Eva de Vitray Meyerovitch: A Woman's Path to the Heart of Islam

Rachel and Jean-Pierre Cartier

Cathryn Goddard (translation)

Paperback, 156 pages

9781887752220

The renowned scholar and preeminent translator of Rumi, Eva de Vitray Meyerovitch (1909-1999) was educated by nuns and went on to study Christian theology at the Sorbonne, taking degrees in law and ancient Greek philosophy. Yet a chance reading of Rumi inspired her to learn Persian in order to translate and make his works available for the French-speaking world.

This dedication became her life’s work. Her profound understanding of Rumi—which only a translator can truly attain—made it possible for her to bridge the two cultures in which she comfortably lived—modern day France and the 13th century Turkey of Rumi as well as the Islamic world today.

These interviews take us on a breathtaking journey of faith, introducing us along the way to a wide range of thinkers—such as her extraordinary mentor Louis Massignon, and the rector of Cairo’s Azhar University where she taught, as well as anecdotes involving her numerous personal friendships and professional encounters. Her moving, challenging, noble and often humorous story highlights the beauty that comes from a life of faith lived through the lens of her spiritual master Rumi.