I just finished reading “The Gardens Of Light” by Amin Maalouf.
The book tells the story of Mani – the painter, mystic, physician and prophet – exploring his life and journey.
It’s a very interesting book that takes the reader back to those times when the great Roman and Persian empires were in their battle to control the Middle East, and followers of different religions were fighting against each other for ascendancy.
It lets you live the journey of Mani while he preached his doctrine of humility, tolerance and love.
I really liked the way the story was told and how you really start feeling and understanding the characters.
I wish there were a bit more details about Mani’s teachings, as the book only hinted at some of the ideas.
Anyway, it was very interesting to me reading about Mani, learning about his life, beliefs and religion.
I thought his message of tolerance and love between all people, no matter what their religion is, no matter their caste and race is a very powerful and important one that we really need nowadays.
Yeah, I tried to read this book in Arabic, but only got to the 4th chapter… What I did read was interesting, but not catching enough. Yet, I still found Ameen Malouf’s Arabic translations better than the English ones. I didn’t manage to finish Samarkand or Leo the African either. I wonder what they’re like in the original language…
I understand what you mean Roba, I too wasn’t really caught by the book that much at first, which explains why it took me a while to get through it. I’m usually faster with books that suck me in.
Anyway, this is the first book I read by Amin Maalouf, and I read the English translation which was pretty good, but I can’t really compare with the original language as I haven’t read that.
I do enjoy Amin Maalouf, but unfortunately, only in translation. I read Leo the African when on holiday a few years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it, and also Samarkand. I must get a copy of the Garden of Light, thanks for drawing me to it. If you enjoy Maalouf I think you’ll also enjoy Richard Zimler’s “The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon”. Take care, Sis! Salam!
I read the book with ISBN-964-7514-82-4 about Mani,I love his teaching cuz nowadays we need this religion after these wars and darkness in this world, WE NEED LIGHT!!!
i also read the book… it’s an amazing book but it was originally written in French just like amin’s other books… he is lebanese but living in France… btw the french version is amazing… i also wish i could find a reference in wich i can learn more about mani’s teaching…