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  • The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi
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The Forty Rules of Love: A Novel of Rumi Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Elif Shafak (Author), Laural Merlington (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher)
4.5 out of 5 stars 17,798 ratings

鶹

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In this follow-up to her acclaimed 2007 novel The Bastard of Istanbul, Turkish author Elif Shafak unfolds two tantalizing parallel narratives---one contemporary and the other set in the 13th century, when Rumi encountered his spiritual mentor, the whirling dervish known as Shams of Tabriz---that together incarnate the poet's timeless message of love.

Ella Rubenstein is 40 years old and unhappily married when she takes a job as a reader for a literary agent. Her first assignment is to read and report on Sweet Blasphemy, a novel written by a man named Aziz Zahara. Ella is mesmerized by his tale of Shams' search for Rumi and the dervish's role in transforming the successful but unhappy cleric into a committed mystic, passionate poet, and advocate of love. She is also taken with Shams's lessons, or rules, which offer insight into an ancient philosophy based on the unity of all people and religions, and the presence of love in each and every one of us. As she reads on, she realizes that Rumi's story mirrors her own and that Zahara---like Shams---has come to set her free.

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  1. Listening Length
    11 hours and 34 minutes
  2. Author
    Elif Shafak
  3. Narrator
    Laural Merlington
  4. Audible release date
    March 4 2010
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Tantor Audio
  7. ASIN
    B0725M4N4B
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
Next slide of product details

Product details

Listening Length 11 hours and 34 minutes
Author Elif Shafak
Narrator Laural Merlington
Audible.ca Release Date March 04 2010
Publisher Tantor Audio
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0725M4N4B
鶹 Rank

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
17,798 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book amazing, captivating, and a great read for all the followers of love. They describe the content as heart-warming, thought-provoking, and opens up about the power of love. Readers describe the writing style as poetic, beautiful, and incredibly moving. They say the book is spiritual, elevates a person's soul and brings him closer affinity to God.

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EngagingContentWriting styleSpiritual
44 customers mention "Engaging"44 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazing, captivating, and a great read for all the followers of love. They say the pages are good, the storytelling is excellent, and the novel is a tour of yourself. Readers also mention it's a perfect historical novel about love of man to God.

"...Great read!" Read more

"Absolutely fun! A great read" Read more

"Amazing book" Read more

"Very interesting - answers a lot of questions I had about Rumi and his writings." Read more

19 customers mention "Content"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book heart-warming, thought-provoking, and opens up about the power of love. They say it's a guide to know how to love humanity and the Sufi rules of love. Readers also describe the book as amazing, insightful, and enjoyable.

"Amazing and poignant. A book to cherish and one I hope to re-read many, many times in my lifetime." Read more

"...I absolutely love Rumi and all his writings. this book basically cured my depression...." Read more

"Interesting story about dervishes, love and dedication." Read more

"the intertwined story of 13th century Rumi and current day Ella focuses on love and the sometimes selfish actions we take to preserve that love...." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style poetic, engaging, and thoughtful. They say it's incredibly moving, captivating, and evokes thought and stirs emotion with every passing. Readers also say the book has so much meaning.

"...t and they the writer has managed two different stories in this beautiful novel." Read more

"Great read. Inspiring story." Read more

"Amazing and poignant. A book to cherish and one I hope to re-read many, many times in my lifetime." Read more

"The writing is elegant, and the storytelling is truly engaging." Read more

5 customers mention "Spiritual"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book spiritual and fun. They say it elevates a person's soul and brings him closer affinity to God. Readers mention the words go deep in their hearts and bring peace in their minds.

"A very good book about a great Sufi mystic." Read more

"Wonderfully written, calming, spiritual. I will read all the books that Elif Shafak has written, I just love her style." Read more

"couldn't put it down, simple words that go deep in your heart and bring peace in your mind. :))) must read" Read more

"Love, patience and humility elevates a person's soul and brings him closer affinity to God..." Read more

Loved it!!
5 out of 5 stars
Loved it!!
The writing is elegant, and the storytelling is truly engaging.
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Top reviews from Canada

  • Fiza Gupta
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!
    Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The media could not be loaded.
    The writing is elegant, and the storytelling is truly engaging.
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    Fiza Gupta
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Loved it!!

