Book of the Day

Our Review:

Immersed in the timeless allure of flowing waters and storytelling, Elif Shafak's "There Are Rivers in the Sky" skillfully interweaves three seemingly unrelated lives that span generations and continents. This expansive work delves into modern-day London and Turkey as it traverses ancient Mesopotamia, examining themes of recollection, displacement, and the indomitable human spirit.

The historical significance of Nineveh, the crowded streets of nineteenth-century London, and the modern hardships endured by a young Yazidi girl are all vividly brought to life by Shafak's beautiful and expressive prose. In her examination of the Epic of Gilgamesh and her detailed portrayals of historical locations, the author's painstaking research really comes through.

The format of the book is both an asset and a weakness; it is reminiscent of "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell. At first, the story's many timelines and characters could be confusing to readers, but Shafak expertly weaves them all together to form a complex and moving tapestry.

In addition to being a piece of historical fiction, "There Are Rivers in the Sky" reflects on the universality of water's role as both a creator and a destroyer. The narrative gains depth and relevance through Shafak's examination of ecological topics.

This book showcases Shafak's talent as a storyteller; it provides an engrossing experience that stays with readers long after the last page has been turned. This book is perfect for book clubs and everyone who loves literature because it is engaging and requires attentive reading.