“Ada opened the curtains and stared into the darkness canopying the garden. Invisible as it was, she knew the fig tree was there, biding its time, growing, changing, remembering – trunk and branches and roots all together.”

My thanks to Penguin Random House U.K. Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘The Island of Missing Trees’ by Elif Shafak in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is narrated by Daphne Kouma and Amira Ghazalla.

This extraordinary novel was originally published in August 2021. It has recently been shortlisted for the 2022 Women’s Prize for Fiction. My apologies for the late feedback.

Elif Shafak is a writer who has demonstrated her willingness to take innovative paths in her storytelling. In her latest novel this manifests by having a fig tree serving as one of the main narrative viewpoints in this tale of star-crossed lovers.

On the island of Cyprus in 1974 teenagers from opposite sides of a divided land meet at a taverna in Nicosia, the city that they both call home. The taverna is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet in secret. The taverna is named The Happy Fig and has a fig tree growing through a cavity in the roof.

The fig tree bears witness to their happy meetings and silent departures and is also there when war breaks out and the city reduced to ashes. In the aftermath the young couple are separated.

Decades later the fig tree, or rather a cutting of the original, is smuggled to England in a suitcase by Kostas, now a botanist. It eventually comes to live in his London garden. In the late 2010s sixteen-year-old Ada is aware of the fig tree’s origins. It watches over her as she seeks to untangle years of secrets and silence to find her place in the world.

Elif Shafak weaves her story through time and location in a nonlinear style. However, these shifts were noted in the chapter headings so I didn’t feel adrift. In the audiobook there was also the change in narrators that signalled the shifts.

I adored the fig tree’s accounts of her arboreal life and interactions with other parts of nature. There were also snippets of history and mythology as well as a focus on climate change. Elif Shafak’s descriptions of insects, birds, butterflies as well as trees were lyrical and this was enhanced through hearing it spoken. The poignant conclusion of the novel moved me to tears.

With respect to the audiobook, I appreciated having two narrators. I have listened to a few audiobooks read by Daphne Kouma and find her voice entrancing. She uses quite subtle shifts in inflection and accent for the novel’s various characters.

Amira Ghazalla is known for her work in film and television with only a few audiobooks credited to her. Her voice has a deep timbre, which was apt for the Fig Tree’s chapters given that the tree says that she first came into the world in 1878.

Overall, ‘The Island of Missing Trees’ was exquisitely written and proved an immersive experience. I absolutely loved it and hope that it wins the upcoming Women’s Prize for Fiction.

Unique story following the conflict in Cyprus in the 70s contrasted against the 2010s. It’s a love story. Part of the story is told through a fig tree, and the book contains many facts about trees and nature. I enjoyed the book, but I felt the pacing was a bit off and the story dragged a bit toward the end.

This was a beautiful novel from Shafak, filled with wonder and emotion and it's definitely a book that will stay with me for a while. As always, the imagery and the feeling that Shafak evokes is like no other. A book I'll be buying as a gift for friends and family.

The Island of Missing Trees is a captivating mixture of history, folk tale, family drama and nature documentary.

Narrated in part by an omniscient fig tree, a female Ficus Carica, who, having sprouted on the island of Cyprus over a hundred years ago, bears witness to many changes and conflicts, but remains steadfast and strong, even when she is relocated to England.

The Happy Fig taverna in Nicosia Cyprus, is a place for locals, tourists, islanders.
Our fig tree stands proudly in the centre, the roof having been designed specifically to accommodate it. The taverna is where teenage lovers, Kostas and Defne, illicitly meet in secret during the summer of 1974. Helped by the tavern owners Yusuf and Yorgos, themselves an unlikely partnership of Greek and Turk, they nourish their love over plates of delicious souvlaki, and oven roasted figs with honey and aniseed ice cream, away from the judgemental eyes of the other islanders.

