The Island of Missing Trees

The Island of Missing Trees is a poignant exploration of love, memory, and the scars of history, penned by acclaimed author Elif Shafak. The narrative unfolds in 1974, amidst the turmoil of a divided Cyprus, where Kostas and Defne, two teenagers from opposing factions, find solace in a hidden tavern beneath a fig tree. Their clandestine meetings blossom into a tender romance, tragically interrupted by the eruption of conflict that leads to their mysterious disappearance.

The Plot

Decades later, their daughter Ada navigates her life in north London, where the silence surrounding her family's past looms large. As she grapples with her identity, Ada is drawn to a fig tree in her garden, a living connection to the island of her parents. Her quest for the truth about her heritage reveals layers of familial secrets and the enduring impact of war.

Themes

• Identity and Heritage: The struggle to understand one's roots and the influence of the past on the present.
• Love and Loss: The enduring power of love amidst adversity and the pain of separation.
• Memory: How personal and collective memories shape individual lives and histories.

“In a world where everything seems to be falling apart, love remains a sanctuary.”

Shafak's lyrical prose and rich characterisation invite readers to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity and the threads that bind us all, making The Island of Missing Trees a compelling companion to her other works, such as The Bastard of Istanbul and 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World.