Reviews

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

theknitterwithabook's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

dmillet's review against another edition

emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

coldbuckwheatnoodles's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

darajackson14's review against another edition

emotional medium-paced

4.0

jstar84's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

janey's review against another edition

4.0

A lovely combination of a plot driven story with thoughtful consideration of human issues, with some plant metaphors tossed in. Who doesn't love trees?

oaxleaf's review against another edition

hopeful informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Island of Missing Trees has an interesting setting and intriguing historical background mixed throughout it, but suffers from coming across as somewhat to YA-like in some of its writing and characterization. It’s also dragged down by its varioud pov’s being of varying interest, making the first third of the novel into something of a slog until it enters a historical perspective. Ultimately, I am intriguiged by the foundations laid, but not as interested in the book as a whole. 

tamsinkate's review against another edition

2.0

I was initially drawn to this book due to its exploration of Cyprus’ history but it fell short and felt lacking in many regards.
There were a lot of interesting themes covered but unfortunately all were too brief. Many characters represented particular themes (LGBTQ+ or traditional Turkish Cypriot culture as examples) but it meant their character arcs weren’t developed properly. Similarly, the last chapter seemed very rushed to tie everything together.
I enjoyed learning more about the civil war from both Greek and Turkish perspectives, and the fig tree’s narration was an unusual aspect.
Overall 2.5

kileyatkins21's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

the_tilly0405's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0