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A review by ikaryst
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
I can’t recall the last time I cried over a book. I’ve teared up a couple of times recently, but this was the first time had tears streaming down my face while I struggled to squint at the texts through my blurry vision. This book stole my heart, tore it asunder and then mended it together again — but ultimately, I’m shattered by this read.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow made me laugh, cry multiple times and shocked my core so tremendously that I feel that I will never be the same again. It’s a heart-wrenching tender story that sparks hope for the future, but it is also a tormenting tale about those forever lost.
No one should have their happiness ripped from their grasp because they want to be free. Whatever they experience, the people that were lost along the way, the tragedies that they have seen — it becomes part of the survivors. The innocents are always the ones who suffer the most. In the media, it’s always about the politics at play, the death toll numbers, and the strategies and approaches the parties involved take. But this book is free from those constrictions.
They aren’t numbers. They’re not just victims. They’re someone’s precious child, lover, friend and family member. They matter.
If you’re hesitant about picking up this book, then I’m here to reassure you that it will be worth your time.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow made me laugh, cry multiple times and shocked my core so tremendously that I feel that I will never be the same again. It’s a heart-wrenching tender story that sparks hope for the future, but it is also a tormenting tale about those forever lost.
No one should have their happiness ripped from their grasp because they want to be free. Whatever they experience, the people that were lost along the way, the tragedies that they have seen — it becomes part of the survivors. The innocents are always the ones who suffer the most. In the media, it’s always about the politics at play, the death toll numbers, and the strategies and approaches the parties involved take. But this book is free from those constrictions.
They aren’t numbers. They’re not just victims. They’re someone’s precious child, lover, friend and family member. They matter.
If you’re hesitant about picking up this book, then I’m here to reassure you that it will be worth your time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Injury/Injury detail, War, and Blood
Moderate: Mental illness and Torture