The Island of Missing Trees

by Elif Shafak

am that, and much more. Or perhaps I should say, in one life I have lived several, which is another way of saying, I am old.

Where do you start someone’s story when every life has more than one thread and what we call birth is not the only beginning, nor is death exactly an end?

I know you might get cross with me for saying this, but remember, good advice is always annoying and bad advice never is. So if what I say irritates you, take it as good advice.’

‘Right, I think I said it’s possible to deduce a person’s character based on what they first notice in a tree.’ ‘Carry on.’ ‘This is not based on any scientific methodology or empirical research –’ ‘I know that! Go ahead.’ ‘What I meant was, some people stand in front of a tree and the first thing they notice is the trunk. These are the ones who prioritize order, safety, rules, continuity. Then there are those who pick out the branches before anything else. They yearn for change, a sense of freedom. And then there are those who are drawn to the roots, though concealed under the ground. They have a deep emotional attachment to their heritage, identity, traditions …’