16 year old schoolgirl Ada in London, late 2010s, knows nothing of her family history. Her parents never spoke about life in Cyprus. All she knows is that their family could not accept their love, being one Turkish and the other Greek, but as she grows up she is determined to uncover what they’ve been hiding. A surprise visit from her larger than life aunt Meryem could help her to discover that missing part of her past.

This book is an endlessly warm, heartbreaking love letter to Cyprus, nature and in particular trees.
No matter what humans do, trees are always there, sometimes despairing of us, sometimes sympathetic.

The audiobook version was beautifully narrated, giving voice to the wise, mournfully poetic fig, and both of the talented voice actors were perfect for bringing this story to life through 1974 til the late 2010s.

Do you ever fall in love with a book almost immediately?

Greek Kostas and Turkish Defne fall in love in a divided Cyprus, meeting secretly in a tavern with a fig tree growing up through the ceiling. The fig tree tells their story as war breaks out, as they flee the island and return, and decades later, as their daughter, Ada, searches to untangle her parent’s past. The Island of Missing Trees is a magical story of love surviving under the bleakest of circumstances, and how nature can help us to heal.
This is the second Shafak work I’ve read, and I found it just as phenomenal as 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in This Strange World. It bursts with the most gorgeous descriptions of nature and food and feelings, with the perfect balance of lightness to stand against the darkness and trauma of war.

I fell in love with this cast so easily, especially the side plot relationship between Yusuf and Yiorgos (ugh, my heart) and the fig tree herself. It’s not the first time I’ve read a book containing the point of view of something that isn’t human, but it’s the best I have read – the tree’s sections feel almost mythical in their storytelling, bursting with information about trees, nature and the relationship humans have to trees. NetGalley granted me access to the audiobook version, and while both narrators do an excellent job, the woman who voices the Fig Tree does such a standout job – those sections feel very much like slipping into a fairy-tale.

I was surprised when I picked up a physical copy of the book – it looks so much shorter than the audiobook felt, and I think that’s because there is a lot to juggle. With multiple points of view at multiple times, this book can feel like a bit of a mishmash in places. While I do understand some readers will feel like racing through the fig tree’s gorgeous sections to advance through the plot, I do believe these sections are crucial in tying all parts of the book together. It’s Ada’s sections, for me, that feel out of place – they feel too displaced from her parent’s plot to feel relevant all the time, and in a book with so many wonderful sections vying for attention, these sections often feel like they’re only there for light relief. Having said that, I’m still not sure I would want them cut out entirely. Reading this made me feel a little like a child trying to pick up all their toys at once – even though the juggle is difficult, I wanted them all!

It’s undoubtedly a sad book, but I wouldn’t go so far as to label it a book about war. Instead, it’s a book about surviving war, which I feel is an important distinction; though there are more graphic parts, the book mostly depicts not only the trauma and displacement that comes from war and lingers once it’s gone but also the moments of happiness, love and renewal that push their way, like the Fig Tree, through the cracks regardless.

Thank you so much NetGalley for my advance copy – an easy five stars.

I loved 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World which I read earlier this year. And this book is just as moving and painful. I liked the different timelines, switching from past to present and the change in POVs. It moved through the generations so I felt connected to the characters and the development of their stories was beautifully written. The book is rich in detail and explores identity, civil war, family, survival, love and trauma. I think my favourite parts were from the point of view of the Fig Tree. 🌳 Yes a tree which sounds unusual but it works! It was so creative, melancholic and powerful. I had this sense I was connecting with natural world and I was captivated by the enchanting storytelling. Elif is such an inspiring author and writes with such honesty and wisdom about the world we live in. I had so many emotions with this one 🥰😭 and highly recommend it. ❤️

I loved this on audiobook, the narration was really captivating and kept me listening. I love Elif Shafak’s novels and this is no exception. This is a lovely book and is incredibly atmospheric, I loved the setting of 1970’s Cyprus and present day London. I would 100% recommend this!

Superb as always. Elif Shafak's writing is so eloquent and moving, and this novel was no different. Both characters and the way their friendship blossomed was utterly absorbing. Loved the setting and everything about it - can't wait for more!

