"The forty rules of love"

"The Forty Rules of Love" is a novel by Elif Shafak that weaves together two parallel narratives - the story of a contemporary American housewife named Ella Rubinstein who discovers the transformative power of Sufi mysticism, and the story of the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi and his relationship with his spiritual mentor, Shams of Tabriz.

The novel explores the themes of love, spirituality, and self-discovery through the forty rules of love, which were developed by the Sufi poet and mystic, Shams of Tabriz, and are interspersed throughout the novel. Here's a review of the book.

Plot Summary:

The novel begins with Ella Rubinstein, a forty-year-old mother of three who is feeling dissatisfied with her life. She has devoted her life to her family, but feels unfulfilled and disconnected from her husband, David. When she takes a job as a reader for a literary agency, she is given a manuscript titled "Sweet Blasphemy" by Aziz Zahara, a writer in Amsterdam. The novel tells the story of the relationship between Rumi, a renowned poet, and Shams of Tabriz, a wandering dervish and mystic.

As Ella reads the manuscript, she becomes intrigued by the teachings of the Sufi mystics and the forty rules of love, which are interspersed throughout the novel. She begins corresponding with Aziz Zahara, and their conversations lead her on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

The novel alternates between Ella's story and the story of Rumi and Shams. Rumi is a respected scholar and preacher in Konya, Turkey, but is dissatisfied with his life and yearns for a deeper connection with God. Shams of Tabriz is a wandering dervish who arrives in Konya and quickly becomes the center of attention. Rumi is initially skeptical of Shams, but is drawn to him by his charisma and spiritual insight. The two men develop a deep and transformative friendship, which inspires Rumi to write the poems that have made him famous.

As Ella's journey of self-discovery continues, she meets Aziz Zahara in person and begins a romantic relationship with him. However, when she returns home to her family, she realizes that her newfound spiritual beliefs have made her incompatible with her husband. She decides to separate from him and pursue her own path.

The novel ends with Ella traveling to Konya to visit the tomb of Rumi and reflect on her journey.

Themes:

The novel explores several themes related to love, spirituality, and self-discovery. One of the central themes is the transformative power of love, both romantic and spiritual. The relationship between Rumi and Shams is portrayed as a profound and life-changing experience for both men, and Ella's relationship with Aziz Zahara similarly inspires her to break free from her old patterns and embrace a new way of being.

Another important theme is the quest for meaning and purpose in life. Ella is initially dissatisfied with her life, feeling like she has lost her sense of self in the service of her family. However, her journey of self-discovery leads her to a deeper understanding of herself and her place in the world.

The novel also explores the tension between tradition and innovation, particularly in the context of religious beliefs. Rumi's poetry and his relationship with Shams are shown as a departure from traditional Islamic teachings, which are presented as rigid and dogmatic. However, the novel also emphasizes the importance of respecting and honoring tradition, even as one seeks to transcend its limitations.

The forty rules of love themselves provide a framework for exploring these themes and others, offering insights into the nature of love, the human condition, and the search for meaning and purpose. Some of the rules include "The Path to the Truth is a labor of the heart, not of the head", "The Universe is one being. Everything and everyone is interconnected through an invisible web of stories. Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all in a silent conversation", and "Loneliness and solitude are two different things. When you are lonely, it is easy to delude yourself into believing that you are on the right path. Solitude is better for us, as it means being alone without feeling lonely. But eventually, it is best to find a person who will be your mirror. Remember only in another person's heart can you truly see yourself and the presence of God within you."

The novel also explores the role of women in society, particularly in the context of traditional Islamic culture. Ella's character represents a departure from traditional gender roles, as she seeks to find meaning and purpose beyond the confines of her domestic life. The character of Kimya, Shams' wife, similarly challenges traditional expectations of women, as she refuses to be defined solely by her role as a wife and mother.

Writing style:

Elif Shafak's writing style is poetic and evocative, weaving together multiple narrative threads and exploring complex themes with sensitivity and nuance. The alternating perspectives of Ella and Rumi/Shams provide a rich tapestry of storytelling, allowing the reader to explore the novel's themes from multiple angles.

The use of the forty rules of love as a thematic framework is particularly effective, offering a structure for exploring complex spiritual and philosophical ideas in a way that is accessible and relatable.

Overall impression:

"The Forty Rules of Love" is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that explores the transformative power of love and the quest for meaning and purpose in life. Elif Shafak's writing is evocative and poetic, and the novel's themes are explored with sensitivity and nuance.

The use of the forty rules of love as a thematic framework provides a powerful structure for the novel, offering insights into the nature of love, spirituality, and the human condition.

Overall, "The Forty Rules of Love" is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of love and spirituality.