Island of the lost tree by Elif Shafak.

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  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...
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The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak.

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 The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

Elif Shafaq's "The Bastard of Istanbul" is a fascinating and multifaceted novel that explores themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of Turkish-Armenian relations. The story revolves around two families—one Turkish and one Armenian-American—whose lives are intertwined in a shared past that they are both reluctant to face.

The narrative is primarily set in Istanbul and alternates between different characters, offering the reader a rich tapestry of perspective. The story centers on Asia Kazanci, a rebellious young woman living in Istanbul, and her Armenian-American cousin Armanoush Chakhmakhchian. Asia, raised in a family dominated by strong-willed women, is haunted by her father's absence, while Armanoush, torn between her American and Armenian heritage, tries to understand her roots. 

Shafaq expertly weaves the histories of the two families together, revealing the lingering pain of the Armenian Genocide, a subject that is taboo in Turkey. Through the characters' journeys, the novel explores how history shapes identity and the ways in which individuals and societies grapple with collective memory and denial.

The novel's prose is evocative, filled with vivid descriptions of Istanbul's streets, food, and culture. Shafaq's portrayal of the city is almost a character in itself, a place where past and present coexist in tension. The book also chronicles the lives of its female characters, each of whom is intricately and richly drawn, reflecting different aspects of Turkish society.

However, some readers may find the novel's structure—switching between multiple points of view and timelines—difficult to follow at times. Additionally, the novel's combination of magical realism with heavy historical themes may not appeal to everyone.

Overall, "The Bastard of Istanbul" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that challenges readers to confront difficult truths about history, identity, and the power of memory. It is a remarkable work that contributes to ongoing conversations about the importance of understanding past atrocities and understanding one's heritage.

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