The Forty Rules of Love
(Author) Elif ShafakElla Rubenstein is forty years old and unhappily married when she takes a job as a reader for a literary agent - and suddenly her life is transformed. Her first assignment is to read a novel about the ancient Sufi mystic, Rumi, who was transformed by the whirling dervish into a passionate poet and advocate of love. Slowly she realizes that his thirteenth-century life is starting to mirror her own, and in doing so it opens up exciting opportunities for her to embrace the dervish's timeless message for herself. Penguin by Hand is a collection comprising six of Penguin's most popular women's fiction titles of recent years, all with new and beautiful craft-inspired jackets.
Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak is a Turkish-British writer known for her diverse and ambitious storytelling. She has authored several acclaimed novels, including "The Bastard of Istanbul," "The Forty Rules of Love," and "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World." Shafak's writing style blends elements of historical fiction, mysticism, and contemporary themes, often exploring complex issues such as identity, gender, and cultural clashes. She is celebrated for her ability to weave together multiple narratives and perspectives in a lyrical and thought-provoking manner. Shafak's work has made a significant impact on contemporary literature, challenging traditional boundaries and offering fresh insights into the human experience. "The Forty Rules of Love" is perhaps her most famous work, which explores the relationship between the legendary poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor Shams of Tabriz.