An engaging and mesmerizing read, once you pick it up you don’t want to put it down. Elif Shafak has beautifully crafted the two parallel worlds of this book. Her writing style is undemanding and the narrative simple. She manages to capture the Sufi essence with her words.
She weaves a tale of love and devotion. The book is a journey of finding and losing yourself in love. This is one story that will surely change your stance towards love, life and devotion.
“Every true love and friendship is a story of unexpected transformation. If we are the same person before and after we loved, that means we haven’t loved enough.”
Elif Shafak paints pictures with her austere words. It is through her unique style of narration that we get to see the story of Rumi and the remarkable spiritual bond he shares with the Shams of Tabriz the wandering dervish whose friendship changed Rumi, unfolding before our very eyes. Sweet blasphemy is a remarkable historical tale that engages the point of view of various people, the multiple narratives rest perfectly within each other and we get to see Rumi as he transforms from a great preacher into an unmistakable Sufi poet and a mystic through his bond with Shams of Tabriz. The novel is eloquently written and will garner your attention till the end.
This novel may changes the path in life and gives sight after being totally blind and ignorant towards the truth that staying alive isn’t enough.
It is a blend of spirituality and Sufism, a perfect read if you are just venturing into this world.