Elif Shafak is not only an excellent writer and novelist but also an effective activist and advocate for human rights and our planet. I love listening to her at literary festivals or on podcasts, and I can see how many of the issues that are close to her heart shine through in this novel, e.g. immigration, religious zealots, nationalistic attitudes and animosity, solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, power of social media, ecology, climate change, mental health, addiction etc.

That seems like a lot to pack into 320 pages, and at times I felt that perhaps "less is more".... there were too many issues and themes, and none of them explored to the extent or depth I would have liked. Thankfully her writing is so fluid and engaging that I can gladly overlook the less than stellar editing job and recommend this novel whole-heartedly. For now, I can say that it has affected me in at least two ways already:
1) I am going to look at trees, especially fig trees but all others, too, in a completely different light. Already today, on a hike through a forest I felt as though the trees were listening to our conversation and offering support. Magical realism or actually happening?
2) I don't want to be one of "those tourists" the next time I go to Cyprus but instead I will be spending a lot of time down the Cypriot rabbit hole in order to learn and understand more about The Island of Missing Trees

Thank you, Elif Shafak, for telling us another thoughtful and thought-provoking story.

A stunning book from the exquisite cover to the sensuous language and descriptions of Cypriot landscape and culture. There are various narrative voices, my favourite being the unique and beautiful Fig Tree. The audiobook conveys these voices so well. The Isalnd of Missing Trees reveals the devastating effect of civil war in Cyprus on its people; the severing of relationships between Greeks and Turks, the loss of life, the hatred and hurt, neighbours and friends turned enemies. A tragic history I can empathise with growing up in Northern Ireland. Here we focus on Kostas, now an immigrant living in the UK and his daughter, who mourn a wife and mother, each hurting in isolation. As they grieve and open up to each other, the past that makes up their history is revealed. The wisdom of the Fig Tree weaves through their stories tying them together and supporting their regrowth. As Winter moves into Spring, the Fig Tree prepares to be dug up from its hibernation place to resume its rejuvenation, just as Father and daughter move out of their frozen grief into a future of hope and love.amd renewal. This is the most beautiful love story; encompassing a plethora of differing loves: romantic love; paternal love; familial love, love of ones country, culture and history; love of nature...An absolute pleasure to read/ listen to. Thank you Penguin, Elif Shafik and Netgalley.

If you haven't read anything by Elif Shafak, then you are missing out. She is an extraordinary and unusual storyteller and can give a voice to people and in this case, a fig tree. This may sound rather debatable but hear me out. The fig tree observes, it is in many ways a useful construct to examine history and life but she imbues its narrative with a strength and perception that make it an incisive part of the story.

It is the second novel I have read where a fig tree is fundamental to the storyline and both offer instruction on how keep fig trees safe during the cooler winter months of the northern hemisphere - you carefully bury them in the soil. Check out The Fig Easter by Jody Sheilds, set in early 1900s Vienna

This tree came from a cutting brought over by Kostas from Nicosia and planted in North London, where it observes the comings and goings of the people in the house and shares timely reflections on history and the nature of belonging. Kostas (a Greek Christian Cypriot) was courting a young woman, Defne (a Turkish Muslim Cypriot) back in the 1970s in Cyprus and many of their dates were in a restaurant called the Happy Fig, which referred to a tree growing int he heart of the premises. As you might expect, there are glorious descriptions of the multicultural food throughout the novel which add a piquancy that left me salivating. There is, too, a real sense of the island in terms of setting.

On 24 July 1974 Turkey invaded Cyprus, and then again in August, and the country became partitioned with a UN monitored Green Line, which still divides the country today. It was given its moniker because the pen which was used to mark the line on a map contained green ink. Many people were displaced and had to leave everything they knew.

Kostas is now living in North London. His wife died just very recently and he is caring for his 16 year old daughter Ada (pronounced Adda).

