It is a difficult task reviewing a novel written by Elif Shafak. Trying to encapsulate the essence of culture, history, wisdom, love and pain woven throughout the text is no small thing. As powerful and enthralling as her stories are, the harder the task to do them justice with my words. I cannot praise her work highly enough and have said, previously, that if I could read only ten authors for the rest of my days, she would be on the list. More true now than ever.

There Are Rivers in the Sky takes us on a journey through time from king Ashurbanipal in Nineveh, of ancient Mesopotamia, to modern day London. We are transported with one drop of water and through its eternal cycle see the world from a new perspective. This drop of water links mighty Ashurbanipal to a newborn baby in Victorian London, a Yazidi girl in 2014 Turkey and a hydrologist named Zaleekhah in 2018 London. It is an exceptional achievement to bring such, seemingly, disparate times and cultures together but with unerring grace, our glorious author does just that. Deploying a delicate touch, she explores what makes cultural beliefs and ways of life beautifully different, the pain when cultures clash, are subjugated and conflict arises crushing the innocent. Issues as topical now as ever. Opening the readers eyes to the world and its prejudices whilst also giving voice to those who have been scattered the winds. Heartbreaking, but essential reading. We think living in the modern ages insulates us from hatred and violence but we see each night on the news how brutal humans really are.

As ever, this book has left a mark on me and and I am so pleased to have learned a great deal about an amazing people and the unending quest for knowledge that burns in each of us. The magical spell Elif Shafak casts lingers long after the book has closed and I feel privileged to have shared this journey with that drop of water.

Wow, I am speechless after reading this new novel from Elif Shafak. There are Rivers in the Sky is astoundingly good. From three perspectives across different time periods we follow characters who are so different from eachother in settings worlds apart, yet strings of water, memory, heritage, history, and tradition link them together.

This novel affected me so deeply and at times it was utterly devastating. It covered historical and modern atrocities that I was ashamedly entirely ignorant of, and did so with such honesty and grace. This book will stay with me for a long time to come and I would love to reread it someday. I envy anyone who hasn't yet read this wonderful book, and would highly recommend it to all.

Elif Shafak is truly an extraordinary talent and told this story using beautiful imagery, lyrical prose, and complex characters. Thank you so much to the publishers and to NetGalley for this wonderful book.

Shafak is a great storyteller. I can imagine her with her stylus and tablet poring over the tablets and the fragments in this pile and in that one and then that one over there. Collecting her facts, collecting the anguishes and the hurts, the actions and the consequences and then giving us this story, with it's past and present and possible future.......

I got sucked into the story, I followed that drop of water through the years and all the narrative threads. I went to Nineveh, to London, to Sinjar, to Castrum Kefa and cried inside for them most of all but also for us all. Us who forget that 'they' continue to struggle too and we turn a bit our line of sight and forget.

I also cry for us because we are destroying the hand that feeds us, sillier and more criminal than that we cannot be. Following that drop of water, I read about and saw the great ecological mess we've created in the name of progress, civilization, imperialistic grandeur, technological advancement. We continue to pay a heavy price and the price will get higher and higher. With her parallel narratives about the Thames and the Tigris we see that it is easy for us to destroy, we destroy rivers in the 'civilized' world and also in that land where we vaguely know what's happening. So it is not a question of location, or religion or culture but it's us humans so the solution must also lie with us, everyone of us.

An ARC kindly provided by author/publisher via Netgalley.

This is a masterpiece and I hope it is recognised as such. Shafak has a brilliant way of bringing epic stories together with intimate story-telling, great characters and beautifully told narratives. Truly memorable and unique.

There are rivers in a sky is a beautifully written and impactful novel following the lives of three people across different timelines whose lives are tied together by water and ancient Mesopotamian culture.

I loved learning about ancient Mesopotamian culture and the history of Nineveh and the Yazidi people through this book. However, although the Epic of Gilgamesh was a key theme or point of interest throughout the book, we never actually learn much about it, which is disappointing given that that’s what drew me to reading this.

The novel also tackles tough topics such as colonialism, genocide, ISIS, human trafficking, depression, global warming etc. Whilst this was done well and was super impactful at the end, I think it tried to tackle too many themes at the same time. The book is also very slow paced and the character’s themselves I didn’t find interesting at all so reading this felt really boring. Although the key topics I mentioned before were present in the book, the full exploration of these topics doesn’t happen until pretty much the end of which meant for the first 75% of the book, nothing really happened.

