saxz_library 's review for:

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

5.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is an extraordinary story that has left a permanent imprint on my heart. From the very first page, this book transported me into the devastating yet resilient world of Salama, a young woman forced to become a doctor at 18 amidst the Syrian revolution. The horrors she endures and the lives she touches are both haunting and inspiring.

The writing is nothing short of breathtaking—filled with quotes that demand to be highlighted and remembered. The author has a remarkable ability to capture the rawness of grief, the fleeting moments of joy, and the enduring power of hope. Salama and Kenan’s love story amidst the chaos is both heartbreaking and uplifting, a reminder of humanity’s ability to find light even in the darkest times.

This book also made me deeply reflect on the privileges I often take for granted. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by those in Syria, Palestine, Yemen, and many more places where oppression and war persist (I fail to know all and if I had to begin to list all I think it would never end, because humanity has forgotten the most basic of human rights)
This book is not a story of fiction, but one based on reality... It’s a call to educate ourselves, to feel, and to empathize.

I plan to revisit this book when I get my hands on a physical copy—one I know I’ll treasure. I also feel compelled to dive deeper into the history of Syria to better understand the realities that inspired this novel. This is more than a story; it’s an experience, a lesson, and a call to action.