66 pages 2 hours read

Elif Shafak

The Island of Missing Trees

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak explores the forbidden love story between Greek Cypriot Kostas and Turkish Cypriot Defne during the 1974 conflict in Cyprus, their migration to London, and the impact of their past on their daughter Ada, whose only connection to Cyprus is a fig tree in her garden. Topics include war and violence, substance use, mental health, and the aftermath of suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Elif Shafak's The Island of Missing Trees notably explores themes of love, loss, and identity through the lens of historical and cultural contexts. Positive reviews highlight Shafak's vivid storytelling and character depth. However, some critics find the symbolic elements heavy-handed and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is praised for its emotional resonance and lyrical prose.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Island of Missing Trees?

The ideal reader for The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak enjoys intricately woven narratives that blend historical fiction with contemporary issues. Fans of books like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will appreciate the poetic prose and emotional depth in Shafak's storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Magical Realism

Fantasy

Topics

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Food

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Emotions/Behavior: Memory