Overall, I gave it 3 stars because although the writing was good and I did end up enjoying it, it was a slog to get through and only really piqued my interest towards the last 25% of the book.

There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak is a beautifully written novel that spans different times and places, all connected by water and the stories of those who rely on it.

The book takes us from ancient Mesopotamia, along the Tigris River, to 1850s London, and finally to modern-day Turkey and London. Arthur is a young man with a troubled past who discovers the Epic of Gilgamesh, the oldest poem in the world while working at the British Museum. Dr. Zaleekhah Clarke is a hydrologist in present-day London, struggling with the climate crisis and personal issues. Narin is a Kurdish girl whose life is torn apart by war and the construction of a dam that will flood her hometown to create a reservoir, erasing it from the map.

Shafak’s writing is lyrical and poetic, which makes the book a joy to read, even though it has a slow, melancholy feel. The way she writes about water, as something more than just a resource, really made me appreciate it in a new way. However, the book does rely on a lot of coincidences that might be a bit hard to believe, and the slow pacing might not be for everyone.

There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
Publication date: 8 August 2024
Thank you to Viking Books and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers, and three remarkable lives – all connected by a single drop of water.

I finished reading this ARC a couple of days ago and I do not feel entirely recovered from it. This was pure beauty; Elif Shafak's writing is nothing short of stunning and I do not feel I can do it justice. The way she weaves the stories of those three characters (Arthur in the second half of the 1800s, Narin in 2014 and and Zaleekhah in 2018) is masterful. It is clear so much research has gone into this book, and I highly recommend you read the author's notes for some very interesting context.
This is epic historical fiction, mixed with more recent historical and political events, mixed with current climate science, mixed with poetic prose about the memory of water, and it is seamless and utterly perfect.
The book touches on poverty, depression, colonialism, terrorism and genocide amongst other themes, and Narin's story which highlights the persecution and massacre of the Yazidi people at the hands of ISIS only a decade ago is eye-opening and heartbreaking in equal measures.
I didn't think anything would be able to topple Ordinary Human Failings from the top spot of my favourite reads of the year list, but this book did. I pre-ordered a finished copy as soon as I finished reading my ARC, and this is a story that is going to stay with me for a long, long time. I cannot recommend it enough; for me, it is a masterpiece.

I love Elif Shafak and was so pleased to be given the opportunity to review her latest book. I was not disappointed.

There are three strands to this epic novel - Arthur in Victorian London, Narin in 21st century Turkey and Zaleekah in 21st century London - all revolving around the ancient city of Nineveh and the story of water droplets. I loved every single character and their separate narratives wound together beautifully. I was previously unaware of the Yazidi people and their shocking history of oppression, so I was pleased (and heartbroken) to be informed.

A highly recommended read.

Elif Shafak is an amazing author and this could be her best yet.

Set across three time zones, locations and protagonists, this could be confusing, but instead Elif Shafak magnetically fuses the different stories together with the story of water and the ancient poem of Gilgamesh.

I was absolutely engrossed and in awe of how she is able to transport me so fully to different times and locations with such detail and ease.

One to add to your wish lists!

There Are Rivers in the Sky is the new novel by booker- shortlisted author Elif Shafak. It spans centuries and continents, connecting 3 characters with themes of water, loss and memory.

I found some chapters to be particularly hard-hitting and those will stay with me. Each character was transformed by their journey. I particularly enjoyed the 19th century chapters and the connection to historical Mesopotamia added a rich layer to the story.

At times the language was too flowery for me. The use of obscure vocabulary was awkward to read and distracted me from the otherwise engaging plot.

It grew on me, and by the end, I appreciated the way Shafak brought together the characters and timelines.

Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted e-ARC.

I have read and loved several of Elif Shafak's previous novels. I think There are Rivers in the Sky may have just nudged 10 Minutes and 38 Seconds from its position of my favourite of her books.

I have just finished reading and I somewhat bereft. This book is magical, it is unlike anything I have read before. The novel spans centuries and countries and this story unfolds through three narratives all tied together by a drop of water.

I knew nothing going in to this book and I would recommend all readers do the same. I went in confident I would enjoy this book, knowing I was in the safe hands of one of the best storytellers today but I never expected to be so hypnotised by this novel, these lives and this story.

Wonderful, beautiful, thought provoking, I could list superlatives all night and still not do this book justice. An incredible distraction from the real world and a joy to read. I want to reread it already and I am looking forward to buying a copy for my shelves and returning to this book again.

