The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak 2022 Paperback New

Description: The Island of Missing TreesBy Elif Shafak The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak is a captivating and poignant novel that explores themes of belonging, identity, love, trauma, and renewal. Set in 1974 on the divided island of Cyprus, the story follows two teenagers, Kostas and Defne, who come from opposite sides of the conflict. They meet in secret at a tavern, the only place where they can bridge the divide between their Greek and Turkish backgrounds.The tavern, adorned with garlands of garlic, chilli peppers, and wild herbs, offers not only the best food, music, and wine in town but also a temporary escape from the immoderate sorrows of the outside world. At the heart of the tavern stands a fig tree, growing through a cavity in the roof, silently witnessing their clandestine meetings and the eventual outbreak of war that tears them apart.Decades later, in north London, sixteen-year-old Ada Kazantzakis, the daughter of Kostas and Defne, seeks answers about her heritage. She has never visited the island where her parents were born, and her only connection to their homeland is a Ficus Carica tree growing in their backyard. Determined to untangle years of secrets, separation, and silence, Ada embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation.Elif Shafak masterfully weaves together the narratives of past and present, exploring the impact of history on individual lives and the enduring power of nature. Through her lyrical prose, she delves into the complexities of cultural and religious differences, highlighting the universal desire for connection and understanding.The Island of Missing Trees is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for healing. Shafak's compassionate storytelling evokes a range of emotions, from joy to heartbreak, and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. The novel's exploration of trauma and its aftermath is particularly poignant, as characters grapple with the scars left by war and the need to confront their past in order to move forward.Shafak's vivid descriptions transport readers to the island of Cyprus, immersing them in its rich history and natural beauty. The fig tree serves as a powerful symbol throughout the narrative, representing both the rootedness of tradition and the potential for growth and renewal. It becomes a source of solace and connection for the characters, reminding them of their shared humanity despite the divisions that threaten to tear them apart.The Island of Missing Trees has garnered critical acclaim for its profound storytelling and compassionate exploration of complex themes. Reese Witherspoon, who selected the novel for her book club, describes it as a book that moved her to tears in the best way possible. Robert Macfarlane praises Shafak's characteristic compassion, while Polly Samson hails it as enchanting, wise, and sublime storytelling.In conclusion, Elif Shafak's The Island of Missing Trees is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that delves into the depths of human experience. Through its compelling characters and evocative setting, the book explores themes of belonging, identity, love, trauma, and renewal. Shafak's storytelling prowess shines through as she navigates the complexities of history and the enduring power of nature. This is a book that will leave readers deeply moved and contemplating the profound connections that bind us all. Notice: The displayed image is a symbolic representation of the book, The actual book cover image may differ. ( Why? Sometimes publishers change the cover image with reprints, we have thousands of listings, it is practically impossible to keep track of all those changes.) <

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Location: Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-12-02T15:54:29.000Z

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