You’ve probably heard the name Elif Shafak, maybe from a friend who couldn’t stop talking about a book called The Forty Rules of Love. With 21 books published and translations into roughly 60 languages, according to her official site, she’s one of the most widely read Turkish-British novelists alive. This article helps you pick the right starting point, understand her identity and themes, and decide if her work lives up to the praise.
Books published: 21 ·
Languages translated into: ~60 ·
PhD: Political Science ·
Nationality: British-Turkish ·
Award: British Academy Book Prize finalist (2019)
Quick snapshot
- 21 books published, 13 novels (Elif Şafak official site)
- Works translated into 58 languages (Elif Şafak official site)
- PhD in Political Science (Elif Şafak official site)
- Exact sales figures for individual books not publicly verified (High Profiles interview)
- Religious affiliation described as “spiritual” but not formally defined (High Profiles interview)
- Some biographical details about her early life vary across sources (Wikipedia)
- First published work: short story collection Kem gözlere Anadolu (1994) (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Major breakthrough: The Forty Rules of Love (2009) became Turkey’s biggest-selling novel (High Profiles)
- Latest novel: There Are Rivers in the Sky (2024) (Elif Şafak official site)
- Continues to write and speak on identity and women’s rights (official site)
- Upcoming events and new translations listed on official site
- No new novel announced as of early 2025 (official site)
Eight key facts, one pattern: her career is defined by a dual identity and a commitment to storytelling across borders.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Elif Shafak (Elif Şafak) |
| Born | Strasbourg, France, 25 October 1971 |
| Nationality | British-Turkish |
| Education | PhD in Political Science, Middle East Technical University |
| Occupation | Novelist, essayist, public speaker |
| Notable Works | The Forty Rules of Love, The Bastard of Istanbul, Honor |
| Languages Written In | Turkish and English |
| Genres | Literary fiction, magical realism |
What is Elif Shafak’s most famous book?
Which novel is considered her masterpiece?
- The Forty Rules of Love is her most internationally recognized novel, translated into over 40 languages (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- Her most critically acclaimed novel is The Bastard of Istanbul, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (Elif Şafak official site).
- Honor is also frequently cited among her best works (Wikipedia).
What is her best-selling work?
- The Forty Rules of Love became Turkey’s biggest-selling novel ever, according to High Profiles.
- It also appears on bestseller lists in multiple countries, including the UK and US (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
For readers who want a single book that captures Shafak’s range, The Forty Rules of Love is the safest bet, but The Bastard of Istanbul offers deeper cultural context.
The implication: Shafak’s fame rests on one blockbuster, but her critical reputation is built on a more complex, politically charged novel.
Which Elif Shafak book should I read first?
What is the best starting point for new readers?
- Many recommend The Forty Rules of Love as an accessible entry point (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- The Bastard of Istanbul provides insight into her themes of identity and history (Wikipedia).
- For a lighter read, The Architect’s Apprentice is suggested (Elif Şafak official site).
Does she have a recommended reading order?
- Shafak herself has not prescribed a reading order, but many readers start with her most famous works (Elif Şafak official site).
- A chronological approach from 2006’s The Bastard of Istanbul to 2024’s There Are Rivers in the Sky shows her evolution (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
New readers can choose between the emotional pull of Forty Rules and the historical depth of Bastard—both are gateway books.
The trade-off: starting with Forty Rules gives you a warm, spiritual introduction, while Bastard throws you into the political heart of her work.
What is Elif Shafak’s religion?
Is Elif Shafak Muslim?
- Shafak describes herself as a “non-practicing Muslim” and a “spiritual” person (High Profiles interview).
- She has said: “I am a non-practicing Muslim, but I have a deep spiritual connection.”
Does she identify as LGBT?
- She has spoken openly about her support for LGBT rights and her own bisexuality (Wikipedia).
- Her works often explore themes of faith and identity, including queer characters (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
Shafak’s bisexuality and critique of religious orthodoxy have made her a target of conservative backlash in Turkey, but also a global icon for inclusivity.
What this means: her identity is fluid, and she uses her platform to challenge binaries—both in culture and in faith.
What are the 40 rules of love for Elif Shafak?
How do the 40 rules relate to Sufism?
- The novel presents 40 principles of love inspired by Rumi and Shams of Tabriz (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- Each rule challenges conventional views on love, spirituality, and tolerance (Wikipedia).
What is the central message of the book?
- The book intertwines a modern love story with a historical narrative about Rumi and Shams (Elif Şafak official site).
- Its central message: true love requires letting go of ego and embracing the unknown (High Profiles).
The rules are not just plot devices—they are a framework for Shafak’s own philosophy of tolerance and self-discovery, which runs through all her work.
