The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak explores the forbidden love story between Greek Cypriot Kostas and Turkish Cypriot Defne during the 1974 conflict in Cyprus, their migration to London, and the impact of their past on their daughter Ada, whose only connection to Cyprus is a fig tree in her garden. Topics include war and violence, substance use, mental health, and the aftermath of suicide.

Elif Shafak's The Island of Missing Trees notably explores themes of love, loss, and identity through the lens of historical and cultural contexts. Positive reviews highlight Shafak's vivid storytelling and character depth. However, some critics find the symbolic elements heavy-handed and the pacing uneven. Overall, it is praised for its emotional resonance and lyrical prose.

The ideal reader for The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak enjoys intricately woven narratives that blend historical fiction with contemporary issues. Fans of books like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will appreciate the poetic prose and emotional depth in Shafak's storytelling.

Mysterious / Contemplative / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Emotional

Elif Shafak

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Island of Missing Trees and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Island of Missing Trees Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Island of Missing Trees Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “How to Bury a Tree”

Prologue and Part 1

The Island of Missing Trees Prologue and Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Roots”

Part 2 The Island of Missing Trees Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Trunk”

Part 3 The Island of Missing Trees Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Branches”

Part 4 The Island of Missing Trees Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5 The Island of Missing Trees Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “How to Unbury a Tree”

Part 6 The Island of Missing Trees Part 6 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Island of Missing Trees Character Analysis

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Themes

The Island of Missing Trees Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Island of Missing Trees Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Island of Missing Trees Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Island of Missing Trees Essay Topics

The Island of Missing Trees

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Island of Missing Trees?

Reading Age

Book Details