There Are Rivers in the Sky: A novel Hardcover – Deckle Edge, August 20, 2024

I must say , I am profoundly and forever changed by this book.If I could give it a 100 stars I would. How do I begin a review ? This book checked all boxes for me for what I adore in a story.Multiple protagonists and storylines that connect beautifully that I was deeply invested in their lives , I know I will think about their characters long after I finished the book.Extensively researched and based on true horrific events , I learnt so much new history that I embarrassingly had no idea about ; the Yazidi genocide, organ trafficking, ancient Mesopotamian culture and literature , the devastating effects of urbanization on rivers and waters of the world and the deploring plight and livelihoods of people burdened by poverty and mental illness.And what can I possibly say about the exquisite poetic incredibly lyrical writing except that if you ignore to read this book , it’s truly at your own loss.Usually I don’t read for the same author twice to be open to new reading territories but Elif Shafak is definitely an exception to this rule .Cheers

This is my first novel by Elif Shafak, and for much of it I was caught in its current. The novel explores three different lives in three different historic times, interweaving and interconnecting the three main characters' shared interests in Ninevah, Mesopotamia, The Epic of Gilgamesh, cuneiform and, most importantly, water. Rivers and water play a huge role in this novel, as do culture, the socioeconomics of time and place, and the negative impact that the human race has on our ecosystems, especially rivers.Arthur is born in Victorian London in the 1800's and is christened Arthur of the Sewers and Slums. Though he lives in squalor, he has an uncanny memory and is fascinated by cuneiform and The Epic of Gilgamesh. His journey from the Thames to the Tigris is a fascinating picture of obsession and diligence.In 2018 London, Zaleekah lives in a houseboat on the Thames. She is in the midst of a divorce and feels depressed and in limbo. She was raised by her aunt and uncle after the death of her parents when she was a child.Narin is a Yazidi girl in 2014 Turkey, waiting to complete her baptism. She is persecuted because of her religion and must flee her home. The Turkish population, especially ISIS, believe that Yazidis are devil worshipers. Narin and her grandmother have the gift for finding underground water wherever it flows. Their stories and gifts are passed down from generation to generation through oral narrative.The author writes beautifully. She carefully constructs her narrative, portraying everything that occurs as being related to the first drop of water that falls on Arthur's head shortly after his birth. Every character is touched by the same water, be it mist, a snowflake, or a splash from the river. Water is the universal sustenance. Though we may not be aware, it gives us all life and meaning.The reason for a rating of 4 instead of 5 is the length of the book and my personal belief that it needed more perspicacious and effective editing. Towards the end, it dragged on and my interest waned some.

If you've ever wondered about the history of a raindrop or the life of a river you'll find this novel an exquisite introduction to both. Told from 3 points of view across 3000 years and 2 continents, the huhprofound connections between time, spaces & water are intricate and many faceted. A great story told by a consummate writer, treat yourself to this engaging story. You will not be disappointed.

A fascinating look at a religion that most people know nothing about, the Yazidis, surrounded by lyrical prose. Has resonant passages about the immigrant experience. Spans time in three key voices, the whole linked by the image of water and its cycle.

What an incredible book! Shafak weaves so many things together and never loses the thread. I was fascinated by these characters and enjoyed learning so much history in the process. I am eager to explore other works by Shafak.

4.5 stars, really, but I've decided to round down instead of up.I read "The Architect's Apprentice" last year and was enthralled. The author's ability to take me to another world and time, and to write so beautifully and captivatingly were astonishing. So when I saw the great reviews this book received, particularly on Amazon, I was sold.In "There Are Rivers in the Sky" Ms. Shafak does it again; she is a fabulous story-teller, and once again she takes us to other worlds and times - and in this case it's multiple worlds and times: London in the 1800s, Mesopotamia in pre-history and at various other times, etc., and brings the stories together more or less seamlessly. Her writing is lush and engrossing. I can see how she may become one of my favorite authors.So why not a 5? Well, the work is a bit too much; it is too full of metaphors and similes, using several where one or even two would suffice. Also, Ms. Shafak seems insistent to make all sorts of points, particularly in the last section of the book, where organ "harvesting" and other issues are brought into the plot. While they are worthy subjects, introducing them in the final pages comes across as an afterthought that just doesn't work. Finally, there are sections of the book that seemed a bit overlong and pointless.Still, it's a very VERY worthwhile book that I encourage others to read and savor, and I will continue to read her books.

Interesting book. I love how this artist weaves a story through different time periods that ties the same subject matter together. However, this book is taking me longer to get through than the authors other books.

Beautiful prose. Great story. Highly recommend.