The takeaway: this novel is the most direct expression of her spiritual and philosophical ideas, making it essential for understanding her worldview.
Are Elif Shafak’s books as good as people say?
What do critics and readers say about her work?
- Her novels are praised for lyrical prose and deep cultural insights (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
- Reader reviews on Goodreads consistently rate her works above 4 stars (based on aggregate data).
Has she won major literary awards?
- Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction (2010) for The Bastard of Istanbul (Elif Şafak official site).
- British Academy Book Prize finalist (2019) for 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World (Elif Şafak official site).
- The Island of Missing Trees was shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award (BookBrowse).
Despite many shortlists, Shafak has not yet won a major English-language prize—a gap that fuels both admiration and criticism.
The pattern: critics admire her ambition, but some find her novels uneven; her popularity with readers, however, is undeniable.
Which book is right for you? A comparison
Five of her best-known novels, one gap: the choice depends on whether you want spirituality, history, or a lighter journey.
| Book | Year | Setting | Key Themes | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Forty Rules of Love | 2009 | Modern US + 13th-century Konya | Love, Sufism, self-discovery | New readers, spiritual seekers |
| The Bastard of Istanbul | 2006 | Istanbul + Arizona | Identity, Armenian genocide, family secrets | History buffs, political fiction fans |
| Honor | 2012 | London + Turkish Kurdistan | Honor killings, diaspora, gender roles | Readers interested in social issues |
| 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World | 2019 | Istanbul | Memory, friendship, marginalization | Literary fiction lovers, book club choice |
| There Are Rivers in the Sky | 2024 | London + ancient Nineveh | Water, time, connection across centuries | Fans of epic, multi-timeline narratives |
The implication: no single book covers all her themes—each novel is a different entry point into her world.
Upsides and downsides of reading Elif Shafak
Upsides
- Engaging, lyrical prose that draws you in quickly
- Rich cultural and historical depth—you learn as you read
- Accessible magical realism, not as dense as Marquez
- Strong female characters and diverse perspectives
Downsides
- Some readers find non-linear timelines confusing
- Controversial themes (LGBT, religion) can be off-putting in conservative markets
- Occasional over-reliance on coincidence in plots
- Not all novels are equally strong—some feel rushed
The trade-off: you get depth and beauty, but you may need patience with structure and tolerance for sensitive topics.
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- She has a PhD in political science from Middle East Technical University (Elif Şafak official site)
- She has published 21 books, 13 novels (Elif Şafak official site)
- Her books are translated into about 58 languages (Elif Şafak official site)
- She identifies as a non-practicing Muslim and is open about her bisexuality (High Profiles)
- The Forty Rules of Love is her best-selling novel (High Profiles)
What’s unclear
- Exact number of copies sold for individual books is not publicly verified
- Her religious affiliation is described as “spiritual” but not formally defined (High Profiles)
- Some biographical details about her early life (e.g., exact childhood location) vary across sources (Wikipedia)
Quotes from Elif Shafak
“I am a storyteller, not a politician.”
— Elif Shafak, High Profiles interview
“I am a non-practicing Muslim, but I have a deep spiritual connection.”
— Elif Shafak, High Profiles interview
“I write about women who are trapped between tradition and modernity.”
— Elif Shafak, High Profiles interview
For readers new to Shafak, the choice is clear: start with The Forty Rules of Love for an accessible, emotionally resonant introduction, or dive into The Bastard of Istanbul for a deeper exploration of identity and history. Either way, you’ll encounter a writer who refuses to be boxed in by borders or genres.
bookbrowse.com, onegrandbooks.com, believermagazine.substack.com, bu.edu, youtube.com, goodreads.com, facebook.com, bergenaktuelt.net
Frequently asked questions
How did Elif Shafak become a writer?
She started writing short stories as a child and published her first collection, Kem gözlere Anadolu, in 1994 while studying for her PhD (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
What inspired The Forty Rules of Love?
The novel was inspired by the relationship between the Sufi poet Rumi and his mentor Shams of Tabriz, and Shafak’s own interest in spiritual transformation (Elif Şafak official site).
Does Elif Shafak have a PhD?
Yes, she earned a PhD in Political Science from Middle East Technical University in Ankara (Elif Şafak official site).
What is Elif Shafak’s most recent novel?
There Are Rivers in the Sky, published in 2024, is her latest novel (Elif Şafak official site).
Where can I buy Elif Shafak’s books?
Her books are widely available in bookstores and online retailers like Amazon, Book Depository, and local bookshops.
Has Elif Shafak won the Women’s Prize for Fiction?
She has been shortlisted for the prize but has not won (Elif Şafak official site).
What language does Elif Shafak write in first?
She writes in both Turkish and English, often drafting in one language and then revising in the other (Wikipedia).
Related reading
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George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.