Book Review: ‘Rumi: A New Selection’ by Farrukh Dhondy

Book Title: Rumi: A New Selection
Author: Farrukh Dhondy
Publisher: Harper Perennial India
Number of Pages: 172
ISBN: 978-9365691535
Date Published: Mar. 14, 2025
Price: INR 360

Book Review

Farrukh Dhondy’s “Rumi: A New Selection” is a masterful and lyrical translation that brings the timeless poetry of the 13th-century Sufi mystic Jalal-al-Din Rumi vibrantly to life for modern readers. Dhondy, an accomplished writer and translator, carefully balances fidelity to Rumi’s original religious and spiritual context with a contemporary idiom, preserving the musicality, rhyme, and rhythm that are essential to Rumi’s verse.

This collection is notable for its accessibility and depth. Dhondy opens with an insightful introduction that chronicles Rumi’s transformation from Jalal-al-Din to the beloved Mowlana, highlighting his spiritual journey and the profound impact of his guide, Shams of Tabriz. The book captures the essence of Rumi’s themes—divinity, devotion, love, and the mystical quest for oneness—in a way that resonates deeply with readers across cultures and eras.

Critics and readers alike praise Dhondy’s translations for their clarity and soulfulness. Unlike many modern versions that either lose the spiritual essence or the poetic form, Dhondy’s work maintains both, offering a rhythmic and meditative experience that invites reflection and spiritual nourishment. His translations avoid the pitfalls of overly casual or obscure renderings, instead delivering verses that feel both ethereal and grounded, touching the heart and mind.

The book is not only a treasure for poetry lovers but also for those seeking spiritual insight. Dhondy’s approach respects Rumi’s Sufi theology and the cultural richness of the original texts, making this collection a faithful and enriching gateway into Rumi’s mystical world. It stands out as a must-read for anyone wishing to explore the profound wisdom and beauty of one of history’s greatest poets.

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In sum, “Rumi: A New Selection” by Farrukh Dhondy is a beautifully crafted, spiritually resonant, and musically vibrant translation that honours the legacy of Rumi while inviting new generations into his timeless embrace.

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