Loved it.

4.5 stars.

Normally I adore Shafak and was really looking forward to this release.

However, I am sad to say this was not for me. Characteristic of Shafak it contains her usual blend of culture, storytelling and philosophy.

But there were two aspects to the flow of this novel that meant I felt removed from the characters and prevented me from connecting with the story -

1. The blend of historical and scientific fact which constantly wove around the story made me feel like I was reading an encyclopedia and disrupted the flow of the plot and the character development. It was like there could have been endless footnotes in this novel but they were contained in the prose but none the less still felt like asides all the time to me. I could see how they related but felt like interruptions which distracted me constantly.

2. I really dislike plotlines that have the kind of pacing where an event in someone's life is introduced and then we see the development and effect of this within the next few paragraphs. I prefer a slower more convoluted plot development that feels more nuanced.

I'm so disappointed and DNFd at 50% but I will still follow Shafak in the future as I think she is intelligent and insightful.

This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.

Elif Shafak is such a gifted storyteller, it seems effortless how she combines stories into a thematic whole.

'There Are Rivers in the Sky' is all about water and follows a single raindrop, falling first in the beard of the Assyrian king Assurbanipal and then on each of three main characters of the novel: Arthur Smith, a 19th century Assyriologist at the British Museum, Narine a Yezidi girl just before the arrival of IS, and Zaleekhah a London-based hydrologist. We jump back and forth between these three equally engaging storylines.

As the stories are quite straightforward this is perfect for listening in a relaxed way. I wouldn't say I was deeply touched by it (perhaps it is all a bit too smooth?), but I was constantly invested and engaged and definitely impressed by Shafak's ability to say everything she wants to say and still give it a natural flow.

Spread across space and time, There Are Rivers In The Sky tells the story of three characters connections to ancient Mesopotamia and real life poem Epic of Gilgamesh. Water is fundamental to telling the stories of Victorian Arthur ‘King of the Slums’, and modern day Yazidi, Narin, and hydrologist, Zaleekhah; starting with a single drop that leads to a flood that impacts them all. The novel discusses important and dark themes to tell the plight and persecution of the ‘devil-worshipper’ Yazidi people throughout the ages.

This novel is well-written, with the high concept of water flowing through and connecting the storylines of the characters. Elif Shafak cleverly weaves together their narratives with connections and pace building as the story progresses.

The book is loosely based on real life events and features historical figures, which was interesting to contextualise the story. The themes are challenging and the difference between characters backgrounds allows exploration of difference cultural perspectives and social attitudes.

Shafak has researched this book really well and it shows. I found the intricacies of the history and pace overwhelming at times. I would say patience is key to really enjoy this novel, and an interest in the history of the Mesopotamia and its cultural heritage, to get the most out of it. I found the pace quite slow moving at first as I struggled with the stark differences in the characters back grounds and stories the plot as the pace built.

Having read 10 minutes and 38 secinds... as well as The Island of Missing Trees, I was looking forward to reading There are Rivers in the Sky. This novel has far surpassed my expectations- in fact I would go as far as to say it has followed me around during the day and haunted me at night. When I wasn't reading about it, I was thinking about it and when I was asleep, I was dreaming about it. Absolutely one of my top 5 for this year!

Novels structured using multiple narratives, especially those shifting in time and place can make the story feel disjointed or there is a preferred character and I find myself skimming through the rest but not in this case. Each narrative perspective had so much to offer, from Arthur in 1840 in Victorian England to Zaleekhah in 2018 modern Britain to Narin on 2014, a Yazidi, in Turkey.

Shafak uses water to explore the connections between culture and time, creating a mythical almost otherworldly atmosphere. The language used adds to this almost fairytale feel, although perhaps fairytale is not quite the right word, perhaps, oral tradition of storytelling, is more appropropriate. Where The Epic of Gilgamesh plays such a fundamental role in the plot, the word 'epic may be even more fitting - There are Rivers in the Sky is an 'epic' novel.

Finally, I want to comment on the extensive research that has gone into this novel: Shafak's passion and attention to detail is unquestionable and adds dramatically to the overwhelming success of this unforgettable story.

This is a glorious novel in which to submerge yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Three stories in three different times intertwine. Arthur, a genius from the London slums in the 1800s. Narin a young girl in the middle east in 2014. And zaleekhah in London in 2018.
They are all linked by water and history. I wasn't sure where it was going as a story and the more I read the more I wondered about how much was true. It seemed so real.
I was pleased the author added a note about their research. And it was a massive amount of research. I think that's what made it such a good read. The fiction seemed lightly done and so it's interesting, moving and devastating.

