Forbidden Love Amidst Conflict

In the politically and ethnically divided Cyprus of the 1970s, Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Defne, a Turkish Cypriot, fall in love. Their relationship is a daring act of defiance against the backdrop of societal hatred and familial disapproval. They meet in secret, their love a beacon of innocence and intensity amidst the ever-present threat of violence. Their clandestine romance is a testament to the power of love to transcend boundaries, even as the world around them teeters on the brink of chaos.

Secrets of The Happy Fig

The Happy Fig, a tavern run by Yiorgos and Yusuf, serves as a sanctuary for Kostas and Defne. This establishment is a microcosm of Cyprus's diversity, frequented by people from all walks of life. Yiorgos and Yusuf, more than just business partners, are lovers, a secret they guard closely in a society that would not accept them. The tavern, with its fig tree centerpiece, symbolizes hidden lives and unspoken truths, a place where love defies the boundaries imposed by the outside world.

A Divided Island's Legacy

Cyprus is a tapestry of cultures and histories, yet it is also a place of deep-seated divisions. The Green Line, a border drawn with a green pencil, physically and symbolically separates Greek and Turkish Cypriots. This division is not just geographical but also emotional, as families and communities are torn apart by historical grievances and ongoing conflict. The island's beauty is marred by the scars of its past, and its people carry the weight of these divisions in their hearts.

The Weight of Inherited Trauma

Ada, the daughter of Kostas and Defne, grows up in London, far from the island of her parents' birth. Yet, she is not free from its legacy. The trauma of Cyprus's history seeps into her life, manifesting in unexpected ways. Ada struggles with feelings of alienation and a sense of inherited sorrow. Her father's love for trees and her mother's unspoken past weigh heavily on her, leading to a moment of emotional release that she cannot fully understand or control.

A Storm of Emotions

In the present day, a storm rages in London, mirroring the emotional turmoil within Ada's family. Her father's obsession with a fig tree, a relic from Cyprus, symbolizes the connection to a homeland they cannot return to. Ada's aunt Meryem arrives, bringing with her stories and secrets from the past. As the storm outside intensifies, so do the emotions within the household, forcing Ada to confront her family's history and her own identity amidst the chaos.

Rituals and Ancient Superstitions

Meryem, Ada's aunt, practices ancient rituals, unknowingly rooted in a deep reverence for trees. These rituals, like hanging rags on branches or using divining rods, reflect a connection to nature that transcends time. Trees, like the fig tree central to the story, are seen as sacred, offering protection and wisdom. This connection is mirrored in the stories of ancient trees in Cyprus, which have witnessed human history and suffering. Meryem's actions, though seemingly superstitious, highlight the enduring bond between humans and the natural world, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative.

Love and War's Consequences

In 1974 Cyprus, Defne and Kostas's love is tested by political turmoil. Defne, isolated by the conflict, struggles with the absence of Kostas, who has been forced to leave for England. The island is engulfed in chaos as military coups and invasions unfold, tearing communities apart. Defne's desperation to communicate with Kostas is thwarted by the violence and division. The couple's separation is emblematic of the broader societal rifts caused by war, illustrating how personal lives are irrevocably altered by political events.

Secrets Buried in Cyprus

Years later, Kostas returns to Cyprus, haunted by the past and seeking closure. He discovers the island's history of division and the secrets buried within its soil. The Committee on Missing Persons works tirelessly to uncover the remains of those lost in the conflict, including Kostas's friends, Yusuf and Yiorgos. The island's landscape, scarred by war, holds the stories of those who suffered, and Kostas's journey becomes one of reconciliation with the past. The narrative explores the enduring impact of history on individuals and the importance of uncovering hidden truths.

Reconnecting with the Past

In London, Ada grapples with her family's history and her own identity. Her aunt Meryem's visit brings stories of Cyprus, connecting Ada to her roots. As Ada learns about her parents' past, she begins to understand the weight of inherited trauma. The fig tree, a symbol of memory and connection, serves as a link between generations. Through conversations with her father, Kostas, Ada gains insight into the complexities of love, loss, and identity. The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding one's past to navigate the present.

Healing Through Nature

The fig tree, central to the story, symbolizes resilience and the possibility of healing. As Kostas tends to the tree, he reflects on the interconnectedness of life and the potential for renewal. The tree's journey from Cyprus to London mirrors the characters' own journeys of healing and reconciliation. Through nature, the characters find solace and a sense of continuity amidst the chaos of their lives. The narrative underscores the power of nature to heal wounds, both personal and collective, and to offer hope for the future.

Characters

Ada Kazantzakis

Ada is the daughter of Kostas and Defne, growing up in London with the weight of her parents' past. She struggles with feelings of alienation and inherited trauma, leading to an emotional outburst at school. Ada is caught between the world she knows and the legacy of Cyprus, a place she has never visited but feels deeply connected to.

Kostas Kazantzakis

Kostas is a Greek Cypriot who fled Cyprus for London, carrying with him the memories of a forbidden love and a divided homeland. He is a botanist, finding solace in the natural world, particularly in the fig tree he brought from Cyprus. Kostas is a loving father but struggles to connect with Ada, as he is consumed by his own grief and memories.

Defne Kazantzakis

Defne, a Turkish Cypriot, is Ada's mother and Kostas's wife. Her past is shrouded in mystery, and she carries the pain of her family's disapproval and the loss of her homeland. Defne's struggles with mental health and alcohol are hinted at, leaving a lasting impact on Ada.

Meryem

Meryem, Defne's sister, embodies the connection between past and present through her rituals and stories. Her presence in London bridges Ada to her family's history, offering insights into the cultural and emotional legacy of Cyprus. Meryem's superstitions and beliefs highlight the enduring bond between humans and nature, serving as a reminder of the past's influence on the present.

Yiorgos and Yusuf

Yiorgos and Yusuf, owners of The Happy Fig tavern, represent the hidden lives and unspoken truths of Cyprus. Their disappearance during the conflict highlights the personal toll of political division. Their story parallels that of Kostas and Defne, illustrating the enduring impact of war on individuals and communities.

Plot Devices

The Fig Tree

The fig tree serves as a central symbol in the narrative, representing the connection between past and present. It embodies the memories of Cyprus and the possibility of healing and renewal. The tree's journey from Cyprus to London mirrors the characters' own journeys of reconciliation and understanding, highlighting the enduring impact of history on individuals and families.

The Green Line

The Green Line is a physical and symbolic border that divides Cyprus. It represents the historical and ongoing conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. The line is a reminder of the island's divisions and the pain that continues to affect its people, including those who have left, like Kostas and Defne.

Inherited Trauma

Inherited trauma is a key theme, exploring how the pain and experiences of previous generations affect the present. Ada's struggles with her identity and emotional outbursts are tied to the unresolved traumas of her parents and the history of Cyprus. This device highlights the enduring impact of history on individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's past to navigate the present.

Analysis

"The Island of Missing Trees" by Elif Shafak is a poignant exploration of love, identity, and the enduring impact of history. Through the intertwined stories of Kostas, Defne, and their daughter Ada, the novel delves into the complexities of forbidden love amidst political turmoil and the weight of inherited trauma. The fig tree serves as a powerful symbol of memory and connection, bridging past and present. Shafak's narrative underscores the importance of understanding one's roots to navigate the present and find healing. The novel highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for renewal through nature, offering a message of hope and reconciliation in the face of division and loss.

Last updated: April 23, 2025