There Are Rivers in the Sky
Hardback Published on: 08/08/2024
Price: £18.99
Bookseller Reviews
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An exquisite and memorable epic
After the wonderful Island of Missing Trees, I was so excited to read Elif Shafak's latest; it was a privilege to receive a proof. It doesn't disappoint. S... READ MORE
Thoughtful and beautiful
Such a wonderful book! Three interweaving stories all linked by lost fragments of an ancient poem, and flowing around the River Thames and the River Tigris... READ MORE
Mesmerisingly beautiful
"Water remembers
It is humans who forget."
A beautiful story of how three distinct lives are connected by the history of Ninevah and a single drop of w... READ MORE
I am in a trans since I have read this.
Oh my days, this book literally blew me away!
I loved it as much as Doer’s Cloud Cuckoo Land, which is A LOT. I will give a copy of this book to everyone.... READ MORE
Exquisite and Enlightening
A beautifully written masterpiece of Mesopotamian culture and history, it is clear that Shafak thoroughly researched for this book and poured her heart and... READ MORE
Just Beautiful
Firstly thank you to the publishers for sending me an uncorrected proof and as such I cannot give any storyline away.
It us not often i describe a book as... READ MORE
A great book by an excellent author
Having read, ‘The Island of Missing Trees’, I was confident that I would enjoy this book, and also confident that I would be learning while I read as I kne... READ MORE
A Truly Great Novel
There are only a handful of novels I have read through my life that made a serious mark; this is one such novel. It is profound and beautiful, heartbreakin... READ MORE
This will stay with me always.
In the crumbling and desolate ruins of Nineveh, mighty ancient city of Mesopotamia, lies hidden and buried sand fragments of a long-forgotten poem, the Epi... READ MORE
Favourite book of 2025 so far
This book is a masterpiece. The gorgeous prose is a joy to read from beginning to end. The incredible level of research Shafak has done is evident on ever... READ MORE
A mesmerising story about memory, loss and the meaning of home
Three stories that move between London and the river Thames and Mesopotamia and the River Tigris: In mid-19th Century London, Arthur - a boy who has grown ... READ MORE
Water, water everywhere...
The 3 strands of this novel are linked together by 1. water 2. The Epic of Gilgamesh and the city of Nineveh in Ancient Mesopotamia.
It starts in the la... READ MORE
Poetry in Prose
This book has drenched my soul and mind in beauty. If ever a perfect novel existed, this is it. Unutterably sublime and extremely impactful. Elif Shafa at ... READ MORE
You simply must read it
This is a novel which absolutely sings with humanity. Never losing sight of its profoundly moving subject matter - the power, memory, and weight of water -... READ MORE
Water holds a thousand memories
There are books that transcend any kind of words to describe how brilliant it is. Lyrically genius, powerfully written, There Are Rivers in the Sky is more... READ MORE
A profound, resonant and deeply affecting novel.
This highly accomplished novel begins and ends with a single drop of water. Yet, this single drop is capable of linking the lives of three distinctive char... READ MORE
A near perfect achievement in historical fiction
If I could give this a higher rating I would.
This is by far one the best books I've read this year. Exquisitely crafted, thoughtful and heart wrenching T... READ MORE
Marvellously stitched together.
I almost didn't read it because of some slightly snotty comments from someone about it but I am so very glad I ignored that in the end because this is a ma... READ MORE
Thought provoking
I really enjoyed the combination of historical and modern narratives and seeing how they intertwined. An emotional, thought-provoking tale that explores id... READ MORE
Really enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book. I’d never read any Elif Shafak before, and now I’m kicking myself.
The whole concept was hugely clever, and the individual st... READ MORE
This book will stay with me for a long time!
What an absolute Gem of a novel, I'm usually a fantasy/horror fan in general but after my sister was raving about it I thought I'd give this a go and I am ... READ MORE
Beautiful interwoven timelines
Elif Shafak is an incredibly talented writer and whilst this was the first book I have read by them, it certainly will not be my last. She uses the most in... READ MORE
Synopsis
The new novel from the Booker-shortlisted, internationally bestselling author of The Island of Missing Trees and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World.
There Are Rivers in the Sky is a rich, sweeping novel set between the 19th century and modern times, about love and loss, memory and erasure, hurt and healing, centred around three enchanting characters living on the banks of the River Thames and the River Tigris - their lives all curiously touched by the epic of Gilgamesh.
Publisher information
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
- ISBN: 9780241435014
- Number of pages: 496
- Dimensions: 224 x 145 x 42 mm
- Weight: 595g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
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Oh, my heart! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would have!
Elif Shafak’s “There Are Rivers in the Sky” is an extraordinary literary achie... READ MORE
Shafak has done it again - another incredible 5 star read!
Elif Shafak is an absolute master storyteller and this latest novel was no exception.
There are Rivers in the Sky is set across 3 timelines, Victorian ... READ MORE
Beautifully written
This month, I really enjoyed reading Elif Shafak’s “There are Rivers in the Sky”. The novel hasn’t yet been released but I was lucky to be given an advance... READ MORE
Beautifully written with engaging characters
A wonderful, tragic, moving. beautiful story of epic proportions.
