The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak (PRELOVED)

The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak is a novel that intertwines two parallel stories. The first is set in the 13th century, focusing on the life of the famous poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz. Their deep friendship and spiritual journey challenge conventional ideas about love, faith, and the connection between the divine and the human.

The second story takes place in the modern day and follows Ella Rubinstein, a middle-aged Jewish housewife and mother, who works as a reader for a literary agency. She is assigned to read a novel based on Rumi’s life and is profoundly affected by the teachings of love and spirituality found within it. As Ella’s life changes, she begins to explore her own understanding of love and self-discovery.

Through its dual narratives, The Forty Rules of Love explores themes of mysticism, love, spiritual awakening, and the transformative power of both human and divine love. The “forty rules” that guide Shams’ philosophy of love provide a spiritual framework that challenges the characters to embrace deeper, more unconditional forms of love.