Reviews

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

sarahb_513's review against another edition

3.0

The story was ok, not my fav by her (I really enjoyed 10 min and 38 seconds in this strange world). There were moments that I was invested but for the majority I found it a bit slow and I was kind of bored. It just wasn’t for me I’m afraid. The narrator however did an incredible job! I thoroughly enjoyed her narration!

olitro's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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? Yes

4.25

Beautifully written. I really enjoyed the fig tree narration and how steeped in history and lore those parts were. I feel for Ada navigating so many emotions basically on her own. But also for her father who seems like a sweet man trying his best. 

ft_nelly's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative sad slow-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? No

3.5

ym3996's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad 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? Yes

4.75

zaigina's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Beautifully written; a glimpse into the history and culture of Cyprus. 

thehazeofsleepingsky's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-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? No

3.25

mjsruff's review against another edition

4.0

A beautiful story that is beautifully written.

The storytelling is done so lyrically it’s easy to visualize all the details. The multiple timelines and the slight variation of narration was a bit much for me. Lots of history which is always a big plus!

asmeriglio26's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

caicapx's review against another edition

5.0

The Island Of Missing Trees conta uma história narrada em diferentes perspetivas. Por um lado, temos Ada, uma jovem do Norte de Londres que, devido a um projeto da escola, tem de mergulhar na história familiar que dela foi escondida. Ao mesmo tempo descobrimos a história de amor entre Kostas, um Cipriota Grego, e Defne, uma Cipriota Turca, no meio da guerra que para sempre mudou o rumo da ilha e dos seus habitantes. Por fim, e narrando tanto o presente e como o passado, está uma Figueira muito especial (de uma forma que eu não estava nada à espera!) que dá a perspetiva das árvores, dos pássaros, das borboletas e restante natureza.

Quem me conhece, sabe que adoro a cultura turca e tudo o que a rodeia: a língua, a comida, a música, etc... E é algo que está muito presente no livro, representada pela personagem da Tia Meryem.

The Island of Missing Trees foi o primeiro livro que li de Elif Shafak, e certamente que não será o último. A sua escrita belíssima e metáforas muito bem conseguidas são a estrela do livro, aliadas a uma história com significado que torna este livro muito especial. Recomendo muito!

ktbooksit's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad medium-paced

5.0