    Reviewed in Canada on July 7, 2025
    The writing is elegant, and the storytelling is truly engaging.
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  • Linda D.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read if you’re a Sufi at heart!
    Reviewed in Canada on December 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Love this poetic, engaging and thoughtful Rumi-inspired novel. Bought multiple copies to gift onwards … this author is my new fave (Island of Missing Trees, another winner!)
    One person found this helpful
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  • Alma Creations
    4.0 out of 5 stars This book grows on you.
    Reviewed in Canada on May 14, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    The beginning was not very promising: the trite description of Western family situations and awkward insistence of using English phrases was getting in the way of my enjoying this book. The author has something essential to communicate and she does it with intensity, urgency and grace. She may have wanted to point at the contemporary relevance of Rumi's poetry but the 21st century story she has created is not that exciting. She gets a lot more interesting when describing and commenting on 13th century situations, characters, and attitudes. It is a great reminder of what one needs to focus one's actions and feelings.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Pasta
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT!!!
    Reviewed in Canada on April 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    LOVE LOVE LOVEEE THIS BOOK!!! I usually read books in a breeze, but before I read every chapter of this book I had to make sure I can concentrate 100%. I didn’t want to miss a single detail in this book!! I bought it again for a friend!! :))
    One person found this helpful
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  • Abbas Ishaque
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book ever!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I have read this couple of times and even gave this book as a gift to few forneds of mine. Very good read!
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  • hasina
    5.0 out of 5 stars this book cured my depression
    Reviewed in Canada on April 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    everyone must read this book at least once in their life. I absolutely love Rumi and all his writings. this book basically cured my depression. after getting out of a 6 year old relationship, I was pretty sad and depressed. reading this book gave me a different perception. it made me fall in love with myself. the 40 rules in this book are keys to leading a happy life. MUST READ
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Munir
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not impressed
    Reviewed in Canada on November 5, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The novel tells an interesting story. That is built on two disjoint stories. One of Ella and other of Shams Tabrizi.
    it over secularizes the Sufi practice the one practiced by Rumi and Shams. Disappointed that Elif tries only to impress her Western audience.
    One person found this helpful
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  • 鶹 Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love is everything
    Reviewed in Canada on November 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Interesting story about dervishes, love and dedication.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Pratik Jamatia
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Love Transcending Time and Space
    Reviewed in India on June 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    "The Forty Rules of Love", a book gifted with affection and purchased from 鶹 India, has become a cherished possession for my girlfriend. This book, penned by the talented Elif Shafak, is a mesmerizing tale of love that transcends the boundaries of time and space.

    The narrative beautifully intertwines the lives of a modern American housewife and a thirteenth-century poet, Rumi. It is a testament to the transformative power of love, and it has deeply touched my girlfriend. She was moved by Shafak's eloquent prose and the profound wisdom embedded in the forty rules of love. The book has not only entertained her but also enlightened her, making her reflect on the nature of love and life.

    Her emotions were stirred as she turned each page, living through the characters and their experiences. The book has rekindled her love for reading, making her appreciate the power of words and the emotions they can evoke. She has been lost in its pages, lived through the characters, and emerged with a deeper understanding of love and life.

    In conclusion, "The Forty Rules of Love" is more than just a book. It is an experience, a journey of love and self-discovery that has left a lasting impression on her. It has been a source of joy, reflection, and inspiration, making it a perfect gift for any book lover.
    Report
  • Bea T.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book opinion
    Reviewed in Germany on July 25, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great book!
    Report
  • Asma
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great 🥰🥳💗
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on June 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great 🥰🥳💗
    Report
  • Syed Muhammad Adil
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Saudi Arabia on January 15, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Good as anticipated
    Report
  • Kai
    1.0 out of 5 stars Tiny illegible print
    Reviewed in Belgium on June 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    While the cover has a big and colorful title, Penguin opted to print the interior in tiny font which makes reading tedious and unenjoyable. I should have first read the reviews before ordering.
    Report