The novel is written in several povs and runs in two timelines - 2008 and 1200s. Having multiple perspectives is almost always something that makes a story more interesting. There are pretty good views on love and life in the form of those forty rules. Spirituality here is based on 'naf' (self), and love. But why did I feel that 'love' was a little too naive here!? 😅
The reader can have a glimpse of Islam and Sufism through this but the fact that this is a work of fiction has to be kept in mind. I believe that this is not an entirely accurate description about Rumi, Shams or religion. Anyway that's how fiction works right!? No offense but it felt like a westernization of something oriental and the oriental culture was abandoned for the sake of pleasing western readers 🫠
The writing wasn't satisfactory, at least for me. I found it a bit boring to get through the writing as it lacks life and passion. It was lukewarm for me; it wasn't bad but not as exhilarating as what I call an excellent novel that would have me drowning in its words. Also, it would've been better if the author hadn't spoiled the ending in the very beginning of the book! 
I honestly enjoyed the book and I wanted to enjoy it more, but to me, it's just 3/5 ⭐