There are Rivers in the Sky cover art

There are Rivers in the Sky

The beautiful Sunday Times bestseller from the author of The Island of Missing Trees & BBC Between the Covers Book Club pick

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There are Rivers in the Sky

By: Elif Shafak
Narrated by: Olivia Vinall, Elif Shafak
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This audiobook is read by Olivia Vinall, and Elif Shafak reads the Note to Reader at the end of the story.

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.

FINALIST FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL FICTION
WINNER OF THE GORDON BOWKER PRIZE 2025
WINNER OF THE INAUGURAL GOOD HOUSEKEEPING GOOD BOOKS SPRING COLLECTION

‘Elif Shafak is a unique and powerful voice in world literature’ Ian McEwan

'Shafak makes a new home for us in words' Colum McCann

'One of the best writers in the world today' Hanif Kureishi

© Elif Shafak 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024

 Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Heartfelt Inspiring Thought-Provoking Tear-jerking England War Middle East
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Critic reviews

It will make you think, cry, rage – and hope. It is Elif Shafak at her best
Gloriously expansive and intellectually rich... a magnificent achievement
Richly evocative. A fascinating stream of storytelling.
Engrossing. I turned the pages hungrily, carried by Shafak’s energetic prose and confident that it was heading towards a coherent and rewarding ending. As ever, Shafak did not disappoint.
An absorbing novel. Shafak is a novelist whose interest in mapping the intricately related world and its history goes beyond literary device.
Elif Shafak is a unique and powerful voice in world literature (Ian McEwan)
Shafak makes a new home for us in words (Colum McCann)
A writer of important, beautiful, painful, truthful novels (Marian Keyes)
A brilliant, unforgettable novel, which raises big ideas of 'who owns the past' with nuance and complexity. Elif Shafak ties together diverse time periods and places in a way that seems both natural and wonderfully unexpected. (Mary Beard)
Bright, vivid and timeless like rivers. (Philippa Gregory)
All stars
Most relevant
This beautiful poetic story joins me to my great love, water, and teaches me about history and the present day.
I have much respect for Elif Shefak for enlightening me to the plight of Yazidis, and the horrors we do not find out about.
I loved the story, the characters, and this way of learning history is so creative and impactful.
What a lot of research Elif has done to bring us this story. I pray you have the abundance and support to continue your amazing work.

Wow! That’s for opening my eyes

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I loved this book. It’s great story, well narrated and deeply moving and inspired me to look into many of the real and historical events featured. A moving and needed portrayal of the Yazidi current situation. The characters are believable and interesting- Arthur is fascinating. Thank you to the author for this inspiring novel.

A novel which will stay with you, brilliant

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I read this book in 5 days whilst working a full time job and looking after 4 children as a single mother….. I enjoyed it more than watching any movie or series on tv. Finishing the book was like waking up from a beautiful dream that you didn’t want to end.

Captivating, enchanting and mesmerising

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Quite a read. I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the middle sections. Shafak weaves a compelling narrative that encompasses the glorious epic of Gilgamesh and the plight of the subjected peoples throughout the chosen eras. I thought I knew a fair bit on these topics, however, I came away feeling so much more appreciative of all the issues after reading this rich and engaging book.

Urbane, learned yet accessible

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I an an Elif Shafak fan, so when this book come out my husband immediately bought me a signed copy. Having read and loved the book so much, wanted the audiobook version also and wasn't disappointed. The narration is amazing , easy to listen and engaging. I love how there are so many golden threads throughout the story that weaves characters together. Absolute pleasure to read and I would highly recommend it.

Best book I have read this year

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