The Island of Missing Trees

Kostas and Defne are two teenagers from divided communities on Cyprus who find refuge in a secret taverna, where a fig tree rooted through its roof becomes silent witness to their forbidden love. As conflict erupts across the island, their clandestine meetings in this sanctuary of garlic, chilli peppers, and honeysuckle take on new meaning. Elif Shafak weaves a sweeping story across generations and continents, revealing how a single tree carries memory and connection through war and separation.