Halilibrahim Shevket

The Island of Missing Trees stayed with me. Elif Shafak has a way of writing that feels poetic but still easy to connect with. The way she weaves nature, history, and personal stories together is so unique. Without giving anything away, I found the whole thing moving and powerful.

As a Turkish Cypriot, this book hit differently. So much of what it talks about—the silence around the past, the trauma we carry through generations, the feeling of being stuck between places—felt personal. There were moments where I had to pause and take it in. It's rare to see stories that touch on Cyprus like this, especially ones that are handled with so much care and balance.

The fig tree as a narrator might sound odd at first, but it works beautifully. It adds this layer of quiet observation that ties everything together. There's real pain in the book, but also beauty, love, and a sense of hope.

I gave it 5 stars because it's one of those books that you keep thinking about long after you've finished it. Whether you're connected to Cyprus or not, this is a powerful, emotional read that I'd recommend.

So many questions, so many opportunities for Rebecca to expand. Would it be best for a 3.5 or do you go straight into book 4?

Also, while she writes book 4, I think she should release the ‘A Book of Fables, Fairy Tales, and Folklore' as a collection piece.

The last 5 to 6 chapters threw me off, and I am literally the emotion with no face.

This book is a warm, fragrant hug from the Mediterranean. Meliz's Kitchen isn't just a cookbook — it's a heartfelt invitation into Meliz Berg's world, where food is more than sustenance; it's a celebration of heritage, identity, and connection.

The recipes are wonderfully accessible, balancing bold Turkish-Cypriot flavours with easy-to-follow instructions that even novice cooks can feel confident tackling. From hellimli köfte (halloumi meatballs) and mücendra pilavı (lentil rice) to the sweet comfort of revani (semolina cake), every page offers something comforting, nostalgic, and joyfully delicious.

What sets this book apart is Meliz's voice, warm, welcoming, and deeply personal. She weaves family memories and cultural traditions through each dish, making it feel like you're cooking alongside a friend or beloved family member. The photography is stunning, too — vibrant, rustic, and real, just like the food.

This is more than just a cookbook for those who love Turkish-Cypriot cuisine, it's for anyone who values the power of food to bring people together. A beautiful, soulful addition to any kitchen shelf.

Meliz has done it again! This follow-up to Meliz's Kitchen is exactly what I needed – full of bold, comforting flavours and down-to-earth recipes that make weeknight cooking feel exciting rather than stressful.

What I love most is how approachable everything feels. The ingredients are familiar, the steps are clear, and yet the dishes come out tasting like something special. Favourites so far include the One-Pot Spiced Mince Linguine (a weeknight game-changer) and the Spiced Fruit Baklava Crumble, which is a total showstopper.

There's a lot of heart in this book. Meliz's warmth comes through in every intro and tip, it feels like a friend guiding you through the kitchen. The photography is stunning too, and makes you want to cook every page.

If you're after big flavour without the fuss, this book's for you. A proper celebration of home cooking that still manages to surprise.