Like a game of chess “The Forty Rules of Love” entangles two simultaneous narratives – one, contemporary, the other – historical and taking place in 13th-century Persia. As a refection of human bonds the novel is a coming of age story of Ella, a woman in search of purpose in life and adventure, and Rumi, whose life is determined by his spiritual guide, Shams of Tabriz. Thought provoking and a beautiful magical fantasy about faith and people being related.