Elif Shafak’s work feels like an open invitation to explore the rich layers of human experience. She is a writer who doesn’t just tell stories—she builds worlds, brimming with emotion and humanity, where the personal and the political intersect in profound ways. Elif embodies a global perspective that shines through in her work. She crafts stories that resonate with anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures, identities, or ideologies.

For me, reading Elif’s novels feels like sitting down with a wise friend who speaks truthfully about the complexities of life, love, and loss. Her ability to balance poetic beauty with raw honesty is unmatched, and it’s this quality that keeps her books at the top of my list.

What sets Elif apart is her courage to write about the things many shy away from: silenced voices, unspoken histories, and uncomfortable truths. She tackles topics like migration, gender inequality, and political repression with a fearless grace. Her works speak not only to those who share her cultural background but to anyone who values empathy and storytelling as tools for understanding the world.

Her life and career are as multifaceted as her novels. Writing in both Turkish and English, she transcends language barriers, creating bridges between disparate worlds. This duality is reflected in her themes, which often explore the tension between tradition and modernity, belonging and exile, and individuality and community.

The Island of Missing Trees

This was the first book I read for Elif Shafak. When I picked it up, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I was looking forward to it. Set in Cyprus, the novel follows the lives of two star-crossed lovers from opposing sides of a divided island. At the heart of the story is a fig tree, whose perspective adds a touch of magic to the narrative. Yes, you read that right: the tree has a voice. At first, I was skeptical about this choice, but Elif’s masterful writing turned the tree into one of my favorite characters.

What struck me most about this book was its exploration of memory—not just human memory, but the memory embedded in the natural world. The fig tree’s observations added a sense of timelessness to the story, reminding me that while humans are often consumed by division, nature quietly persists, bearing witness to our follies. The book’s message about healing, both personal and collective, stayed with me long after I turned the final page. It’s a story that made me pause and reflect on my own roots and the stories they carry.

10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World

Another novel that showcased Elif’s mastery in relaying the complexities of the human experience is “10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World”. From the opening pages, I was drawn into the life of Leila, a woman whose death sparks a journey through her most vivid memories. Elif’s depiction of Leila’s final moments—the 10 minutes and 38 seconds during which her brain remains active—is both heartbreaking and deeply human.

Through Leila’s memories, we meet a cast of characters who live on the fringes of Istanbul’s society. These misfits form a chosen family, offering love and support in a world that often overlooks them. What resonated most with me was the way Elif portrays these characters with such dignity and nuance. They are flawed, yes, but also deeply relatable—a reminder that even those society deems “other” have stories worth telling.

The sensory richness of this novel is something else. Each memory is tied to a specific smell, taste, or sound, pulling me more into Leila’s world and intensifies my empathy for her.

Why I Keep Returning to Elif Shafak

What keeps me coming back to Elif’s books is her ability to make me feel seen while also opening my eyes to lives and perspectives far removed from my own. Her stories remind me that we are all connected, even in our differences. She writes with a rare combination of vulnerability and strength, inviting readers to confront difficult truths while holding onto hope.

Her works are more than just novels; they are conversations about what it means to be human. Whether she’s writing about a divided island, a fig tree, or the final moments of a life well-lived, her stories linger in the heart and mind. For anyone looking to be moved, challenged, and inspired, Elif Shafak’s books will give you just that.