Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!

I just finished the book and where do I honestly begin...

I am not well-versed in the Islamic religion and had to look up several words due to my ignorance. I can honestly say, that after finishing this work, Muslim or not, this is a beautiful story. The story shifts between primarily between two narrators, sometimes including a third, Lal Hussein & Maqbool. What follows is a story of sadness, pain, humiliation, anger, and betrayal but also hope, joy, comfort, and peace.

The title is very fitting because the person who the title refers to is the perfect example of a Sufi. A Sufi, in case you are unaware, is a person in the faith who undergoes a transformation by self-purification. I won't give too much away because it is a major part of this book and all of the pieces that come together like a puzzle was brilliant. This was some amazing writing. I struggled at first with it primarily due to my ignorance on the topic. I was too caught up in minute details that i was failing to see the overarching message. Maqbool was my favorite character because their story showed the inward struggle with topics of faith, loyalty, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It sounds a bit cliche but it's the truth. Maqbool is a shining example of faith rewarded and loyalty to the end. Amazing and beautiful.

Sorry not for me but I hope this does not put people off. Felt like I needed a translator beside me

interesting, quite detailed historical novel about a historical figure I admit I didn't know all too much about before this. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This book is definitely one of its kind, very unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s a work of fiction centred on spiritual individuals who don’t conform to societal norms, weaving together elements of beautiful poetry, religious philosophy, and Quranic studies.

I learned a lot about Sufism and Islam in general, and I appreciated that the book doesn’t spoon-feed the reader by over-explaining every term or practice. It seems to invite each reader to embark on their own path of discovery and spiritual exploration.

That said, while all of the above remains true, the story itself - particularly the protagonists and their relationships - didn’t quite captivate me. Despite their rich inner spiritual lives, the characters felt somewhat flat and two-dimensional. To be completely honest, the absence of compelling, well-rounded female characters left me a bit underwhelmed.

In three words The Sufi‘s Nightingale was poetic, beautiful and thought-provoking. It‘s a story of spiritual journeys and the relationship between teacher and disciple.

Before I read this book, my knowledge of Sufism was confined to some poems written by Rumi. As someone who regularly practices yoga, I was fascinated by the similarities and differences between Sufi mysticism, which roots in Islam, and Hindu mysticism. The language was poetic and left room for interpretation; it reflected the feelings and especially longings of the main characters perfectly.
I‘m not well-versed in Sufism, so I found myself struggling to understand the meaning of common terms. A glossary with explanations at the end of the book would have been beneficial for me.

What‘s left to say is that this is not a fast or loud story. It builds slowly but constantly and grows with the characters. It’s thought-provoking and leaves room for interpretation, and I‘m sure this book will stay with me for a while.

Thank you, NetGalley and UpLit Press, for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

This book was beautifully written, but I struggled to follow and understand the plot. It's definitely a book I might try to reread at some point to see if I have better comprehension the second time. The cover is beautiful--it definitely drew me in.

3.5 stars

This is a very interesting novel set in the sixteenth century and has some very detailed information. I for one found it fascinating because it gave me some insight on learning about another culture and I feel like I learned something. I won't reveal too many details but if you want to learn some interesting facts about another religion be sure to pick up this book.

Mystical, tender, and written in lyrical prose that is nonetheless earthy and emotional, this novel is both spiritually insightful and an entertaining page-turner. At heart, an exploration of the true spiritual connection between teacher and disciple, but also funny and historically immersive. Literary fiction at its finest: readable, human, and transcendent.