A review by abimillsy
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-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? It's complicated
4.0
I visited Nicosia with my partner a couple of years ago and was struck by the many unmistakable scars of civil war it still bore. So when this book was released I knew I had to move it to the top of my list and I'm so glad I did.
At first it was a little hard to get into, the switch between present day in London, the chapters based in Cyprus and the sections from the fig tree's point of view made the structure a little dis-jointed. However once I got into it I began to really love all 3 (I wish we heard a little more from Ada though, especially towards the end)
Overall a fascinating and unique read about an important part of History not commonly written about. Not my favourite Elif Shafak book but still one that will stay with me.
At first it was a little hard to get into, the switch between present day in London, the chapters based in Cyprus and the sections from the fig tree's point of view made the structure a little dis-jointed. However once I got into it I began to really love all 3 (I wish we heard a little more from Ada though, especially towards the end)
Overall a fascinating and unique read about an important part of History not commonly written about. Not my favourite Elif Shafak book but still one that will stay with me.