The Island of Missing Trees

By: Elif Shafak

Narrated by: Daphne Kouma, Amira Ghazalla

Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize 2022

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick.

A top 10 Sunday Times best seller.

Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award 2021.

A rich, magical new novel from the Booker-shortlisted author of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World.

Two teenagers, a Greek Cypriot and a Turkish Cypriot, meet at a taverna on the island they both call home. The taverna is the only place that Kostas and Defne can meet in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic and chilli peppers, creeping honeysuckle, and in the centre, growing through a cavity in the roof, a fig tree. The fig tree witnesses their hushed, happy meetings; their silent, surreptitious departures. The fig tree is there, too, when war breaks out, when the capital is reduced to ashes and rubble, when the teenagers vanish. Decades later, Kostas returns—a botanist, looking for native species—looking, really, for Defne. The two lovers return to the taverna to take a clipping from the fig tree and smuggle it into their suitcase, bound for London. Years later, the fig tree in the garden is their daughter Ada's only knowledge of a home she has never visited, as she seeks to untangle years of secrets and silence, and find her place in the world.

The Island of Missing Trees is a rich, magical tale of belonging and identity, love and trauma, nature and renewal, from the Booker-shortlisted author of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in this Strange World.

©2021 Elif Shafak (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"What a wonderful read! This book moved me to tears...in the best way. Powerful and poignant." (Reese Witherspoon)

"One of the best writers in the world today." (Hanif Kureishi)

"Shafak makes a new home for us in words." (Colum McCann)

A beautiful written book, beautifully read

I was spellbound by this book, not just by the story but also by the outstanding narration by Daphne and Amira. I really liked the way that both took roles and the mix of English and Cypriot accents added to the authenticity. Probably the best audiobook I’ve ever listened to.

The story of a tree and an island

A magical tale telling the history of this island severed in two by differing religious beliefs. A story of love and hope. I enjoyed everything about this book even when I felt so sad for the war torn lovers and senseless deaths. I also enjoyed learning about the different trees and especially the fig.

Not a Love Story

This book is humbling & if u into nature, botanics, gardening it’s for you. Thought provoking as far as where we are in this diverse world

Amazing Audiobook!

Wonderful and magical amazing book the narration was so so good i recommend this book with all of my heart i love all books from Elif Shafak

Narrated by a Tree

"There is a hill in Nicosia where birds of all plumages come to forage and feed. It is thick with overgrown brambles, stinging nettles and clumps of heather. In the midst of this dense vegetation is an old well with a pulley that creaks at the slightest tug and a metal bucket tied to a rope, frayed and algae-covered from disuse. Deep inside it is always pitch-black and freezing cold, even in the fierce midday sun beating down directly overhead. The well is a hungry mouth, awaiting its next meal. It eats up every ray of light, every trace of heat, holding each mote in its elongated stone throat. ....... Sooner of later, this old, dilapidated well on that lonely beautiful island at the far end of the Meditteranean Sea will collapse in on itself and its secret will rise to the surface, as every secret is bound to do in the end."

Just finished reading Elif Shafak's "The Island of Missing Trees," and I must say, it's an exquisite narrative that effortlessly weaves together the threads of family, friendship, and life's inevitable challenges.

The storytelling is truly unique, with a part of the narrative being artfully voiced by a Fig Tree, providing a distinct perspective on the events. Shafak masterfully unfolds the tale of Cyprus, delving into the historical upheavals that led to the island's division, while simultaneously unraveling the contemporary events in Ada's life.

The seamless blend of past and present brings to life the atrocities of history, showcasing how the echoes of the past resonate in the complexities of today. The emotional depth and resonance of the characters make this a poignant exploration of human resilience and the enduring bonds that connect us.

In essence, "The Island of Missing Trees" is a beautifully told story that captures the essence of family, friendship, and the profound impact of life's hardships. Highly recommend this captivating novel to anyone seeking a heartfelt exploration of the human experience. 🌿✨ #BookReview #ElifShafak #MustRead

New fan

A love story tenderly and sensitively told against the background of a cruel civil war that turned families and friends against each other. A tale of suffering and loss but also of redemption and triumph. The main protagonists represent both the divide and hope of Cyprus through their love and progeny.

Beautiful book

I loved this, so beautifully written, such a moving story and magnificently narrated. Took me to that island…. Highly recommended

Beautiful and Didactic

Humanity and nature, intertwined into a tale of loss and love. It talks to spirits within and around

Worth listening to.

I enjoyed listening to this book. Interesting perspective from the tree. Lovely, soothing voice of the tree.

Beautiful and soulful

I loved everything about this book. I loved the merging of old and new, and the human perspective mixed with that of the natural world. I couldn't stop listening. I am stopping myself from listening to it again immediately