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The Island of Missing Trees has been one of the most expected books lately. Elif Shafak's pen is enchanting and poetic. In this story, we can find tenderness in the middle of a country partition, endless love through the time and space, nature language expressing deep feelings about environment and human beings. One of the main characters is the fig tree, witness of precious life in a paradise on Earth, Cyprus island. Kostas and Defne, so different the two of them, loved each other in a critical time and faced many obstacles; however, there was always devotion in their relationship and their love endured. Ada who was curious about her roots, family history and her parents' love story. Meryem, the loving and strange aunt, loyal to her traditions and a true believer in Turkish mysticism. There is also an important couple, Yusuf and Yiorgos, owners of the Happy Fig who were in the right place to help young lovers. Another lovable character is Chico, an American parrot who had his own tragic story getting Cyprus. The book is divided into six parts. The names of the chapters can guide readers to the story development such as How to Bury a Tree, Roots, Trunk, Branches, Ecosystem and How to Unbury a Tree. It also contains a note to the reader which mentions some references related to comments in the book, and a useful glossary with Greek and Turkish terms. Elif Shafak is my favorite writer, her books have moving characters and stories that have made me reflect about facts related to humankind and tolerance. I highly recommend every one of her books I have read The Forty Rules of Love by Rumi, The Bastard of Istanbul, How to Stay Sane in an Age of Division and now The Island of Missing Trees. I will be reading Honor soon.
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