Chandigarh, Sept 30: The Forty Rules of Love weaves two parallel stories: the modern journey of Ella Rubinstein, a middle-aged housewife discovering passion and spiritual awakening through a manuscript, and the timeless tale of the 13th-century poet Rumi and his transformative friendship with the wandering mystic Shams of Tabriz.
Shafak explores love in its many forms—romantic, divine, and mystical—showing how connection, surrender, and inner transformation are central to a fulfilling life. Each of Shams’ “forty rules” serves as a guide to understanding love beyond desire, teaching compassion, tolerance, and self-discovery.
The narrative moves gracefully between the contemporary and historical, emphasizing that love is not just an emotion but a practice, a philosophy, and a path to spiritual awakening. Through lyrical prose, Shafak challenges rigid conventions and invites readers to question societal norms, embrace vulnerability, and seek the sacred in everyday life.
Verdict: A deeply introspective, thought-provoking read, blending history, spirituality, and human emotion, leaving readers with timeless wisdom about love, connection, and the journey to self-realization.
