Book Review: ‘The Invisible Sun’ by Attar and Sholeh Wolpé

Book Title: The Invisible Sun
Author: Attar
Translator: Sholeh Wolpé
Publisher: Harper Perennial India (India) / HarperOne (USA)
Number of Pages: 240
ISBN: 978-9369897766 (India) / 978-0063424739 (USA)
Date Published: Nov. 7, 2025 (India) / Aug. 26, 2025 (USA)
Price: View on Amazon India / View on Amazon USA

Book Review

“The Invisible Sun” is the first comprehensive English collection of the poems of the 12th-century Persian mystic poet Attar, who is highly regarded by Rumi, and largely unrecognized among English readers. Translated by acclaimed poet Sholeh Wolpé, this anthology captures Attar’s profound and elegant poetry, resonating with themes of comfort and inspiration amidst contemporary challenges. Attar’s work as a leading Sufi poet parallels the influence of figures like John Milton in the West, teaching that the path to spiritual transcendence resides in self-purification and inward journeys rather than external reform.

This collection serves as an introduction to Attar’s vision of transformation through personal introspection—a response not to worldly crises but the clutches of egotism, which Attar metaphorically describes as a “cyclone of calamities.” His allegorical and parabolic poetry emphasizes the need for self-transformation as a prerequisite for any meaningful change in the world. His metaphors, such as comparing existence to unstable water, highlight the illusion of human constructs when detached from their essence.

Attar warns against human egotism, suggesting it creates barriers between individuals and the divine, and alludes to the current ecological crisis as a failure to harmonise with the earth. He posits that spiritual and ecological disruptions arise from a disconnection from the soul and nature, emphasizing that true healing begins with self-reflection rather than external domination.

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The poems in “The Invisible Sun” present an invitation for readers to engage in transformative conversations with their souls. They aim to cultivate a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life, moving away from domination and towards reverence for the planet. Rather than acting as prescriptive doctrines, Attar’s poetry serves as a guide towards inner awakening and awareness of the earth’s fragility.

In times of ecological devastation, “The Invisible Sun” acts not just as a collection of poetry, but as a catalyst for personal, spiritual, and planetary transformation. It advocates that to mend global fractures, one must also work on healing the self, promoting a gentle yet profound call to see and serve the world with clarity and reverence. The burgeoning awareness cultivated through Attar’s verses, as simple and gentle as a drop of water, fosters an activism that emanates from awe rather than urgency. Each poem extends an opportunity for reflection and guides readers on a path toward profound inner change, ultimately serving as a companion for those dedicated to nurturing both their souls and the earth.

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