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A review by jjenreads
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
5.0
"As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfa Katouh is a punch straight to the heart—in the best way possible. It’s a contemporary YA that dives deep into the Syrian revolution, blending raw, heartbreaking realities with just a touch of magical realism. But seriously, grab a tissue box (or three) before you start.
We follow Salama, a pharmacy student whose life gets turned upside down when her peaceful existence is shattered by war. Now she's volunteering in a hospital, facing unspeakable horrors daily while trying to keep some sense of hope alive. What makes this book special is how Katouh balances the darkness of Salama’s circumstances with the flickers of light, like her deep friendship with Layla and, yes, a heart-melting romance with Kenan.
Salama’s inner turmoil is personified through a mysterious figure named Khawf, which adds this haunting layer to the story. At first, I was like huh? Khawf? What's that? Than a few few moments later went aaahhhhh "خوف". It’s the fear, a reminder of the internal battles she’s fighting alongside the literal war outside her window. The writing pulls you into her struggle between staying and risking her life for her country, or leaving with the people she loves. It’s emotional, and Katouh doesn’t hold back in showing the brutality of the conflict, which makes every small moment of love or laughter that much more powerful.
The romance between Salama and Kenan? Oh, it’s sweet and hopeful, without feeling forced. It’s not just there to make the story lighter—it’s a real anchor for Salama when everything around her is falling apart. Their scenes together are tender and give you this brief respite from the chaos, making you root for them even harder.
Katouh’s writing is poetic, but it doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of war. She paints vivid pictures of a country torn apart while keeping the focus on the people—their resilience, love, and longing for peace. It’s a book that shows the human side of a conflict we often only hear about in headlines.
There are moments where it feels almost unbearable because you know this story isn’t just fiction—it’s inspired by real experiences, real pain. And yet, there’s so much love and hope threaded throughout. It’s a book about survival, yes, but also about the human spirit and the things that keep us going, even in the darkest of times.
If you’re in the mood for something that will make you cry, think, and maybe even smile a bit through the tears, "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" is absolutely worth the emotional journey. It’s powerful, raw, and, honestly, one of those reads that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
We follow Salama, a pharmacy student whose life gets turned upside down when her peaceful existence is shattered by war. Now she's volunteering in a hospital, facing unspeakable horrors daily while trying to keep some sense of hope alive. What makes this book special is how Katouh balances the darkness of Salama’s circumstances with the flickers of light, like her deep friendship with Layla and, yes, a heart-melting romance with Kenan.
Salama’s inner turmoil is personified through a mysterious figure named Khawf, which adds this haunting layer to the story. At first, I was like huh? Khawf? What's that? Than a few few moments later went aaahhhhh "خوف". It’s the fear, a reminder of the internal battles she’s fighting alongside the literal war outside her window. The writing pulls you into her struggle between staying and risking her life for her country, or leaving with the people she loves. It’s emotional, and Katouh doesn’t hold back in showing the brutality of the conflict, which makes every small moment of love or laughter that much more powerful.
The romance between Salama and Kenan? Oh, it’s sweet and hopeful, without feeling forced. It’s not just there to make the story lighter—it’s a real anchor for Salama when everything around her is falling apart. Their scenes together are tender and give you this brief respite from the chaos, making you root for them even harder.
Katouh’s writing is poetic, but it doesn’t shy away from the harsh truths of war. She paints vivid pictures of a country torn apart while keeping the focus on the people—their resilience, love, and longing for peace. It’s a book that shows the human side of a conflict we often only hear about in headlines.
There are moments where it feels almost unbearable because you know this story isn’t just fiction—it’s inspired by real experiences, real pain. And yet, there’s so much love and hope threaded throughout. It’s a book about survival, yes, but also about the human spirit and the things that keep us going, even in the darkest of times.
If you’re in the mood for something that will make you cry, think, and maybe even smile a bit through the tears, "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" is absolutely worth the emotional journey. It’s powerful, raw, and, honestly, one of those reads that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.