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A review by triviahanni
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
— 4.75/5 ★ //
“… just like two drops of rain join on a windowpane, weaving their paths slowly and steadily, an invisible thread connects those who are meant to meet.”
I feel so unbelievably blessed to have gotten a signed edition of this book because Shafak might be one of my favourite ever authors from this point on. This was my first Elif Shafak book and every single moment of it was stunning. It took me a while to compile all of my thoughts into bullet points for this book because it was such a journey, but I think I’ve managed to get most of my main thoughts down.
Firstly, I should tell you that I knew from the first chapter that I was going to love this story. It was such a breath of fresh air and had me in suspended awe throughout. I do have to say though that this is a book for a certain type of person, as it progresses fairly slowly and isn’t very dramatic or action-filled throughout most of it, leading to some parts feeling a little sluggish. This, however, is so overpowered by the sheer eloquence and immersiveness that Shafak writes with. Her way of writing is just so beautiful and powerful.
Usually, I’m not great with multi-perspective novels because it can make me less interested in one, or more, of the perspectives, but I was hooked to each of the three characters’ stories. This is a rare feat for me and just goes to show just how great an author Elif Shafak is. I truly felt so attached to each of them and their stories/narratives. All three were so different, but so real and genuine and raw, that I just couldn’t help but connect deeply with them. The connection between the three characters is just jaw-dropping and woven together so beautifully; the joint perspective ending had me shedding tears. Also, it was so gratifying to spot all of the easter eggs from one character’s story to another, piecing together the connections/links had me feeling like the red string guy from the “It’s always sunny in philadelphia” meme.
Despite this being a story focused on three characters: Arthur, Zaleekah, and Narin, this is a story that also connects and introduces you to so many others and their lives. From Narin’s Grandmother, to Zaleekah’s Uncle, to Arthur’s mother. From these three main characters, you encounter so many different lives, tens of them, all interlinked and intrinsically tied to one another. You can’t help but feel bonded to everyone and everything, whether dead or alive, breathing or not. It’s stunning.
Something else I’d like to mention is the amount of research this book must have taken. The “Note to the reader” at the end had me shaking my head in admiration because the amount of research and studying this book required to be accomplished is astounding to me. From learning about the Yazidis and their breathtaking, but incredibly complicated ways of life and religion, to learning about the underground organ trafficking that exists in the Middle East, to learning about ISIS and the testimonies of survivors and charities. So much care and love and respect has been put into this book and for that I applaud Shafak with the greatest appreciation! I’ve come away from this book with so much new knowledge that I’ll forever be grateful for.
This is a book about people. Good, bad, ugly, beautiful, complicated, simple people. Thank you Elif Shafak for this beautiful work. ♡
“… just like two drops of rain join on a windowpane, weaving their paths slowly and steadily, an invisible thread connects those who are meant to meet.”
I feel so unbelievably blessed to have gotten a signed edition of this book because Shafak might be one of my favourite ever authors from this point on. This was my first Elif Shafak book and every single moment of it was stunning. It took me a while to compile all of my thoughts into bullet points for this book because it was such a journey, but I think I’ve managed to get most of my main thoughts down.
Firstly, I should tell you that I knew from the first chapter that I was going to love this story. It was such a breath of fresh air and had me in suspended awe throughout. I do have to say though that this is a book for a certain type of person, as it progresses fairly slowly and isn’t very dramatic or action-filled throughout most of it, leading to some parts feeling a little sluggish. This, however, is so overpowered by the sheer eloquence and immersiveness that Shafak writes with. Her way of writing is just so beautiful and powerful.
Usually, I’m not great with multi-perspective novels because it can make me less interested in one, or more, of the perspectives, but I was hooked to each of the three characters’ stories. This is a rare feat for me and just goes to show just how great an author Elif Shafak is. I truly felt so attached to each of them and their stories/narratives. All three were so different, but so real and genuine and raw, that I just couldn’t help but connect deeply with them. The connection between the three characters is just jaw-dropping and woven together so beautifully; the joint perspective ending had me shedding tears. Also, it was so gratifying to spot all of the easter eggs from one character’s story to another, piecing together the connections/links had me feeling like the red string guy from the “It’s always sunny in philadelphia” meme.
Despite this being a story focused on three characters: Arthur, Zaleekah, and Narin, this is a story that also connects and introduces you to so many others and their lives. From Narin’s Grandmother, to Zaleekah’s Uncle, to Arthur’s mother. From these three main characters, you encounter so many different lives, tens of them, all interlinked and intrinsically tied to one another. You can’t help but feel bonded to everyone and everything, whether dead or alive, breathing or not. It’s stunning.
Something else I’d like to mention is the amount of research this book must have taken. The “Note to the reader” at the end had me shaking my head in admiration because the amount of research and studying this book required to be accomplished is astounding to me. From learning about the Yazidis and their breathtaking, but incredibly complicated ways of life and religion, to learning about the underground organ trafficking that exists in the Middle East, to learning about ISIS and the testimonies of survivors and charities. So much care and love and respect has been put into this book and for that I applaud Shafak with the greatest appreciation! I’ve come away from this book with so much new knowledge that I’ll forever be grateful for.
This is a book about people. Good, bad, ugly, beautiful, complicated, simple people. Thank you Elif Shafak for this beautiful work. ♡
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery, Trafficking, Classism
Moderate: Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, War
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Suicide, Violence, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Death of parent