There are Rivers in the Sky
(Author) Elif Shafak'A storm is approaching Nineveh, the sky swollen with impending rain. One of the clouds approaching the world's largest and wealthiest city, built on the banks of the river Tigris, is bigger and darker than the others-and more impatient. It floats suspended above a majestic building adorned with marble columns, pillared porticos and monumental statues. This is the North Palace, where the king resides in all his might and glory. The cloud casts a shadow over the imperial residence. For unlike humans, water has no regard for social status or royal titles. Dangling from the edge of the cloud is a single drop of rain - no bigger than a bean and lighter than a chickpea. For a while it quivers precariously - small, spherical and scared. How frightening it is to observe the earth open down below like a lonely lotus flower. Remember that raindrop, inconsequential though it may be compared to the magnitude of the universe. Inside, it holds a miniature world, a story of its own...'
Elif Shafak
Elif Shafak is a Turkish-British writer known for her diverse and ambitious storytelling. She has authored several acclaimed novels, including "The Bastard of Istanbul," "The Forty Rules of Love," and "10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World." Shafak's writing style blends elements of historical fiction, mysticism, and contemporary themes, often exploring complex issues such as identity, gender, and cultural clashes. She is celebrated for her ability to weave together multiple narratives and perspectives in a lyrical and thought-provoking manner. Shafak's work has made a significant impact on contemporary literature, challenging traditional boundaries and offering fresh insights into the human experience. "The Forty Rules of Love" is perhaps her most famous work, which explores the relationship between the legendary poet Rumi and his spiritual mentor Shams of Tabriz.
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