The Forty Rules of Love
The Forty Rules of Love — A Novel of Rumi
by Elif Shafak
published in English in 2010 by Viking Penguin
genre: literary and historical fiction
This was our “Book Club” book for October 2024.
I love the layout, the structure, and how the book moves, flows, and builds. I love the premise and the mysteries. I love the exposure to another world and time and the incorporation of the modern — heartfelt truths of today, various yesterdays, and the exploration of —what if, and —perhaps this, and —is there really nothing new under the sun? Symbolism is both subtle and overt, explained and hidden — this element is beautifully accomplished.
I love the wide perspectives of diverse characters. I think perhaps they were deliberately created and developed to reveal aspects of the human heart — expressing feelings we’re aware of and feelings yet to find their shape or articulation. I love how I loved the characters and could find parts of myself in so many of them— even sometimes the ones that churned my stomach or caused me to scratch my head with irritation.
The Forty Rules of Love contains much Abrahamic religious theology to explore, consider, and contrast — which I found interesting. Also, considering belief—as a tapestry, I noticed the common thread — “everything happens for a reason”— which personally has a bit of a rough texture to me. There are also, at times, assumptive religious perspectives presented — some of which I could be tempted to challenge or pursue with curiosity —down a rabbit trail.
I’m so glad I read this book!! I’m amazed by the creativity and the incorporation of other pieces of literature. I love the vocabulary and the fact that this beautiful story first came to someone speaking and writing in Turkish and it was then so beautifully translated into English.
The heart — its bounty, its masks, its hinderances, and its many languages are all on display in this beautiful story for our consideration— receiving and examining our questions as if they are timeless and brand new.
I will save some of my specific reflections about particular characters. If you have read this book and want to talk about it… per usual, reach out for a chat. Truly a tender and terrific read!!!
