A review by aritrigupta
The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak

4.0

So beautiful, this book!
The story of Shams and Rumi was known to me, in parts, because of my research on dervishes before going to Istanbul. (I should add, Istanbul is one of my favourite cities, and it is absolutely fabulous.)
[a:Elif Shafak|6542440|Elif Shafak|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1395322919p2/6542440.jpg] has penned a stunning book on love and its truth. Her language is simple and lucid. The more you read, the more you see the truth in the forty rules. I did have a bit of a problem with her narration, but the stories of Ella, Aziz and Rumi and Shams were so engaging that little slip-ups did not pose as obstacles to the experience of reading the book. I am sure, a lot of us, on some level do relate to Ella's war between love, responsibilities, safety and uncertainty - so yes, the characters will speak to you. This is not a happy book, but if you are willing to learn more, to understand more of/about love, then, yes, you must read this. A review cannot do justice to the message that the author shares with us through the book. I can only urge that a book like this, should be read, by those who are looking for more than just completing checklists from life.