Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak.

Image
  Review of Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak. Elif Shafaq's Island of the Lost Tree is a deeply moving novel that weaves together themes of love, memory and the natural world set against the backdrop of political and cultural turmoil in Cyprus. Through its unique narrative structure and poignant story, Shafaq explores complex human emotions, racial trauma and the lasting effects of war. The novel follows two main characters, Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Daphne, a Turkish Cypriot, whose love story is set during the conflict between the Greek and Turkish communities in Cyprus in the 1970s. Their romance is complicated not only by cultural differences but also by the political violence that divides their homeland. As the narrative unfolds, Shafaq skilfully peeks into their lives, revealing their struggle to maintain love in the midst of a crumbling world. One of the most interesting elements of the novel is its inhuman narrator—a fig tree. This tree, the witness to most of the l

Ugly love by Colleen Hoover.

                                                          Review of Ugly love by Colleen Hoover.

"Ugly Love" is a contemporary romance novel by Colleen Hoover, published in 2014.

This story tells a story of intense emotions, complicated relationships, and the transformative power of love. With its deeply moving narrative and well-developed characters, the novel has garnered a dedicated readership. Here’s a detailed review:

Plot Summary

The novel follows the lives of Tate Collins and Miles Archer.

Tate moves in with her brother Corbin to focus on her nursing career.

She soon meets Miles, an airline pilot and her brother's best friend.

Despite their instant attraction, Miles is emotionally unavailable and sets strict boundaries: no asking about the past and no expectations of the future.

As their purely physical relationship develops, Tate falls in love with Miles, who suffers from a painful past that prevents him from opening his heart.

The story alternates between Tate's point of view in the present and Miles' point of view six years ago, gradually revealing the reasons behind his emotional barriers.

Characters

  • Tate Collins: A strong, determined nurse who navigates the complexities of her relationship with Miles despite the emotional challenges it presents.

  • Miles Archer: A pilot struggles with deep emotional trauma that makes him reluctant to engage in a serious relationship.

  • Corbin Collins: Tate's protective older brother and a good friend of Miles, who plays an important role in their dynamic.

  • Cap: An elderly elevator attendant who offers wisdom and support to Tate, providing moments of levity and insight.

Themes

  • The novel describes the beauty and pain of love, showing how past heartbreaks can shape one's present and future.

  • Both Tate and Miles go through personal journeys of healing and redemption as they confront their pasts and their feelings for each other.

  • Miles' backstory highlights the effects of emotional trauma and the struggle to move on.

  • The relationship between Tate and Miles illustrates the importance of trust and vulnerability in overcoming emotional obstacles.

Strengths

  • Colleen Hoover explores deep emotional territory, creating a powerful and moving narrative that resonates with readers.

  • The main characters are well developed with complex backgrounds that drive their actions and development throughout the novel.

  • Hoover's writing is engaging and accessible, with alternate points of view that provide a well-rounded view of the characters' inner lives.

  • The novel depicts the complexities of modern relationships, including the challenges of balancing physical attraction with emotional connection.

Weaknesses

  • Some readers may find plot elements predictable, especially in the romance genre.

  • The novel's heavy focus on emotional trauma and pain may be too much for some readers.

  • While the main characters are well developed, some of the secondary characters can feel underutilized.

Overall Impression

"Ugly Love" by Colleen Hoover is a compelling and emotionally charged romance novel that explores the depths of love and the scars of past heartbreaks.

Through the alternate perspectives of Tate and Miles, Hoover crafts a story that is touching and hopeful, emphasizing the power of love to heal and transform.

The novel's exploration of emotional trauma and the complexities of modern relationships provides readers with a poignant and relatable reading experience.

For fans of contemporary romance with a focus on character development and emotional depth, "Ugly Love" is a wonderful choice that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee.

Review of Adultry by Paulo Coelho.