This book would be a good read for anyone seeking a spiritual and philosophical journey through the power of poetry. The Conference of the Birds beautifully captures the essence of Sufism, guiding readers on a profound search for truth and self-discovery. Attar's masterful storytelling weaves together riddles and parables, leaving you with a sense of wonder and enlightenment long after you've finished reading. Lose yourself in the captivating world of the birds as they embark on an arduous journey to find their ideal king, and allow Attar's poetic brilliance to stir your soul.

Riley is your virtual thrift companion, and here to help you find your next favourite read. You can also ask Riley for recommendations here.

• لاک‌پشت پرنده Nominee (2017)

Composed in the twelfth century in north-eastern Iran, Attar's great mystical poem is among the most significant of all works of Persian literature. A marvellous, allegorical rendering of the Islamic doctrine of Sufism - an esoteric system concerned with the search for truth through God - it describes the consequences of the conference of the birds of the world when they meet to begin the search for their ideal king, the Simorgh bird. On hearing that to find him they must undertake an arduous journey, the birds soon express their reservations to their leader, the hoopoe. With eloquence and insight, however, the hoopoe calms their fears, using a series of riddling parables to provide guidance in the search for spiritual truth. By turns witty and profound, The Conference of the Birds transforms deep belief into magnificent poetry.