A review by grace_muriithi
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

emotional hopeful informative 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

Pro tip: have a box of tissues ready because I BAWLED MY EYES OUT reading this book for the people of Syria, whose story was humanized for me through this book (as I was unaware of the true extent of what is happening in the country). I cried knowing that there are similar things taking place right now in so many other parts of the world, some of which are better known than others. 
Palestine. 
Congo. 
Haiti. 
Tigray. 
Sudan. 
Those are just a few of the ones I know of off the top of my head. 
I felt guilty for knowing that all I can do is read, uplift their voices and donate. 
But also, I felt hope in reading this story. Hope is something that I never want to lose sight of, and dreaming of a better tomorrow and fighting for it is what all oppressed people deserve. Free all those that are victims of Western greed, exploitation and colonialism. This is a novel about the fight for liberation and its uglier sides, but most of all it encourages me to continue to resist and fight for what is right. 
5/5 stars, absolutely no notes. (Actually, PLEASE check trigger warnings before you read this book. It's a heavy read, but one that should be read in my opinion.) 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings