Song of the Sun: The Life, Poetry, & Teachings of Rumi : Book Review

"Song of the Sun" by Andrew Harvey is a captivating exploration of the divine feminine and its profound role within the mystical traditions of Islam. Through extensive research and eloquent writing, Harvey invites readers to embrace the divine feminine as a guide to awakening and transforming the world.

Divided into three parts, the book delves into different aspects of the divine feminine. The first part emphasizes the nurturing and creative force of the feminine in the universe. Harvey presents poetry and teachings that stress the importance of connecting with this aspect of the divine in order to restore balance and harmony in our lives.

The second part explores the mystical teachings of Islam and reveals the significance of the feminine in Sufi poetry and practices. Harvey highlights the feminine as a catalyst for spiritual growth, encouraging readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and transformation.

In the final part, Harvey addresses the challenges and opportunities of embracing the divine feminine in the modern world. He examines topics such as feminism, environmentalism, and the interfaith movement, demonstrating how the teachings of the divine feminine can inspire and guide us in addressing these global issues.

Harvey's writing is poetic and insightful, captivating readers with its lyrical tone and deep wisdom. His exploration of the divine feminine extends beyond traditional Islamic teachings, embracing a broader understanding that incorporates diverse spiritual traditions.

What are readers saying?

"Song of the Sun" by Andrew Harvey has received mixed reviews from readers. Some readers praised the book for its thought-provoking exploration of spirituality and mysticism. Harvey's poetic language and ability to uplift and inspire were highly appreciated. Many readers described the book as transformative, deepening their connection with their spiritual selves.

However, there were also readers who found the book difficult to comprehend. They felt that Harvey's writing style was overly complex and convoluted, making it challenging to grasp the concepts. These readers struggled to stay engaged and felt frustrated by their inability to connect with the material. Some reviewers suggested that the book might not be suitable for beginners in spirituality, as it assumes a certain level of prior knowledge.

Additionally, a few reviewers mentioned that "Song of the Sun" lacked a cohesive structure. They felt that the book read more like a collection of poetic musings rather than a structured argument or narrative. This lack of organization made it challenging to follow the author's train of thought and fully engage with the material.

Overall, "Song of the Sun" received both praise and criticism from readers. While some found it to be a beautiful and transformative exploration of spirituality, others struggled with its complex writing style and lack of organization. The book seems to be better suited for readers with prior knowledge and understanding of spirituality. Beginners in the subject might find it more challenging to connect with the material and may prefer to start with more accessible works.