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.