An outstandingly written novel that manages to be poetic, but accessible, rousing and humbling, and essentially a wonderful read.

I was blown away by Elif Shafak's Island of Missing Trees, so I was super excited to read 'There are Rivers in the Sky'.  However, I wanted to manage my expectations as I loved that one so much.  I just didn't need to. Elif Shafak writes stories that dig into humanity and how we are connected.  The use of water to connect people, cultures, and time is astounding storytelling.  Shafak 'weave[s] poems, songs and stories out of every breath' to give us readers the ability to see other lives with such clarity and empathy.

The settings are completely encompassing,  the food inviting, the history compelling, and the people authentic and complex.

I am so pleased I haven't read all of Elif Shafak's work because what wonderful work I have yet to discover. May storytellers continue to help us to see through other's eyes.

Happy publication day to Elif Shafak's 'There are Rivers in the Sky'.

"Even after centuries have passed, a trace of this moment will remain embedded in its
elemental form.
As ripples of heat rise into the air, the
raindrop will slowly evaporate. But it won't
disappear. Sooner or later, that tiny,
translucent bead of water will ascend back to the blue skies. Once there, it will bide its time, waiting to return to this troubled earth again ... and again.
Water remembers.
It is humans who forget."

'There are Rivers in the Sky' is a captivating novel following multiple timelines and perspectives, all connected to ancient Mesopotamia in some way.

Our three main characters, Arthur, Narin and Zaleekhah, are all connected by the same drop of water, and throughout the novel we follow their heartbreaking stories along the Rivers Tigris and Thames.

Arthur is a young Victorian man, from 1840s London, raised by an alcoholic father and a mentally ill mother. He has an incredible talent for decyphering patterns and Assyrian tablets.

Narin is a young Yazidi girl, from 2014 Turkey, who suffers from a disorder that will soon leave her deaf. ISIS is rapidly gaining control in their region and they're faced with the destruction of the Yazidi heritage and culture.

Zaleekhah is a water scientist, from 2018 London, dealing with depression and a failed marriage.

The prose in 'There are Rivers in the Sky' is captivating, and the narrative is haunting. The novel explores themes of love, trauma, climate change, genocide, immigration, and modern day slavery with the theme of water running through it.

I can't even begin to imagine the amount of research that went into writing an ambitious novel like this one.
It was masterfully done!

Looking forward to her next novel.

Huge thanks to @netgalley and @vikingbooksuk for the free advanced copy of 'There are Rivers in the Sky' in exchange for my honest review.

H I J K L M N O

What links a young man with perfect recall, born on a London riverbank into 19th century poverty and squalor, a nine-year-old girl in 2014 afflicted by the onset of gradual deafness, being forced to leave her home beside the River Tigris and unwittingly caught up in the horrors of a brutal annexation by ISIS, and four years later, a female scientist whose marriage is falling apart and who seeks refuge and finds solace in a houseboat on the River Thames?

The answer in Elif Shafak’s There are Rivers in the Sky is water. A single raindrop in 7th century Mesopotamia initiates this part historical fiction, part contemporary story, and reappears in different forms as we follow the non-linear timeline tale of these three initially disparate but ultimately connected protagonists. Shafak reminds us throughout her sprawling saga that water is both a provider of life and a precursor of death. Rainfall, rivers and irrigation channels nurture. Floods, dam building, the pollution of water and water-borne disease overwhelm and destroy.

There are other recurring themes in the book: the role of literature and storytelling in society, the importance of the preservation of a people’s history through its cultural artefacts and who should be their curators and stewards, the human race’s capacity to contaminate and blight the environment and the susceptibility it lays itself open to as a consequence, and the prejudice against and persecution and displacement of ethnic minorities, a theme sadly once again frighteningly topical.

Elif Shafak has written a highly entertaining, engaging and richly informative story that ebbs and flows between vividly and sensorily described times and places.

With a central theme of water, this story follows three main characters - Arthur, who we follow from his birth on the River Thames in 1840, Narin who we meet as a young girl in Turkey in 2014 and Zaleekha in 2018 who is living in a houseboat on the Thames.

This was a beautiful story that, even with some difficult topics, was so easy to read. It was obviously very well researched but, despite all the information in there, in never become overwhelming. The characters were individually very well-rounded and the three stories were woven together perfectly.

Also, that cover... 🔥