The Forty Rules of Love

Elif Shafak tells two stories side by side. In the present, Ella, an American housewife, is asked to read a manuscript that unsettles her comfortable routine. That manuscript carries us to the thirteenth century and the meeting of the wandering dervish Shams of Tabriz with Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the poet born in Balkh. Through both tales the novel reflects on love, faith and the courage to change. The text is in Persian (Farsi/Dari).

Author: Elif Shafak

Translator: Arsalan Fasihi

Persian title: ملت عشق

Bought from a Kabul bookshop and hand-delivered — the recipient inspects it at the door before accepting. The edition and cover may differ from the photo.