“The Forty Rules of Love” is a captivating novel penned by the Turkish-British writer, novelist, essayist, and activist Elif Shafak.
Born in France in 1971, Shafak is a renowned author with a substantial body of work, including acclaimed titles such as “The Bastard of Istanbul” and “Three Daughters of Eve.” Her literary prowess shines through in this book, which has been translated into 55 languages and achieved bestseller status both in Turkey and worldwide. Released in March 2009, “The Forty Rules of Love” is a literary journey that unveils the forty rules of love, as seen through the eyes of Sham.
The novel unfolds across five distinct parts, each with two parallel narratives. The first narrative introduces us to Ella, a woman trapped in an unhappy marriage. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a book titled “Sweet Blasphemy” by Aziz Zahara, which constitutes the second narrative within the book. “Sweet Blasphemy” delves into the profound relationship between Rumi, a scholarly figure, and Shams of Tabriz, a dervish. Their encounter serves as the catalyst for Rumi’s transformation from a scholar into a Sufi, guided by Shams’ forty rules of love.
Simultaneously, Ella’s life becomes entwined with “Sweet Blasphemy.” She finds herself deeply moved by the story and eventually falls in love with Aziz Zahara through their email exchanges. Driven by a longing to fill the emptiness and loneliness in her own life, Ella makes the courageous decision to leave behind her husband and children in pursuit of the man she loves. The novel underscores the profound notion that life devoid of love is devoid of meaning, emphasizing the universal need for someone akin to Shams and Aziz Zahara to fill the void in our lives.
“The Forty Rules of Love” is a profound exploration of Sufism, divinity, and love. It stands as a heart-rending narrative that I wholeheartedly recommend to readers with an interest in matters of spirituality, the divine, and the intricate facets of love. Elif Shafak’s storytelling prowess shines brightly in this thought-provoking work, making it a must-read for those seeking a literary journey through the depths of the human soul.