I had written the longest review for this book, but I felt it would be best if I am as brief as I could be. I love the idea of the book and anted to learn more about Sufism. I was attracted to its format and found it a quick, easy read. I did however struggle with the informality of the language, especially in the historical chapters. Maybe it’s a British thing, I found it jarring. I greatly disliked Ella and her behaviour throughout was abhorrent to me. I also found the change in her behaviour towards the end wasn’t understandable, for me. I won’t write spoilers but I do recognise there were triggers for me in this book that exacerbated my negative response that others have obviously not experienced.

I wonder if I just missed the meaning and maybe if I had liked Ella or even Aziz I would reread the book and maybe found meaning. I have always struggled to understand Sufism and I wonder if that is why. Whilst I love Rumi any other Sufism based texts have been confusing so I wonder if that played a part in my response .

So in conclusion, not a book for me and I can see a lot of work has been put into it and many, many people love it.
Thank you to for providing this book for my consideration via NetGalley this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinions. Even if it wasn’t for me I appreciated the opportunity to read it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Soul-Stirring Masterpiece That Transcends Time and Borders

The Forty Rules of Love is more than just a novel—it’s a spiritual odyssey, a poetic meditation, and a quiet revolution for the heart. Elif Shafak weaves together two parallel narratives—one set in the modern day and the other in 13th-century Persia—with exquisite finesse and emotional depth.

In the present-day storyline, we follow Ella, a woman who seemingly has everything yet feels empty, until she encounters the manuscript of a novel that will change her life. Intertwined is the mesmerizing tale of Rumi and Shams of Tabriz, whose divine friendship and the mystical “forty rules” speak to the universal longing for love, connection, and spiritual awakening.

Shafak’s writing is luminous—both lyrical and accessible—and every sentence feels infused with the very love the book extols. She challenges the reader to rethink what love truly means: not just romantic love, but a boundless, transformative force that can dissolve ego, bridge divides, and awaken the soul.

This novel transcends cultural and religious boundaries with profound insight and grace. Whether or not you’re familiar with Sufism, Rumi’s poetry, or Middle Eastern philosophy, Shafak makes the themes resonate in a way that feels intimate and universally human.

A book to be underlined, revisited, and cherished, The Forty Rules of Love left me feeling both humbled and uplifted. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your spirit long after the final page.

Highly recommended for anyone seeking beauty, depth, and truth in fiction.

Elif Shafak is one of the greatest writers to ever live. I absolutely adore her work. Her talent is impeccable. So much emotion and depth in her writing. This book is absolutely gorgeous.

Review of ‘The Forty Rules of Love’ by Elif Shafak, due to be published on 3 July 2025 by Penguin General UK.

Ella is about to turn 40 with three children and a husband who is unfaithful to her. Wanting to make a change to her life, she embarks on a new job as a reader for a literary agency, with the first novel she is given, being set in the 13th Century exploring the relationship between a poet, Rumi, and Shams of Tabriz.

Ella finds herself embarking on a quest to find out everything she can about the author, which has a life changing impact on her.

A really well written story, about life and love.