By far the most accomplished and absorbing book by Elif, who has really surpassed herse... READ MORE
Dark & poignant from a master storyteller
There Are Rivers in the Sky
By Elif Shafak
"Water is the fundamental principle of life'
Shafak's writing always examines themes across different po... READ MORE
Beautifully written
There are rivers from the Sky by Elif Shafak is the first book from the author that I have read, and it won’t be my last.
The story involves three main ch... READ MORE
Wonderful
Clicked on the wrong star (can't edit and change it) so please ignore.
Beautiful signed edition. Would definitely recommend
Simply wonderful - don't miss this one!
Elif Shafak is fast becoming one of my most favourite novelists. There Are Rivers in the Sky is utterly absorbing from first page to the last and is so wel... READ MORE
A full circle story that will sweep you away
There Are Rivers in the Sky
By Elif Shafak
"Water is the fundamental principle of life'
Shafak's writing always examines themes across different po... READ MORE
Intriguing historical fiction
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak weaves an intriguing story with the use of three very different characters. We meet Arthur in 1840, who overcome... READ MORE
Deeply beautiful and sensational!
Just another masterpiece from Shafak that left me speechless and emotional towards the end of the story. As a scholar in archaeology, I truly enjoyed the j... READ MORE
Beautifully written
There are rivers from the Sky by Elif Shafak is the first book from the author that I have read, and it won’t be my last.
The story involves three main ch... READ MORE
It draws you in and pulls you under
This is an extraordinary book, emotionally charged and full of the most fantastic, peculiar and informative detail. It draws you in and pulls you under – t... READ MORE
Powerful, stunningly beautiful
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 through... READ MORE
This is such a beautiful book.
Shafak’s narrative covers three timelines:
1. King Arthur of the Sewers and Slums - born in 1840 on the bank of the river Thames into poverty … but so... READ MORE
A stunning and moving read - my novel of 2024
A new Elif Shafak book is always a literary delight and treat so much so that reading this new novel was given time and thought- returning to certain secti... READ MORE
H I J K L M N O
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 20... READ MORE
Mesmerising Mesopotamia
Elif Shafak draws you into worlds both past and present with a cast of characters that enthral the reader with their own unique stories who at the same tim... READ MORE
The most beautiful book I have ever read
I was educated, I was enthralled, I was scared. The love of a Grandmother for her Granddaughter was wonderful. I held the book to my chest once I had finis... READ MORE
A Stunningly Beautiful Novel
5 stars isn't enough.
Elif Shafak is so good at historical epic fiction. There Are Rivers in the Sky gives us three personal histories with Nineveh at t... READ MORE
Real, enthralling, mystical and captivating.
What an interesting book. At once moving, compelling and a subtle dive into emotion and human motivation, but set in a world, or rather several worlds that... READ MORE
A powerful and memorable read!
Without a doubt my most favourite read of the year so far, also my first Elif Shafak read, I struggled to put this one down.
Set in three timelines, the... READ MORE
Don't miss this one
If you read one book this year, read this one. It is about two rivers - the Thames and the Tigris, and the civilizations near these rivers that flourished... READ MORE
“Water remembers; it is humans who forget.”
There are Rivers in the Sky begins with water, and it’s water that weaves throughout the times, locations, and characters of this novel — rising from a sin... READ MORE
Beautiful writing but depressing
This is a beautifully written novel and the level of research it must have taken is impressive; I learned so much about the Yazidis and the history of Nine... READ MORE
Just Wonderful
I’ve read a lot of books this year and this has got to be my favourite so far. I rarely give 5 stars, but this truly deserves all 5 of them.
The story sta... READ MORE
Well written and researched novel
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... READ MORE
Exquisite writing
Another beautiful book by Elif Shafak. The writing is just exquisite. The characters are so fully realised and steal your heart. I think the Arthur chapter... READ MORE
my all-time favourite books, and I'll be recommending it to everyone.
Another great book
I was so excited when I heard of the new book by Elif Shafak, and she didn’t disappoint. When it comes to reading her books, one can be sure to be in for a... READ MORE
Breathtaking prose and ambitious premise
Three people across time are united by a single drop of water and the stories of an ancient civilization. As they fight for better lives, they must contend... READ MORE
A tale of two rivers that spans thousands of years
If you read one book this year, read this one. It is about two rivers - the Thames and the Tigris, and the civilizations near these rivers that flourished... READ MORE
Pathed Waters, Dreamed Shores
“Later, when the storm has passed, everyone will talk about the destruction it left behind, though no one, not even the king himself, will remember that it... READ MORE
Flawless
This is one of those books that simply transports you, from the frozen Thames in Victorian times to modern day Iraq, I felt I was there. The care, thought ... READ MORE
A captivating read
'There are Rivers in the Sky' is a captivating novel following multiple timelines and perspectives, all connected to ancient Mesopotamia in some way.
