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

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

As a child of immigrant parents from former Yugoslavia, this book hit a topic close to home. I grew up learning bits and pieces of my father's past, just like Ada. Neighbours and friends turning their backs on each other and doing unspeakable things to each other is a topic we're well aware of. It was a hard read, and I found myself struggling to continue because of how relatable it was. I've never read a book that took the perspective of a tree and it's such a beautiful touch. I loved hearing the bugs and the birds talking to the tree. I will never look at trees the same way anymore. I'd strongly urge anyone who deals lives in the diaspora with generational trauma and/or immigrant parents to pick up this book. 
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