The Forty Rules of Love

I enjoyed everything about the book. It spoke to me and probably Everyman . A must read for our times where spirituality is lost in the face of every religion and where tolerance is a foreign concept .

I liked how it included several stories in its core and also the narration a were quite interesting. The fact that it was directly narrating on behalf of Rumi and Shams was captivating to start.
Ella's part of story ended a bit lame in my opinion.

I agree with most reviewers that the story is intriguing but the writing is childish and flat. I wonder if this is the fault of a translator? I have an older, hard-copy version of this book, and nowhere does it mention a translator...yet I assume it was written in Turkish and translated into English. Perhaps that's the flaw?

Regardless, this is the first book in many months where I got to within 20 pages of the ending and wasn't sure which way the story would conclude. I love that---so, it's well worth the read. In fact, I am going to re-read the pages I turned down, which were many---a suggestion to me that the ideas in the book gave me a lot to ponder and consider. Another thing I love.

A well written book beautifully going back and forth to the 13th Century. A good attempt to explain Sufi philosophy in a modern day environment but is not very convincing. A recommended read for anyone who is inquisitive about the Sufi philosophy.

Story of a housewife married to a dentist going through midlife crisis and finding new "religion" and love interest when most unexpected.

The story is easy to read and not impossibly far-fetched in the world of on-line dating. It is woven into another story about the Sufi mysticism and while I was not so interested about "Ella the housewife" I found the other story about Sufism more interesting.

Considering that the author is of Turkish origin, lives in Turkey but writes about an American housewife is unexpected. Yet, I found her description of the life in the Massachusetts suburbia believable.

Definitely worth reading, if for nothing, just to experience a book by this author.

This book was a sensation in Turkey especially during 2007 when every beach goer seemed to have this book.
The novel provides a lovely introduction to Rumi and Shams-i-tabriz. It unravels itself nicely though I'm not too sure how successful the parallel story of Ella meeting a modern day Shams and discovering herself. Her story seemed annoying and distracting, hence the 3 star rating. I think Safak could have kept as good a story going telling it without Ella.
Chapters are told from the perspective of various characters, and this is interesting and works. It has aroused my curiosity about Rumi and Shams though, so for that it is successful.

When I first started reading this book I struggled with it a little. Once I suspended my judgement and immersed myself in it--not so much as a traditional novel, but more a series of philosophical life lessons--I found it delightful. I learnt about Rumi. I learnt about Sufism. I learnt about myself. What more could I ask for?

Heterodox to heresy inside a page. But, really well meaning refreshing heresy. And the journey through the book is quite a ride. Elif you have such a gift. I've known few authors who coulde draw such real characters and such warm insights into what it means to be loved/completed. 40 Rules is a cool refreshing draught. But my cup is big(or maybe has a hole)! I need more. I can't wait to finish(probably tonight). And then to get my hands on your next books.

Got copies for my friends and family.

College English and writing teacher here. Worked in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia in particular). Visited Turkey. Keen on Islamic culture. This book is toward the top of my favorite-ever book list along with Toni Morrison's Beloved and My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk, another Turkish writer. Beautifully articulated at all levels from relationship to spiritual to cultural and political. Amazing, multi-layered and polyvocal story!