A review by aasiy4h
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

i dont really know what to say. this book touched me deeply and made me cry and made me smile and made me angry. in light of everything going on in the world right now and especially the genocide in gaza, this book tore me to pieces and made me frustrated at the world and at the heartless people out there. it also made me very grateful to be one of those people looking at a clear sky and not wondering if this breath might be my last. i may not be syrian or palestinian but i am muslim so i break and i cry for all my brothers and sisters that are victims of war and genocide and oppression. i realise thst this book is fiction but in so many ways it resembles real life and thats what makes it so heartfelt. if youre muslim and youre looking for a book that really represents islam in the best way, this book is definitely worth the read. if you want to cry, read this. if you want to open up your mind and your heart, read this. zoulfa katouh really delivered a soul shattering novel while keeping it young adult, which is hard to do in my opinion. i fell in love with the characters and with their kindness and their pain. there are a few small minor plotholes or just things that dont add up but theyre nothing major and it doesnt affect the reading experience. 
i cant wait for katouhs next novel. 
a teary 5/5 stars.
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