Reviews

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

readwithstef's review against another edition

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

autumn_sunfire's review against another edition

4.0

This book was deeply touching and blindsided me in the best possible way with a twist that completely reinvented the way I saw the author, the story, and the character. I didn't especially like the style/narrator's voice but grew to appreciate it more over the course of the book (especially after that twist, dude, STILL not over that). Present tense is always a bit of a rough ride for me anyway except in rare cases.

Read for: conversations about resistance and revolution, the complex emotions around making the survival choice and saying goodbye to one's homeland, no punches pulled in the realities of war, stunningly adorable and healthy romance, unreliable narrator, happy-ending epilogue (oh I do love me an epilogue).

Don't read if: you actively avoid books written in present tense; you don't want a book where the protagonist makes an objectively wrong and horrifying decision ["caught between hard places" scenario, choice not endorsed by the narrative or the character herself, carries severe mental/emotional consequences that she grapples with for the rest of the book]; you're not in a place to read about child death.

I did think the title would be more of a recurring theme in the book and was surprised by how late it was drawn in as a focus, but it was a sweet moment when it did appear.

There were a few moments that brought me close to tearing up, which on a 1-5 scale of "how hard did this book wring my emotions" is about a 4 for me. Pretty intense and poignant stuff. Recommended for ages 16+ for heavy topics and themes.

mah_jayjay's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective 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

schuylerfynaardt's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

4.5

schwiski's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

jen_jj's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

sdg_recomendaciones's review against another edition

5.0

5 estrellas.

Este libro me hizo pedazos y no me arrepiento de haberlo leído.
Nunca me había atrevido (por mi cuenta) a leer un libro donde la historia de basara en un país en guerra como lo es Siria y aunque me destrozó, aprendí mucho de su cultura, de sus costumbres, de lo duro que es dejar la tierra en la que naciste y creciste toda tu vida, pero que el significado de quedarse significa más que el sentimiento de dolor que pueda dejar huir.

Conocer la historia de Salama fue dura, desde el inicio del libro sentía un nudo en la garganta por todo lo que le había tocado vivir desde una edad tan temprana. Darme cuenta de lo que las circunstancias de la vida te hacen hacer para sobrevivir fue muy triste.

Leer como Layla y poco a poco Kenan hacen de la vida de Salama más soportable le daba a mi corazón una curita ❤️‍

mariaili's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

bbratmafia's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative medium-paced

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

5.0

jennnaa_'s review

emotional hopeful 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? Yes

5.0