Discover the power of a story that connects past and present, continents and cultures - all through the symbolism of water. This is the novel that will captivate passionate readers longing for a deep, multilayered story full of emotion and history.

About the book

There are Rivers in the Sky by the acclaimed author Elif Shafak delivers a fascinating narrative that interweaves the lives of three characters across three locations and different eras. In the ruins of ancient Nineveh lie fragments of a lost poem, the Epic of Gilgamesh, which links all the protagonists. From Victorian London the story leads us to the very banks of the Thames, where an extraordinary boy, Arthur, grows up with a rare memory that opens doors to knowledge and distant journeys. In the modern era we follow Narin, a girl from the Yazidi community by the River Tigris, who faces the trials of a war-torn land, and Zaleekhah, a hydrologist from London, who seeks a new sense of purpose on a houseboat on the Thames.

This book is not only a compelling story but also a profound meditation on memory, history and the interconnection of human lives through water, which symbolizes memories and fates. Elif Shafak once again affirms her place among the most important contemporary writers with an excellent ability to draw readers into complex and beautiful stories of different cultures.

Why choose this book?

There are Rivers in the Sky is suitable for readers who seek not only an engaging novel but also deeper reflections on the connection between past and present and between different cultures and our contemporary world. The book is further distinguished by rich language and a thoughtful structure that will keep you in suspense until the last page.

Book highlights

• A powerful and emotional story that weaves history with personal destinies.
• A unique connection of three worlds and epochs, from ancient Mesopotamia to Victorian London and contemporary Turkey.
• From an author recognised by the Booker Prize, renowned and respected in the literary world.
• Rich water symbolism as a carrier of memory and a link between characters and cultures.
• Engaging writing style and a well-crafted narrative structure that will appeal to every literature lover.

General features

• Novel written by Elif Shafak
• Genre: literary fiction, historical novel
• Connects three main locations: ancient Mesopotamia, Victorian London and contemporary Turkey
• Main themes: memory, history, human destinies, culture, water as a symbol