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literallysabah 's review for:
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
by Zoulfa Katouh
‘Every lemon will bring forth a child, and the lemons will never die out’ Nizar Qabbani
I think I now know why I delayed reading this for so long, I wasn’t prepared for the heartbreak and sadness. Despite being aimed at younger readers, it provides so much insight into the hardship Syrians have had to endure for the longest time. It’s a work of fiction but based on true events, and the realisation of this makes it very difficult to digest.
This is such an important book, a book which should be on every shelf and talked about on every syllabus. How you can read this and not shed a tear, I don’t know. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone who has not read it yet but there was one chapter that completely broke my heart. I remember thinking, I’m going to read one more chapter before going to bed, but then I replayed that chapter over and over, all night. It played on my mind so much, that I then discussed it in detail with my husband, who had no knowledge of the book whatsoever at this point. He’s never understood why I pick up books that will make me sad, but I see it as gaining knowledge, about becoming aware of the extent of the hardships so we can make a difference. I love books that make me feel, whatever that feel may be, if it’s powerful, it’s a feeling like no other.
I loved Salama and Layla, both characters warmed my heart and reminded me of the relationship I have with my sister. I know they were friends before sister in laws but it’s so rare to see this and it made my heart swell!
Kenan and Salama, ahh these two! Young, sweet, simple love. I loved it! I won’t say too much more but just read it guys! Read it, read it and then come back and discuss it with me!
I think I now know why I delayed reading this for so long, I wasn’t prepared for the heartbreak and sadness. Despite being aimed at younger readers, it provides so much insight into the hardship Syrians have had to endure for the longest time. It’s a work of fiction but based on true events, and the realisation of this makes it very difficult to digest.
This is such an important book, a book which should be on every shelf and talked about on every syllabus. How you can read this and not shed a tear, I don’t know. I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone who has not read it yet but there was one chapter that completely broke my heart. I remember thinking, I’m going to read one more chapter before going to bed, but then I replayed that chapter over and over, all night. It played on my mind so much, that I then discussed it in detail with my husband, who had no knowledge of the book whatsoever at this point. He’s never understood why I pick up books that will make me sad, but I see it as gaining knowledge, about becoming aware of the extent of the hardships so we can make a difference. I love books that make me feel, whatever that feel may be, if it’s powerful, it’s a feeling like no other.
I loved Salama and Layla, both characters warmed my heart and reminded me of the relationship I have with my sister. I know they were friends before sister in laws but it’s so rare to see this and it made my heart swell!
Kenan and Salama, ahh these two! Young, sweet, simple love. I loved it! I won’t say too much more but just read it guys! Read it, read it and then come back and discuss it with me!