This is one of the books that have inspired me beyond my known capabilities. I absolutely admire the writing capabilities of the author who has woven two stories like two strands of flowers merge beautifully to make a garland. The story of evolution of a middle aged woman, Ella Rubinstein runs parallel to the story of Maulana Rumi and his beloved friend Shams of Tabriz; and the gems of wisdom come out as the forty rules of the religion of love.

This book inspired me to translate these forty rules of love in my mother tongue and the poetry happened.

The Love in this book is way beyond the romantic idea of Love we have mostly come to understand. And then to have the Rules of love sounds bizzare. Until you read through them, reflect upon them and come to appreciate them. 

Rumi has been recognized across the world for his wisdom and poetry. But not many would know how Rumi came to be the poet, who knew love so deeply. That is through recognizing his heart and experiencing love through his soulful friendship with a Sufi Darvesh called Shams. The story narrates how his meeting with Shams opened up his heart and he moved from a wise mind centered maulana to a heart centered Sufi poet.