The novel Three Daughters of Eve is one of the remarkable works of Elif Shafak. Published in 2016...
BOOK REVIEW
Book: Three Daughters of Eve
Author: Elif Shafak
Reviewed by Gulnaz Khair Bakhsh
The novel Three Daughters of Eve is one of the remarkable works of Elif Shafak. Published in 2016, it consists of 365 pages and is divided into four parts with multiple chapters. This book explores several aspects, including debates on God, cultural clashes, uncertainty, the unusual friendship of a trio, love, regret, and jealousy. The specific areas that fascinated me most were the debate on God and religion, the friendship among the characters, and the jealousy portrayed through the main character.
This novel opens up a thoughtful dialogue about faith, essentially. As reflected in its title Three Daughters of Eve, it refers to three friends: Peri, Shirin, and Mona. All three are Muslims, yet each holds a unique perspective on religion. Peri is uncertain—constantly questioning her beliefs and seeking clarity about God. Shirin sees herself as a non-believer and often criticizes how religion can be misused, particularly by extremists who harm innocent people. Mona, on the other hand, is a devout Muslim who embraces her faith with pride. Despite their differing beliefs, the three women share a close and meaningful bond, which is one of the elements I particularly liked. Their conversations often lead to thought-provoking discussions about God. In one such exchange, Mona says with conviction, “I am proud to be a Muslim,” to which Shirin responds, “How can you be proud of something given to you by birth?” Their discussions encourage readers to reflect on the nature of religious belief.
I love the way both opposing perspectives stood their ground, encouraging deep reflection. As a reader, the book was thought-provoking for me, as I felt that both characters were right in their own ways, shaped by their unique experiences and strong disagreements.
The three friends meet at Oxford University. The concept of their unlikely friendship might be a message about understanding and acceptance, showing that we can be friends with people who have completely different perspectives. Another exciting aspect of the story is how their friendship turns into jealousy, which ultimately breaks hearts. Initially, I admired Peri’s character deeply. She showcases the inner thoughts and struggles of many young women—her questions about God, her love for literature, her support for her father, and her internal conflict between religion and liberalism represent the inner turmoil faced by many people. That is why I loved her character.
However, the most heartbreaking moment for me was when Peri failed to stand up for her philosophy professor, Azur. Peri falls in love with him but never expresses her feelings. When she discovers that Professor Azur is having an affair with Shirin, she becomes intensely jealous, leading her to attempt suicide. Fortunately, she survives. Azur, already disliked by many due to his atheistic ideas, faces serious consequences. People use Peri’s suicide attempt to blame him, accusing him of misleading his students. Peri knows that it wasn’t Azur’s fault and that she should defend him, but she remains silent. As a result, Professor Azur loses his position at the university.
This moment was particularly painful because it highlighted the destructive power of jealousy and guilt. Peri's silence not only destroyed a good man's career but also added to her own feelings of regret and shame, emotions she carries into her adulthood. Through this, Shafak brilliantly portrays how a single decision, influenced by emotion rather than reason, can alter many lives.
In conclusion, Three Daughters of Eve is a profound and emotionally layered novel that challenges the reader to reflect on religion, identity, friendship, and the moral consequences of our actions. Shafak masterfully intertwines philosophical questions with personal dilemmas, making the novel deeply engaging and relatable. It is a book that stays with the reader long after the final page, urging them to question, to understand, and above all, to empathize.
