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A review by ndpangares
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
4.0
Well-researched history of Cypress and the Greek/Turk division, yet “ a mixture of wonder, dreams, love, sorrow, & imagination”.
I’ve been married to my Greek husband 36 years, & know well the animus between Greeks & Turks, many in our community with memories/ family affected by conflict. This sweet book about a young Cypriot Greek in love with a young Cypriot Turk, and the Fig Tree in the Taverna bearing witness, was a masterful blend of history and storytelling - the roots and branches our hearts and families and friends comprise, along with the homeland we carry with us. Chapters written in voice/POV of the Fig Tree were a 1st for me/ a fresh perspective.
I’ve been married to my Greek husband 36 years, & know well the animus between Greeks & Turks, many in our community with memories/ family affected by conflict. This sweet book about a young Cypriot Greek in love with a young Cypriot Turk, and the Fig Tree in the Taverna bearing witness, was a masterful blend of history and storytelling - the roots and branches our hearts and families and friends comprise, along with the homeland we carry with us. Chapters written in voice/POV of the Fig Tree were a 1st for me/ a fresh perspective.