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.

Loved it

Loved loved this book. I cannot believe the author’s in-depth knowledge about RUMI and his life. I would listen to this book again and again. I had never imagined a book can be so inspiring I had tears in my eyes almost every the time listening to this book. Love is eternal, so is SHAMS - RUMI ONENESS.

Great Translation not so Great Narration

Maryam Mafi does a wonderful job of translating Rumi from Persian to English. The commentaries are clarifying and helpful.
If you know Farsi/Persian or are familiar with some of Rumi’s expressions and words in the original language, this narrator will make you truly wonder why he hadn’t bothered checking his pronunciations with a native speaker.

Inspirational stories of great fables and wisdom

I loved this book, I loved hearing all the stories and anecdotal lessons and reasonings.

Rumi Reigns Supreme

A pleasant read and real treat to be reminded or Rumi's infinite wisdom gained from his Islamic roots.

A fluent and nice translation with some errors

Mawlana Jalaladdeen Rumi,
Known as Mawlana in his home country Turkey and as Rumi in the west, is an endless treasure. Which opens its layers to a different wisdom garden in each reading turn.
The literature taste of the translation is remarkable. Maryam Mafi did an excellent job.
But there are some errors in some Islamic rules and information. For example in the story named "Charity" (No:91) Zakat (alms, religous tax collected to be distributed to the poor) is stated as the 1/5 of a persons wealth.
In fact it is 1/40th.
But in overall it is a gate to Islam & Tasawwuf (Sufi) world by Rumi.
The performance of Keith Szarabajka is outstanding, joyful and engaging.