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

challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-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

4.0

This book was powerful & heartbreaking, but really, really inspiring. This is a love story set in the middle of the Syrian revolution and just wow. Longer than usual review ahead.

Zoulfa mentioned in her authors note that she went out of her way to make characters that broke stereotypes and she did a great job. It was interesting to read not just about struggles, but about their hopes and dreams. The perspective difference the characters had between revolution and war was also kinda jarring to read about. Imagine feeling so much love and belief in your country and its people that it’s even a question whether or not you flee, that’s a different kind of strength entirely. The points being made about the rest of the world moving on obliviously were sad because it just makes me wonder what else is going on that isn’t making it to mainstream media. All we can do is keep bringing more attention to those issues we do know about like in Palestine, Sudan, and Congo.

This book was so sad and really makes you grateful to live a life where you aren’t worrying about meeting basic needs. This was the rare book where I read the authors note in full and if you read I encourage you to do so too. Life is so scary but honestly the hope people find in the midst of so much hurt is inspiring. I can’t think of a bad thing about this book tbh. The only reason this book got a 4 was because it was a slow start, however, the topic is heavy (make sure to check out CW) so I’m chalking that up to the adjustment.

I highly encourage everyone to check out this book (make sure to doublecheck CW) and then tell a friend to tell a friend.

My favorite quote from the book was the one it ended with: “As long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die” 🍋 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings