The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

Description

Title and Author: The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak.

Genre/Category: Historical Fiction, Sufi Literature, Romantic Fiction, Philosophical Fiction.

Plot Summary: The book is comprised of two parallel narratives:

A modern-day narrative revolves around the protagonist, Ella Rubinstein, a 40-year-old homemaker for an American literature firm. As a literary critic, she comes across a manuscript called Sweet Blasphemy, a biography of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz. The humanification of concepts of love and spirituality within the novel resonates with her life and forces her to question her identity and move beyond it.
Written in the 13th century, The historical narrative is basically about the spiritual ascension of the famous Sufi poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi and his spiritual guide, the traveling dervish Shams of Tabriz. Through their connection, Shams injects the “Forty Rules of Love,” spiritual lessons that lead Rumi to enlightenment and love in all forms-be it spiritual, universal, or human.
Key themes: redemptive power of love; the call to spirituality, tension between organized religion and personal faith; and self-discovery. The novel juxtaposes historical and spiritual lessons one may take from Sufism within the modern struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in life. Love also is revealed here in universal qualities cutting across cultural and temporal boundaries.

The novel is contemplative and mystical in tone and style. Religious introspection seems to be a common thread found running through this novel. Shafak writes lyrical prose with lots of symbolism. While influencing much eastern mysticism, she weaves the modern dilemmas into the structure of this novel. It is thought-provoking, yet emotionally charged as well.

It is for the readers who enjoy reading spiritual literature, historical fiction, and romantic or philosophical-type stories. Again, this book appeals to the more contemplative reader looking for deeper meaning in a relationship or love, and human relationships in general.

The Forty Rules of Love’s praise is high on analyses for Rumi’s writing and how this book would connect the past with the present as a profound meditation of love and the soul’s journey.