Friday, October 2, 2015

40 Rules of Love


 
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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