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

dark emotional hopeful sad

5.0

Every lemon will bring forth a child, and the lemons will never die out

First, I would like to appreciate the author for providing an authentic and positive portrayal of Muslims in literature, devoid of stereotypes and white washing. The characters are not only grounded in reality but are also depicted as practicing Muslims, which is a refreshing change from the usual narratives. It's exceedingly rare to find literature where Muslim men aren't cast as villains and women aren't portrayed as oppressed. The main characters' relationship is beautifully crafted and deeply touching. 

It'll make a nice headline to spur a small protest or donation campaign before we are forgotten again, like foam on the sea

Reading this book can be challenging because it mirrors reality so closely—'closely' being an understatement, as the actual circumstances are far grimmer. While the story is a work of fiction, the events it describes are real  and shine a light on the darker aspects of our world. History has a way of repeating itself: the faces may change, but the narrative remains constant. What was once the plight of Syria has now become that of Palestine, where innocent people live in a state of perpetual fear, despair, and loss. Imagine a life where the threat of death starts to seem like a kind release, and your biggest fear is being captured or living with a dismembered body.

Death doesn't scare me, doctor. It's being taken alive. 

Synopsis

 The book is set against the backdrop of the Syrian civil war. We are introduced to Salama, an 18-year-old pharmacist thrust into the role of a surgeon due to a dire shortage of medical professionals in the region. Living with her pregnant sister-in-law, Salama grapples with the trauma of her father and brother’s abduction by the military and her mother’s death in a horrific bombing. Stricken by malnutrition, they are on the brink of survival. 

Haunted by PTSD, Salama experiences vivid hallucinations of a man who pressures her to leave the country and honor the promise she made to her brother—to keep his wife safe. Torn between her sense of duty to her homeland and her vow to protect her sister-in-law, Salama’s resolve is tested. 

Amidst this turmoil, Salama’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a man to whom she was supposed to be betrothed. In the midst of despair, a tender love story unfolds, offering a glimmer of hope and solace."

Survivor's skin is a remorse we are cursed to wear forever.

The story is a poignant exploration of our capacity of resilience and perseverance even amdist the darkest of times. Despite the tragedy and trauma encompassing Salama, she is filled with patriotism and determination to protect her loved ones. The events that unfold are dark and hard to read at times. We witness the real and gruesome effects of war on children and the lives of innocent civilians. In particular, it highlights loss of innocence as children are forced to confront the incomprehensible atrocities of humanity at a tender age.

His emotional growth is a plant that people forgot to water, so it tries to capture any moisture it can.

I won’t lie; I shed quite a few tears thinking about people struggling to survive in war-torn areas without shelter, food, or help from anyone. The image of refugees stranded on a boat in the middle of nowhere, with no country willing to take them in, is still vivid in my memory.

Greed is an illness and it won't take pity on the weak and desperate 

The prose is absolutely beautiful. The way she has written her characters and created a vivid and real imagery of war-torn Syria is commendable. It's hard to believe that this is her debut novel. I liked how she dealt with the relationship between Salama and Kenan. She has weaved a tremendous amount hope and love through their cute and halal relationship. It’s refreshing to see how she respected religious sentiments and values and created a love story that is pure and free from any worldly cynicism.
The plot itself is engrossing, and the author's unique perspective as a Muslim lends a genuine and authentic voice to the narrative. She doesn't shy away from writing harrowing and gruesome events that took place during the Civil War. 

Time doesn't forget our sins, and it doesn't bring back the dead