Scan barcode
A review by frogggirl2
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
P. 55, the fig tree talking about why she couldn't bear fruit for 7 years, "Because that is what migrations and relocations do to us: when you leave your home for unknown shores, you don’t simply carry on as before; a part of you dies inside so that another part can start all over again."
This is lovely and has some interesting things to say about the effects of emigration, conflict zones and Civil War. It's magical realism so you have to go with it even though things like mice being able to read in this realistic world state are jarring. The examination of the importance of nature and human disregard for animals, plants and really everything feels preachy. I would say that's my main complaint about this book as a whole - it's a bit formulaic at points and a bit on the nose. The characterization of Ada and the current day storyline is sacrificed at the altar of making over-arching points.
This is lovely and has some interesting things to say about the effects of emigration, conflict zones and Civil War. It's magical realism so you have to go with it even though things like mice being able to read in this realistic world state are jarring. The examination of the importance of nature and human disregard for animals, plants and really everything feels preachy. I would say that's my main complaint about this book as a whole - it's a bit formulaic at points and a bit on the nose. The characterization of Ada and the current day storyline is sacrificed at the altar of making over-arching points.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War, Child death, and Murder