I have not read many books with as many GREAT life quotes
embedded in it as I have in 40 Rules of
Love by Elfi Shafak, a Turkish author.
After learning of his terminal illness, Aziz Zahara writes a
story and submits it to a literary company not expecting to fall in love with
Ella Rubinstein, the reviewer of the book, who secretly emails him about the
meaning of the story. Ella, a 40
year-old mother, has given her life to raising her three children while her
husband has numerous affairs. Aware of
the affairs (unbeknownst to her husband), Ella is living life… but not truly
alive until Aziz and his book.
Aziz’s book is set in the thirteenth century and follows the
life of a very unhappy Muslim cleric, named Rumi, who searches for a greater
knowledge, understanding and connection to love and God, and is introduced to a
man from another tribe, named Shams.
While Rumi’s sons are baffled that their beloved father would turn to a
man from an “inferior” background, Rumi is enthralled with Sham’s teachings
pertaining to the “forty rules of love” that provide a view into ancient
thinking about how all people are the same, as are all Gods, whom are within
all of us.
Through Aziz and his book, Ella starts to learn what it is
to live and love. The two stories parallel
and inform each other creating a meaningful work. The quote worthy lessons shared through the
ancient story also encourage great reflection.
Listed below are a few:
"At first you
meet someone; someone who differs from all around you. People see everything differently, and it
makes you change your perspective, noting everything from new, inside and
outside,, and you think that you can maintain a safe distance between you and
him, and it seems to you that you can navigate and your way in the midst of
this storm, even realize suddenly that he was back to open and you can’t
control that.”
“Whatever happens in
your life, no matter how troubling things might seem, do not enter the
neighborhood of despair. Even when all doors remain closed, God will open up a
new path only for you. Be thankful!"
“And when you get to
the circle of love, that we may be out of time, something that cannot be
expressed in words cannot be realized by silence.”
“Do not go with the
flow. Be the flow."
“Love cannot be
explained, yet it explains all.”
"Every true love
and friendship is a story of unexpected transformation. If we are the same person before and after we
loved, that means we haven’t loved enough.”
“If God us to be the
same, we created the same, therefore, the lack of respect for differences and
impose your ideas on others mean lack of respect for the sacred order
established by God.”
I could go on and on…. The protagonists from each story
surprise the reader as they learn invaluable lessons in this beautifully
written intertwining novel. Loved this
beautiful story!!!
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