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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Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood.

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 Review of "Love on the Brain" by Ali Hazelwood.

Ali Hazlewood's "Love on the Brain" is a charming and witty romantic comedy set in the world of STEM, similar to his previous works, including The Love Hypothesis. The novel continues Hazelwood's blend of science, academia, and steamy, slow-burn romance, as well as themes of strong women in male-dominated fields.

Plot Summary:

The story centers around Bee Königswasser, a neuroscientist pursuing her dream project working with NASA on a neuroengineering initiative. The catch? He has to team up with his nemesis, Levi Ward, an engineer who he believes has despised him since his grade school days. As they work together, Bee realizes that all is not as it seems. The initial friction between them gives way to an undeniable attraction, which leads to mutual respect, shared values, and—of course—chemistry.

Strengths:

  1. STEM Setting:Hazelwood specializes in weaving STEM into the fabric of a story. From NASA's neuroengineering project to bee neuroscience research, the scientific background adds depth and uniqueness to the romance. Women's representation in STEM and the challenges they face in male-dominated fields are tackled with authenticity and care.

  2. Complex Characters: Bee is a relatable, quirky protagonist. She's passionate, determined, and fiercely independent, yet struggles with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, which makes her journey both empowering and relatable. Levi, initially perceived as aloof and indifferent, reveals layers of warmth and vulnerability that add complexity to his character.

  3. Slow-Burn Romance: Hazlewood traverses the enemies-versus-lovers trope with high tension and slow-burn attraction. Bee and Levi's relationship develops organically, moving from misunderstandings and miscommunications to a genuine relationship based on respect and admiration.

  4. Humor and Voice: The novel is full of humor, much of it coming from Bee's inner dialogue and quirky personality. His love for Marie Curie (and an amusing Twitter alter ego devoted to her) adds to the fun and light-hearted tone of the book.

  5. Empowerment Themes: Beyond romance, the book touches on important topics such as gender bias in STEM fields, imposter syndrome, and the struggle of women in science to be taken seriously. These aspects underpin the story and make it more than just a romantic comedy.

Weaknesses:

  1. Predictability: As with many romance novels, the plot follows familiar beats, and some twists may be predictable for readers familiar with the genre. The enemies-versus-lovers trope, while well executed, doesn't stray far from the expected pace.

  2. Pacing Issues: Parts of the book, especially in the middle, are slowed down by extended internal monologues or technical details about a STEM project. This can make the pacing feel uneven, especially for readers more focused on romance than science.

  3. Side Characters: While Bee and Levi are well developed, some of the side characters, particularly Bee's companions and friends, feel underpowered. Their presence is often used to further the story of the main characters, without paying much attention to their own development.

Overall:

"Love on the Mind" is a delightful, quirky romance that balances humor, heart and science in a way that makes it stand out in the romcom genre. Ali Hazelwood continues to champion strong, relatable women in STEM, and the chemistry between Bee and Levi is electric. Although the plot can be predictable at times, the clever writing, witty banter, and empowering themes make this book a satisfying and enjoyable read, especially for a romance between lovers against enemies with a STEM twist. For the fans.

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