The Missing Rose

The international bestseller—published in more than forty languages! A twenty-first-century parable in the tradition of The Alchemist, The Little Prince, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull.The Missing Rose is the story of Diana, a willful young woman who, following the death of her mother, sets out on a quest to find the twin she never knew she had. Although she is both beautiful and wealthy, Diana is confused and angry with life. Her overwhelming desire for approval has caused her to let go of her dreams, and now she does not know who she really is. Diana’s search for her twin, Mary, leads her to a magical garden in Istanbul, where she learns the philosophy of roses. Later at home, by the sea in Rio, she meets the enigmatic artist Matthias, who also challenges her understanding of the world. An enchanting and multilayered tale of chance encounters, magical gardens, vibrant cityscapes, and transformative learning, The Missing Rose is a profound modern-day fable about the wisdom of the heart.

From Booklist

Özkan’s debut novel—an allegory about reaching one’s full potential—can be interpreted in multiple ways. Diana Oliveira is a rich young woman in Rio who dreams of being a writer—but fears being one whose books are never read. Her dying mother gives her a letter that reveals how, 24 years earlier, Diana’s father left them, taking her twin sister, Mary, with him. Diana is shocked to hear she has a sister, and when she reads a packet of letters her mother received from Mary shortly before her mother dies, Diana embarks on a quest to find her twin. She begins in Istanbul, where she meets a mysterious woman who claims to have taught Mary how to hear a rose (which was mentioned in one of Mary’s letters), a feat Diana would love to duplicate. Readers who enjoyed the messages found in Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist (2001) will surely enjoy Özkan’s internationally bestselling modern parable about the importance of taking time to enjoy life’s small pleasures, and how loved ones can help us find the key to our purpose in life. --Deborah Donovan

Time Out UK

"If you like books such as The Alchemist and The Little Prince you will love The Missing Rose."

similar to the masterpiece The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry."

"[Ozkan's] book is a modern fable, profound and wise

TVA Television, Canada

"What this novel does is so magnificent. One could say that this book has the power to unite us."

Corriere della Sera, Italy

"His name is already being mentioned together with Paulo Colho, Richard Bach and even Saint Exupéry. . ."

Helsinki Sanomat, Finland

"Turk's Little Prince charms the whole world."

Air Beletrina, Slovenia

"A major global success. Compulsory reading for all who are thrilled by The Alchemist, The Little Prince, and Jonathan Livingston Seagull."

Vijesti, Serbia

"The Missing Rose is a bridge between East and West."

About the Author

Serdar Ozkan attended Robert College in Istanbul. He completed his university education in the United States, where he earned his BA in business administration and psychology at Lehigh University. He has been a full-time novelist since 2002.

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