... READ MORE
Absolutely superb
Oh my goodness what a wonderful book. I honestly think Elif Shafak is one of the world's greatest contemporary writers; her writing is beyond beautiful, ju... READ MORE
An 'epic' novel!
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 h... READ MORE
A classic of our time.
The best written book I’ve ever read. It had credible characters, touched on sensitive subjects that need to be known about, and the story was compelling. ... READ MORE
There are rivers in the sky
I loved this book! Elif Shafak’s story telling is second to none.
It’s beautifully written, and draws you in from the very first page. I would highly rec... READ MORE
history, philosophy, science and much more
What can I say, Elif Shafak Is one of my favorites and there are rivers in the sky is a truly fascinating read. It sort of defines me in person in bits and... READ MORE
An All Time Favorite Read
It's probably one of those books I keep going back to read. Beautifully written and impeccably researched. What can one say more about Elif Shafak's There ... READ MORE
One of my fav Historical Fiction book
I am simply amazed by the epic storytelling by the author. Not only it is a delightful read, but also an eye opener about some facets of history. Although ... READ MORE
Stunning!
I feel it is impossible to do proper justice with a review when you read a book written by Elif Shafak. She is one of my favourite authors. Her books, alwa... READ MORE
Brilliant read
I hate to admit it, but this is the first book I’ve read by Eli Shafak and it definitely won’t be the last. This book tells the history of three people al... READ MORE
Moving, engaging, based in truth
Elif has found a way to seamlessly and enticingly tie three very different lives together using the analogy of one thing in the world that we all share. St... READ MORE
A WORK OF LITERARY GENIUS
If you have ‘water’ in your life then you must read this book!
It is full of vast human emotions, spellbinding storytelling and a deep sense of cultural... READ MORE
Beautiful, grandiose and yet intimate
I'm a bit of a sucker for stories like this: Different perspectives, different timelines but, in some small way, interlinked. I enjoyed all the stories and... READ MORE
Wonderful book
What a fabulous book! I enjoyed every minute of ready it. Elif is such a talented author.
Sweeping novel set in Türkiye, Mesopotamia and London
WINNER OF THE EDWARD STANFORD TRAVEL WRITING AWARDS 2025 – FICTION WITH A SENSE OF PLACE
An ambitious, sweeping novel, with water at its heart.
“The ... READ MORE
Magical
A beautiful thought provoking book
Absolutely amazing
Bought this book during our holidays in April at Waterstones Trafalgar Square in London. Thanks to the lady there, who recommended it. I started to read it... READ MORE
Not enough stars!
Not enough stars to express how good this is. I was enthralled by it
Just beautiful
I could not put it down. Beautifully written.
Mesmerising. I couldn't put it down
I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting. Elif Shafak has such a way with words. The prose is lyrical and it draws you in. The concept of water ... READ MORE
Absolutely wonderful. Just wonderful!
I'd never read a book by this author until I saw a staff review written on a shelf in the Horsham store which said it was on of the best books of this cent... READ MORE
Wonderful storytelling
Absolutely loved everything about this book. Wonderful storytelling, compelling characters and I learned a little about ancient Mesopotamia, which inspired... READ MORE
An absorbing and illuminating read
A delightful read combining both fiction and historical fact, skilfully woven into an absorbing story that spans the time from the Assyrian empire right up... READ MORE
'This is Literature at its best'
Elif Shafak has excelled herself! . The rich story is a clever complex weaving of past and present through the lives and experiences of three main characte... READ MORE
Masterpiece
Beautifully written and love the way it transports us across civilisations, centuries, places and different lives. 100% recommend
Incredible
A beautiful book that will stay with you forever.
Favourite of 2025
My favourite book of the year absolutely amazing and beautiful
Verified Purchase
loved this, time well spent!
A great read with cleverly linked storyline and characters.
There Are Rivers In The Sky, Elif Shafak
A beautiful book, I throughly recommend.
It made me cry, and I loved the connection of a single drop of water.....wonderful! I love it!
Will be stayin... READ MORE
not for me
This is a clever way of linking three different characters in different locations and in different time zones. However, I didn’t feel the stories flowed we... READ MORE
Verified Purchase
parallel stories
This book starts off with a raindrop in Nineveh and a snow drop landing in Arthur’s mouth, the journey and time of water. I like this imagery and am invest... READ MORE
My favourite book I have read!
Honestly this is my FAVOURITE book i have read!! it’s amazingly written, it is amazing how 3 stories rolled into one and all connected with eachother years... READ MORE
Will stay in my favourite books ever.
This covers so much. Three very different stories and life experiences and how we can all be inextricably linked over thousands of years. The most wonderfu... READ MORE
In my all time top 5!
Honestly one of the best books I have ever read, so beautifully written! This book was as equally uplifting as it was heartbreaking and I wish I could rea... READ MORE
Great Historical Fiction
I loved this book. I teach Ancient Sumerian History as a topic in Primary school so enjoyed delving deeper into this world. I loved the main characters, pa... READ MORE
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