There is insight into the partition (which makes it the only country in Europe left divided in modern day) and the attention to environmental and animal detail is just wonderful.

I never thought I would love a novel with a fig tree narrator and in the magical realism genre, it generally is not my thing. Had I perhaps paid more attention to the blurb I might have found myself sidelining it. But it is the inventiveness and quality of storytelling that will win over the most hardened sceptic. it is a mesmerising read, plain and simple and addresses so much about life and the nature of political upheaval and the ramifications on the human diaspora.

Another beautiful story from Elif Shafak. This is my second book from this author (the first one was [book:10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World|43706466]) and it hasn't changed my opinion of her at all.

Shafak can write. She develops stories about characters that we grow to care about, on topics are extremely relevant, and she does so using beautiful prose.

The story is told from two main points of view, one of them being... wait for it... a fig tree! I must admit at first I found it intriguing, then it put me off for a bit... Then it grew on me (no pun intended). However, the character that I loved was Ada, the daughter of two Cypriot immigrants in London. And I found her aunt Meryem hilarious. The two of them just bounced off each other in a way that reminded me of my own relationship with my aunt.

If you choose the audiobook, the two POVs are voiced by two different women, and they were excellent.

Definitely another must-read from Elif Shafak.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

First time reading this author and was very pleased with the style and will definitely seek out some of her other novels. Costas and Daphne both belong to Cyprus although from different cultures, so much in common yet their romance was frowned upon. The civil war in 70’s Cyprus features heavily and force the couple apart, they finally get back together and start a new life in England. The side story that runs alongside the love story and historical facts is the story of the fig tree and how she ends up in growing in a garden in north London. Lovely facts and stories involving flower and fauna, fitting it, settling, withering. Beautiful writing and a very moving story, read by two narrators on audio. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook for review.

This is such a beautiful read.

The Island of Missing Trees follows the forbidden love story of a Greek Cypriot, Kostas, and a Turkish Cypriot, Defne, as they face the challenges of the civil war. The story is told using multiple narratives, focusing on Kostas and Defne in 1974 and a later part of their story in the early 2000s, In the present day we meet their daughter, Ada, who knows little of her family’s past after being born and raised in London. Holding these separate threads together is the voice of a fig tree. A fig tree may seem like an odd choice for a narrator but it is written so well and really does become a central character, you soon forget it is a tree speaking!

Shafak’s prose is enchanting and pulls you in straight away. The descriptions of Cyprus are particularly vivid and the characters are all written with depth, no matter how much time is spent with them. I learnt so much about the conflict in Cyprus and about the natural world, Shafak’s explanations are descriptive without taking you out of the story and some very difficult topics are handled with sensitivity.

I listened to the audiobook which was really well narrated, one person tells the majority of the story while another reads the chapters from the point of view of the fig tree. This worked really well, for such a unique character a distinct voice felt fitting. Both narrators were very easy to listen to and did a great job.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

After reading and being completely immersed by Shafak’s 10 Minutes, 38 Seconds in This Strange World, I am on a mission to read all her books. Whilst Missing Trees didn’t pull me in as much, I found this to be a beautiful exploration of grief, relationships, love, family, honour, nature and duty. There are some mild trigger warnings (see below).

Giving you two viewpoints; one of teen Ada (whose parents are the Cypriot teens and modern day Romeo and Juliet) and the all important fig tree (go with it!), I found this to be both educational and highly emotional as you follow the characters through the turbulent times in Cyprus to modern day London they grow and adapt to their changing circumstances. Both narrators do an excellent job giving unique voices to the characters involved.

⚠️Trigger warnings and potential spoilers: includes indirect references to mental health, possible suicide, bereavement of a child, atrocities carried out in time of conflict. ⚠️

If I could read only ten authors for the rest of my life, Elif Shafak would be on my list. Her exceptional skill at depicting culturally diverse, beautifully rounded characters with authenticity, grace, charm and good humour is second to none. Not only that but in The Island of Missing Trees we have the added privilege of enjoying the point of view of a fig tree. Ingenious and captivating, and a first for me, but one perspective I found delightful. What a crafty method to impart knowledge that might otherwise be tricky to come by for a narrator!

