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

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative 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

I inhaled this book in a few sittings, and didn’t want to let it’s characters go. It is an intricate and poignant depiction of Syria in the aftermath of the revolutionary Arab Spring uprisings that swept the region in 2011, narrated through the experiences of 18-year-old Salama Kassab in the city of Homs. The book vividly captures not just the impact of war and militarism at the human level— exploring the harrowing effects of PTSD, death, and grief— but is also a testament to the resilience, love and loyalty of the Syrian people in spite of the lack of accountability on the international stage. 

Katouh’s prose is beautiful and transcendent, and it is obvious that she has poured her heart and soul into finely crafting each and every storyline and character. The Muslim representation is one of the best portrayals I have read, and I adored the budding development of Salama and Kenan's relationship amidst the heavier themes explored. I would highly recommend this (even if you do not usually read YA fiction), and especially if you enjoyed books such as The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar. 5 ✨
 
This book publishes on 15th September in the UK/ANZ. Thank you to @bloomsburyya for my netgalley e-arc! 
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