Author:Rumi
The essential poems of the inspirational thirteenth-century Persian philosopher, scholar and mystic
The founder of the order of the Whirling Dervishes, Rumi was also a poet of transcendental power. His verse speaks with the universal voice of the human soul and brims with exuberant energy and passion. Rich in natural imagery, from flowers to birds and rivers to stars, the poems have an elemental force that has remained undiminished through the centuries. Their themes - tolerance, goodness, the experience of God, charity and awareness through love - still resonate with millions of readers around the world.
Translated by Coleman Barks with John Moyne
Brilliant, tender, a stylistic dazzler
—— Hilary MantelA dazzling achievement
—— Time OutMorvern is a brilliant creation... more than a stunning debut novel; to my mind it establishes Alan Warner as one of the most talented, original and interesting voices around
—— Irvine WelshMorvern is a compelling creation; elusive, enigmatic and opaque. Both ordinary and extraordinary, she gleams out like onyx from a vivid, macabre and lyrical book
—— GuardianNot since Camus' The Outsider has a voice with so many angles hopped and fluttered from the pages, has a note risen to chill in its opening breath
—— Scotland on SundayWarner's portrait of a Scottish rave-girl is bleak, haunting and brilliantly original
—— Nick HornbyA tale of prodigious tenderness and lyricism.
—— Clare Clark , GuardianBeautifully paced… it approaches grief gently and, in the end, its gentleness is its triumph.
—— Lucy Daniel , TelegraphIt’s the kind of book which will sneak up on you when you least expect it, and remain in your mind for weeks after reading it.
—— Daniel Carpenter , BookmunchThis is a remarkable novel, that rare kind where you both want to reach the end for answers but also to savour every page. I cannot recommend it enough.
—— Rosamund Urwin , Evening StandardWritten with compelling simplicity.
—— Kerry Fowler , Sainsbury's MagazineCleverly constructed, carefully written and deservedly longlisted for this year’s Booker Prize.
—— Harry Ritchie , Daily MailClegg's story is frequently affecting.
—— James Kidd , IndependentAt times a harrowing read, the slow and deliberate manner with which connections are revealed and questions answered is genuinely satisfying. By the time Clegg’s narrative strands converge, the glimpse that he grants of a brighter future feels earned.
—— Stephanie Cross , LadyAn emotionally resonant debut.
—— Sunday TimesA moving lament on guilt and grief, not to mention a gripping thriller.
—— Harpers BazaarA sad yet hopeful novel built from both suffering and kindness.
—— Erica Wagner , New StatesmanPoignant and haunting debut.
—— Suzi Farry , Sunday ExpressClegg shows an impressive depth and range of voice as he tells a story of friendships, broken families, burgeoning love, and the aftermath of grief.
—— Mail on SundayDeeply moving.
—— PsychologiesClegg is committed to unravelling the complexities of human nature.
—— Janette Currie , Independent on SundayThrough distinctive and instantly recognisable characters, this novel finds beauty in pain, grief and regret.
—— UK Press SyndicationA true beauty of a novel.
—— Georgina Lane , Belle About TownClegg writes with warmth and a deep understanding of grief.
—— Saga MagazineWonderful narrative of chance, grief, and the ways we feed on and nourish each other.
—— John Burnside , New StatesmanFabulous.
—— James Kidd , IndependentTold its heart-breaking tale with tenderness and verve.
—— Alex Preston , ObserverA work full of secrets, shame and scandal.
—— Fiona Wilson , The TimesA story of what can be found when so much has been snatched away.
—— Kerry Fowler , Sainsbury’s MagazineA meditation on enduring the unendurable… This is a wonderful and deeply moving novel.
—— Clare Clark , GuardianA beautiful, heart-rending novel of quiet, understated tragedy… Sensitive and insightful, heart-breaking and hopeful… [A] tender, wise and hopeful novel.
—— Hannah Beckerman , Observer