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There are Rivers in the Sky

A tale of connection through time and water

Elif Shafak author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:8th Aug '24

Should be back in stock very soon

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There are Rivers in the Sky cover

This captivating novel intertwines the lives of three individuals across time and geography, showcasing the profound connections formed by water and resilience. There are Rivers in the Sky offers a rich tapestry of storytelling.

In There are Rivers in the Sky, the narrative weaves together the lives of three extraordinary individuals, each connected by the theme of water. The story begins in the ruins of Nineveh, where fragments of the ancient Epic of Gilgamesh lie hidden in the sands. This lost poem serves as a backdrop, reminding readers of the enduring power of storytelling and the connections that transcend time and geography.

As the tale unfolds, we meet a remarkable child in Victorian London, whose exceptional memory leads him to an apprenticeship at a printing press. This opportunity opens doors to a world vastly different from the slums he knows, showcasing the transformative power of knowledge and creativity. Meanwhile, in 2014 Turkey, Narin, a Yazidi girl, faces the harrowing realities of war as she and her grandmother strive to reach safety. Their journey reflects the resilience of the human spirit amidst chaos and uncertainty.

The narrative culminates in 2018 London, where Zaleekhah, a hydrologist, seeks solace on a houseboat after a painful divorce. Her connection to her homeland is rekindled through unexpected encounters, illustrating how the past and present are intricately linked. There are Rivers in the Sky is a masterful exploration of love, loss, and the threads that bind us all, reminding readers of the beauty and fragility of life.

It will make you think, cry, rage – and hope. It is Elif Shafak at her best * The New Statesman *
Gloriously expansive and intellectually rich... a magnificent achievement * The Spectator *
Richly evocative. A fascinating stream of storytelling. * Financial Times *
Engrossing. I turned the pages hungrily, carried by Shafak’s energetic prose and confident that it was heading towards a coherent and rewarding ending. As ever, Shafak did not disappoint. * I Paper *
An absorbing novel. Shafak is a novelist whose interest in mapping the intricately related world and its history goes beyond literary device. * Guardian *
Make place for Elif Shafak on your bookshelf. Make place for her in your heart too. You won't regret it -- Arundhati Roy
It will surprise no one that this is a brutal, elegant and incredible book. Amazing what Elif Shafak has done here - again! Magic. -- Evie Wyld
An odyssey, an epic, a lament, and a tale of redemption, There are Rivers in the Sky is a clarion call to honor the elemental forces that shape our memories, our histories, and our world. In short, a masterpiece. -- Ruth Ozeki
A book that is astonishing, ingenious and beautiful. A modern classic. Elif Shafak is one of the great writers of our time -- Peter Frankopan
A deep and satisfying sweep of a story combining intellectual pleasures with a transformative empathy. Particular, universal, with head and with heart in perfect balance, this is surely a landmark novel. -- Laline Paull

ISBN: 9780241435014

Dimensions: 223mm x 145mm x 41mm

Weight: 595g

496 pages