The Book of Rumi

By: Rumi, Maryam Mafi - translator, Narguess Farzad - foreword

Narrated by: Keith Szarabajka

Philip Pullman, author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, has remarked that "[A]fter nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world." This new collection of Rumi stories fills that need.

This fresh prose translation of 105 short teaching stories by Rumi, which form the core of the six-volume Masnavi, explores the hidden spiritual aspects of everyday experience. Rumi transforms the seemingly mundane events of daily life into profound Sufi teaching moments. These prose gems open the mystical portal to the world of the ancient mystic.

These stories include well-known and popular tales such as "Angel of Death", "The Sufi and His Cheating Wife", "Moses and the Shepherd", "Chickpeas", and "The Greek and Chinese Painters" as well as the less commonly quoted parables: "The Basket Weaver", "The Mud Eater", and "A Sackful of Pebbles".

Rumi's voice alternates between playful and authoritative, whether he is telling stories of ordinary lives or inviting the discerning listener to higher levels of introspection and attainment of transcendent values. Mafi's translations delicately reflect the nuances of Rumi's poetry while retaining the positive tone of all of Rumi's writings, as well as the sense of suspense and drama that mark the essence of the Masnavi.

©2018 Maryam Mafi (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

rumi is amazing

some poems or stories are a little odd and end when you think there should be more but overall his stories are very profound and have lots of important symbolism.

Very well narrated!

I especially appreciated the stories that included Jesus and Moses. The background offered about Rumi’s family history and the historical events were very illuminating and have further intrigued me to study more about this period in time.

Shrill and Shouty

The narrator’s shrill and shouty reading makes a beautiful work unlistenable. Go for the written version.

Not Impressed

Don't like this new "modern" translation. Have read other translations that do greater justice to this amazing poet.

GOOD

I have had this book for a while and finally got around to listening.
I absolutely enjoyed listening. His poems are so enlightening and true to life.
In studying history and the different religions I had come across his name often.
I highly recommend listening.
I previously reviewed, “The essential Rumi”, and this book ties right into it.
The narrator, mr. Keith Szarabajka, is a pleasure to listen to.
My thanks to all involved, JK.