This is a novel covering much ground and a number of today's touch points - climate change, religious persecution, immigration, war, genocide, bullying, homophobia. Heavy topics but the heart of the story is rooted in love. Love of people, love of nature, love of culture.

Our story begins with star crossed lovers in Cyprus during the 70s. They must hide their love as Kostas is Greek and Defne is Turkish. Their families must never know so they meet in secret at a local taverna. As their love grows the beauty of their island is well described and takes me back to times I enjoyed in Cyprus. Described in equal measure are the atrocities as the island is torn in two through violence and religious intolerance. An awful point that isn't much spoken of but leads them to the UK where they raise their daughter, Ada, and the story takes on a different dimension. I won't go deeper into the story as I want you to enjoy this novel with fresh eyes as I did.

Needless to say, this is a magical tale that touches the soul and makes one appreciate the glories of life, love and nature. I listened to the audio and it was sublime, utter perfection. My favourite narrator had to be the old and wise fig tree as she casually conveyed the beauty of the Cypriot culture and great sincerity in her feelings for the various people and creatures she encountered. So stunningly done! Tremendous writing, as ever, and a real joy to behold. The Island of Missing Trees is a rich story that will linger with the reader for some time to come. I hope you agree.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Another 5* release

I was provided with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for a review.

As with all books written by Elif Shafak I was left mesmorised by the poetic writing and a story told that will sit with me for a long time. History is retold, mixing fiction with fact. There is a fig tree narrator. Themes of guilt, grief, loss, belonging, heartbreak, forbidden love and religion all interwoven with such master storytelling skills.

The narration of this was perfect and I listened to this at 1.25 speed,
I felt so captivated by the story told via audio that I for the first time ever cried whilst listening to an audiobook. Although not all sad there are also themes of hope and love.

100% recommend this as a must read/listen too.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

I loved, loved, loved this book!

Excellent storytelling, the two timelines running through history, love and characters to draw together into the present.

Plus omniscient yet unreliable narration from a tree which delved into opinions and observations from insects,bats, overheard conversations as well as ecological commentary.

My perfect kind of novel. I absolutely thought it deserved to be longlisted for the Booker prize this year, but sadly it wasn’t to be. I shall definitely be recommending this book to all of my nature loving, historical fiction reading friends!

This audiobook was so good, a mixture of contemporary and historical fiction. I learnt so much about Cyprus through this magical tale partly narrated by a fig tree!
I got caught up with the story of Kostas and Defne straight away and desperately wanted to know what happened to them in Cyprus as the civil war took hold of the island. I wanted to know how Kostas got to London and hoped I’d found out more through his daughter Ada’s story set in the 2010s.
This really was a fantastic book especially as the fig tree tells it’s story, and the story of Cyprus by the creatures it has met through the years. The twist at the end was perfect!
The narration by Daphne Kouma and Amira Ghazalla, both new-to-me narrators, was so good, making this a wonderful listening experience.
I haven’t read or listened to anything by Elif Shafak before but I’m definitely going to check out her back catalogue!
Highly recommended if you enjoy audiobooks told from a different perspective.

The Island of Missing Trees is an atmospheric novel that is split across a number of POVs and timelines, the most interesting of which is the narration of a fig tree that has lived since before our earliest timeline (1970s). The fig tree is what held this book together for me, it was full of brilliant information about trees and tree life and without it I would likely not have finished this book.

The other characters and even the story line did not feel developed enough and made everything appear quite surface level in what should have been an impactful story. Shafak is a beloved author and I will definitely keep an eye out for their next work.

With regards to the audio, I would have preferred the same narrator/voice actor to cover all POVs - the fig tree audio felt far more rich and fitting the tone of the work and would have suited for the entire book.