A review by rubyrosereads_
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

adventurous emotional 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? Yes

3.75

 This book tells the story of Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Defne, a Turkish Cypriot, as they fall in love in secret when their two ethnic groups begin to turn against each other in Nicosia, Cyprus, 1974. 

This story has the conflict at the centre of the plot but it is really about the interconnectedness of humans and nature. Both Kostas and the Fig Tree raise the question of why conflict is necessary among humans, and why we put ourselves above nature. 

The fig tree as a narrator was at times interesting, but other times a little over the top for me with the heavy handed metaphors. Overall a good read and I would recommend for anyone who loves books about nature. 
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