Reviews with content warning for Gun violence - As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

I love and hate the author for the emotional turmoil she put me through with this book. I was in a constant state of stress until the very last page and I love her for it.

Content Warnings

msimba's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

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dalreads's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I loved this book so much. As soon as I picked it up I couldn't put it back down and I ended up finishing it in a day. I cried at the end of this book in a good way. I have so much love for all the characters. The plot twist was so unexpected and so gut-wrenching. This book provided a glimpse at what it would be like as a university student just trying to live her life only to have the entire world turned upside down at the eruption of a civil war. A story about loss, survival, heartbreak, loyalty, love and trying to find a reason to think past tomorrow. LOVE LOVE LOVED this book more than words can ever describe.

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vanessaslibrary's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book was powerful & heartbreaking, but really, really inspiring. This is a love story set in the middle of the Syrian revolution and just wow. Longer than usual review ahead.

Zoulfa mentioned in her authors note that she went out of her way to make characters that broke stereotypes and she did a great job. It was interesting to read not just about struggles, but about their hopes and dreams. The perspective difference the characters had between revolution and war was also kinda jarring to read about. Imagine feeling so much love and belief in your country and its people that it’s even a question whether or not you flee, that’s a different kind of strength entirely. The points being made about the rest of the world moving on obliviously were sad because it just makes me wonder what else is going on that isn’t making it to mainstream media. All we can do is keep bringing more attention to those issues we do know about like in Palestine, Sudan, and Congo.

This book was so sad and really makes you grateful to live a life where you aren’t worrying about meeting basic needs. This was the rare book where I read the authors note in full and if you read I encourage you to do so too. Life is so scary but honestly the hope people find in the midst of so much hurt is inspiring. I can’t think of a bad thing about this book tbh. The only reason this book got a 4 was because it was a slow start, however, the topic is heavy (make sure to check out CW) so I’m chalking that up to the adjustment.

I highly encourage everyone to check out this book (make sure to doublecheck CW) and then tell a friend to tell a friend.

My favorite quote from the book was the one it ended with: “As long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die” 🍋

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sarah_speaks's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

In the hushed whispers of hope amidst the symphony of the Syrian war, Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student, navigates the hallways of Homs’ hospitals as a volunteer, tending to countless wounds. However, beneath her heroic facade lurks a dark shadow named Khawf, her imaginary friend transformed into a physical manifestation of her fears. Khawf haunts her every move, whispering urges to abandon her beloved homeland before the birth of her sister-in-law’s baby.

In a world torn between war and revolution, Salama finds herself torn between loyalty to her country and the determination to save herself. With bullets and bombs shattering her life, Salama must uncover the true meaning behind these tragic events. As fate intertwines her path with a mysterious young man, her doubts and resolve are tested once again. As she faces the crossroads of allegiance and survival, can Salama reconcile the conflicting forces within her, or will she succumb to the shadows of fear and uncertainty?

“Auntie—don’t cry—when I go to Heaven—I’ll tell God—everything.”

In the shadows of the Syrian war, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow becomes a riveting vortex of narrative, trapping us within the bitter tales of Homs since the explosive dawn of revolution in 2011. Zoulfa Katouh intricately weaves the tapestry of Salama’s life, a pharmacy student inadvertently thrust into the unexpected role of a wartime nurse.

Every page bursts with meticulous descriptions, unraveling the suffering in every nook, the lingering brutality, and the palpable tension that enthralls readers in the chaotic ambiance. Carefully chosen words paint a vivid picture of the war’s bitter impact, immersing readers in the swirling uncertainty that enveloped Syria during those tumultuous times.

The author masterfully conjures scenes that tug at emotions, leading us through corridors of ruins and streets veiled in dust, allowing us to palpably feel the weight of everyday life amid the chaos of war. Profound details enable us to sense the depth of Salama's involvement in her role as a war nurse. Realistic portrayals of challenges, tough decisions, and emotional tension craft a lifelike image of the character. With every word, we witness her evolution from an ordinary student to an unexpected hero amidst the mayhem.

The exceptional power of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is gauged by its spellbinding wealth of details and the author's knack for immersing readers in pivotal moments of Syrian history. With razor-sharp precision, we’re invited to ponder historical moments that not only shaped but also violently shook the destiny of a nation. The author doesn’t merely narrate a gripping story; they offer profound insights into the intricate complexity of war and its profound impact on Salama’s character.

Beyond delivering a poignant narrative, this book has a more profound mission: awakening reader awareness. Through Salama’s journey, the author adeptly opens our eyes to the harsh realities of war, urging us to observe and savor life amidst the tempest of conflict. The book transcends being a mere story; it serves as a compelling call to understand and empathize with the silent suffering that unfolds.

While personally ensnared by the waves of anxiety permeating every page of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, a critical perspective emerges regarding the romantic interludes. Despite the author constructing a complex love world, at times, the nuances of romance seem slightly out of tune with the intensity of the surrounding war drama. This creates a fascinating dynamic amid the sharp emotional layers.

In terms of the author’s writing style, some moments seem to demand extra finesse. A few sentences may feel less apt, momentarily disrupting the natural flow of the story. Nevertheless, this doesn’t diminish the profound impact created by the overall narrative.

Like a lightning bolt that electrifies the silence, the plot twist in the heart of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is an unexpected jolt, steering the story in a thrilling new direction. Without revealing specifics to preserve the surprise, it’s worth acknowledging that this twist isn’t just a surprising creative element; it injects a poignant emotional dimension.

Upon the revelation of this twist, an unexpected reader reaction occurs. It feels akin to being hurled into a whirlwind of emotions—from profound astonishment to being shaken by its emotional impact. The author skillfully crafts this plot twist with a precision that shakes the reader, creating waves of conflicting emotions.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is more than just a book; it is a penetrating voice in the cacophony of the Syrian conflict, echoing a resounding call to listen and bear witness. Amid the complexity of war, this book stands as a historical witness, compelling readers to look deeper, feel more intensely, and act decisively.

With hopes extending beyond a mere conclusion, I wish for this book to not only celebrate words but also seep into the hearts and souls of readers. May it open the eyes of more individuals to the voiceless suffering and evoke sincere respect for those ensnared in the whirlwind of chaos. By providing touching insights, this book is not merely a story; it is a call for change.

In its captivating emotional journey, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh plays a vital role as a beacon in the darkness. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound experience of the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Through its pages, the book constructs a bridge between us and the bitter reality, inviting us to reflect, understand, and take small steps toward change.

Content Warnings

arieslofi's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

i really wanted to love this but the writing was juvenile and abrupt, with many short chapters and short sentences that don't allow yourself to be fully immersed in the story; the characters felt one dimensional (notably the side characters, but also salama and kenan); the plot twist fell flat and made me laugh from how just downright dumb it was; khawf made no sense at the end (you have ptsd induced psychosis, your hallucinations don't magically disappear); the romance aspect did absolutely nothing for me and felt extremely rushed (mentioning that they were supposed to get married felt such a cheap trick to excuse this); the studio ghibli references, the repetition of "a might life" as well as green eyes, smelling like lemons, and the pace being horrid proves that the editor failed at their most basic job.
there were parts i enjoyed and overall it is a story that should be told, but it is just not the book for me, ya hater and all.
also, as a the book thief lover, this book is nothing like it in any way, shape or form apart from the fact it takes place in the middle of a genocide. you expect me to believe that this ya written juvenile shit is even comparable to one of the most beautiful pieces of written fiction? fuck off.

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stephalopuff's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was beautiful and broke me open with its humanity. It may be one of my favorites I've read this year.

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