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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Under One Roof by Ali Hazlewood.

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 Review of "Under One Roof" by Ali Hazlewood.

"Under One Roof" by Ali Hazlewood is a charming and interesting romance novel that is part of the STEMinist Novellas series. Known for her ability to blend science, strong female protagonists, and romance, Hazlewood once again delivers a lighthearted, engaging story set against a STEM backdrop.

Plot Summary:

The novel revolves around Mara, an environmental engineer, and Liam, a lawyer working for an oil company, who are unexpectedly thrown under the same roof. Mara inherits part of the house from her guardian, while Liam owns the other half. From the start, their living arrangement is not ideal, with Mara's environmental values ​​at odds with Liam's career. Their initial animosity gradually gives way to attraction as they come to understand each other, revealing hidden depths and vulnerabilities.

Strengths:

  1. STEM Representation: As with Hazelwood's previous works, STEM fields are central to the characters' lives. Mara's passion for the environment and her work add a unique layer to the story, making it more than just a romance.

  2. Humor and Wit: The novel is full of humor, especially in Mara's internal monologues and the couple's banter. Their initial friction provides plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that are entertaining and relatable.

  3. Character Growth: Both Mara and Liam experience personal growth throughout the novel. Liam, initially perceived as a corporate lawyer uninterested in environmental issues, gradually reveals a caring side, while Mara sees her preconceived notions about her work.

  4. Pacing: Given its novella format, the story moves quickly, making it a quick, enjoyable read. The pacing keeps the reader engaged, especially when the romantic tension builds.

Weaknesses:

  1. Predictability: As with many romance novels, the enemy-lovers trope can feel a bit predictable, and some readers may find the ending somewhat formulaic.

  2. Limited Depth: Because of the novel's length, there isn't much time to delve deeply into supporting characters or broader plot lines. Some readers may wish for more development beyond romantic relationships.

Overall:

"Under One Roof" is a fun, light read for fans of Ali Hazlewood's style. While not particularly groundbreaking, it offers a charming escapism with charming characters, a strong STEM theme, and a romance between enemies-lovers. Hazlewood's writing sparkles with humor and warmth, making this novel the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying romantic fix.

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