Scan barcode
A review by sara_b_reads
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
5.0
You have to read this.
This book was absolutely devastating, heartbreaking, soulwrenching, and yet through all of that pain was such a beautiful silver lining with hope and love that shone through the entire book. The writing was beautiful. This story explores oppressive governments in a thoughtful way, and taught me so much about the Syrian revolution that I hadn’t known about. What has stuck with me most since I finished this book is the heartfelt depth in Salama’s relationships and the tension she feels about the actions she takes. And then don’t get me started on the last third of the book. I was on the edge of my seat and then absolutely sobbing in the middle of the night as I finished the book. I couldn’t stop until I knew how this book ended and was up until almost 3am finishing it. This book will stay with me.
A few favorites:
- Morally grey MC and her internal monologue and relationship with herself
- Kenan and his love for his country and his family
- Mental illness representation
- Finding hope in a terrible time
This book was absolutely devastating, heartbreaking, soulwrenching, and yet through all of that pain was such a beautiful silver lining with hope and love that shone through the entire book. The writing was beautiful. This story explores oppressive governments in a thoughtful way, and taught me so much about the Syrian revolution that I hadn’t known about. What has stuck with me most since I finished this book is the heartfelt depth in Salama’s relationships and the tension she feels about the actions she takes. And then don’t get me started on the last third of the book. I was on the edge of my seat and then absolutely sobbing in the middle of the night as I finished the book. I couldn’t stop until I knew how this book ended and was up until almost 3am finishing it. This book will stay with me.
A few favorites:
- Morally grey MC and her internal monologue and relationship with herself
- Kenan and his love for his country and his family
- Mental illness representation
- Finding hope in a terrible time
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Vomit, War, Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Death, Medical content, Murder, Police brutality, Pregnancy, and Rape