionalized account of the friendship between wandering Dervish, Shams of Tabriz, and the famous 13th century Sufi poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, better known simply as ‘Rumi’. Rumi’s friendship with Shams played a huge role in his…
Jul 18, 2013nch83 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The book reads to you, as you unfold every page & every rule! Absolutely amazing, love it!
May 08, 2013writermala rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is a novel which transcends Centuries. An imaginative novel where Shafak has spun ancient mysticism and spirituality into an intriguing novel with vivid characters. Ella, a middle-aged American woman, innocently accepts a job to read…
Sep 30, 2012sasie rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A novel about a modern day housewife who is seeking a new level of spiritual awareness. Two parallel plots, one modern and one ancient are deeply intertwined.. The writing style of this book makes it both challenging, interesting and…
ainsleighireland
Sep 09, 2012ainsleighireland rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely amazing book.
Oct 26, 2010library_babe rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Eilf Shafak's novel "The Forty Rules of Love" is like a beautiful tapestry where she has interwoven the theme of true spiritual love. Shafak is an exquisite storyteller and has entwined two complex stories past and present into this…
Aug 24, 2010bluemeadow rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A difficult, yet beautiful read.
Aug 13, 2010offred rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Loved this novel. I will be reading again.