A review by 2treads
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

3.75

Shafak evoked such emotion with this story of loss, grief, and illness linked to a history of violence through a family formed out of this painful period. Ada is an awkward teen who is curious about her parents' past while dealing with her emotionally distant father and his lack of interaction in her pursuit.

It is the empathic way in which Shafak deals with certain themes that attracts me to her writing and stories.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Death of parent

Minor: Alcoholism, Abortion, and Pregnancy