comment on structure

Shafak’s novel is divided into 50 chapters. Most of the chapters’ headings allude to the chapters’ contents. The exception to this rule would be the fig tree’s chapters, which are always labelled as “The Fig Tree.” The first third of the novel focuses on Ada’s struggles with mental health as well as her identity as a second-generation immigrant. The second third delves into Kostas’ and Defne’s pasts and uncovers the details regarding their courtship. The final third consolidates the past and present plot lines, drawing connections between Defne’s mental illness and Ada’s own.