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A review by astridrc
La isla del árbol perdido by Elif Shafak
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I really liked this book. I didn't know anything about Cyprus' history so that was incredibly interesting to begin with. I loved the chapter on the connections to the Spanish Civil War and the Chilean dictatorship. As a Latin American, specifically a Uruguayan, I can relate. I can understand the importance of finding those who were disappeared, to offer their loved ones some peace.
I also liked how the story goes back and forth and how everything evolved. Kostas and Defne's love story is a beautiful one but full of pain and trauma which was inflicted upon them by a world they had no say in.
I loved Ada and Meryam's relationship as well and to be able to see how much Ada lost because her mom was trying to protect her, to offer her a "clean start", which sadly proved to be impossible. Generational trauma is one of the biggest themes on this book (even in trees) which I always find so compelling.
The most controversial aspect of this book is probably that the story is at times told from the perspective of a fig tree. I personally found it very interesting and original (you also get to learn a lot about different trees and animals, which I personally love).
All in all, it was a great book which will probably stay with me. However, I'm not sure I really like that one final twist...
I also liked how the story goes back and forth and how everything evolved. Kostas and Defne's love story is a beautiful one but full of pain and trauma which was inflicted upon them by a world they had no say in.
I loved Ada and Meryam's relationship as well and to be able to see how much Ada lost because her mom was trying to protect her, to offer her a "clean start", which sadly proved to be impossible. Generational trauma is one of the biggest themes on this book (even in trees) which I always find so compelling.
The most controversial aspect of this book is probably that the story is at times told from the perspective of a fig tree. I personally found it very interesting and original (you also get to learn a lot about different trees and animals, which I personally love).
All in all, it was a great book which will probably stay with me. However, I'm not sure I really like that one final twist...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion and War