The Island of Missing Trees

Discover the enchanting world of *The Island of Missing Trees*, a thought-provoking novel by Elif Shafak that intertwines the lives of two teenagers from divided Cyprus. Set against the backdrop of 1974, this captivating story explores themes of love, identity, and the profound impact of cultural divides. As Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Defne, a Turkish Cypriot, regularly meet at a bustling taverna, their secret meetings unfold beneath the embrace of a storied fig tree, a symbol of hope and connection amidst chaos. This stunning B-format paperback, published by Penguin UK in 2022, offers 320 pages of beautifully woven narratives that delve into memory, trauma, and the complexities of belonging.

Decades later, Ada Kazantzakis, a sixteen-year-old in North London, grapples with her family's hidden past and seeks solace in the *Ficus Carica* tree in her garden. Through Ada's journey, Shafak paints a poignant picture of the bond between generations and the healing power of nature. This book is a must-read for those interested in contemporary literature that addresses the human-induced destruction of nature, cultural roots, and the journey toward renewal. Perfect for fans of literary fiction and stories that resonate deeply with the themes of heritage and resilience.

Order *The Island of Missing Trees* today and embrace a narrative that is rich in character and meaning. Enjoy FREE shipping on this brand new edition, delivered to your doorstep within 10 days. Don't miss the chance to experience this mesmerizing tale, available exclusively at Smartfox NZ.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780241988725
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2022
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 320


Description:
Two teenagers, a Greek Cypriot and a Turkish Cypriot, meet at a taverna on the island they both call home. The taverna It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chilli peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place- it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

In the centre of the tavern, growing through a cavity in the roof, is a fig tree. This tree will witness their hushed, happy meetings, their silent, surreptitious departures; and the tree will be there when the war breaks out, when the capital is reduced to rubble, when the teenagers vanish and break apart.

Decades later in north London, sixteen-year-old Ada Kazantzakis has never visited the island where her parents were born. Desperate for answers, she seeks to untangle years of secrets, separation and silence. The only connection she has to the land of her ancestors is a Ficus Carica growing in the back garden of their home.

In The Island of Missing Trees, prizewinning author Elif Shafak brings us a rich, magical tale of belonging and identity, love and trauma, memory and amnesia, human-induced destruction of nature, and, finally, renewal.


This product has FREE shipping however combined shipping for other products is not available with this item. Please allow up to 10 days for shipping.