As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

This week I'm reviewing a deeply moving and meaningful book, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh. This was my favourite book read in February 2023. Interestingly, this is classified as young adult fiction. It is recommended for ages 14 plus. It does seem more like adult fiction to me.

I must admit, this one was a bit of a gut-punch, but I found it incredibly powerful. This isn't a light read by any means, but if you can make it through the heartbreak, you'll find a story that stays with you long after you turn the last page.

The story takes us into the heart of the Syrian revolution, centred on the life of Salama, an 18-year-old pharmacy student. Salama is living a nightmare: her father and brother captured by government forces during a protest, and her mother killed in a bombing. Left with her pregnant sister-in-law and best friend, Layla, Salama personifies her trauma as Khawf - Arabic for fear. Khawf pushes her to make the difficult decision of attempting the dangerous journey by sea to seek refuge in Germany.

Balancing her desire for safety with her feelings of guilt and responsibility towards Layla and her unborn baby, Salama finds solace and purpose in volunteering at a hospital. But the unending stream of victims, many of them children, takes a heavy toll on her fragile mental health. During these challenging times, she meets Kenan, a 19-year-old who is taking care of his orphaned younger siblings and doing his part by uploading videos of protests to YouTube.

Their blossoming love is a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, an act of defiant optimism in the face of the increasingly uncertain hold of the Free Syrian Army on Homs. As the possibility of capture looms closer, the urgency of their situation intensifies.

Katouh masterfully contrasts the harrowing moments of this story with beautiful memories of peaceful times, creating a rich, multifaceted narrative that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This book is truly a tribute to the stories of countless Syrians who have suffered and survived.

I found myself lingering over the many exquisite sentences in this book - it's a memorable read that honours the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship. I recommend this book for those who appreciate stories that delve into the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of freedom. Just be prepared - it might wring your heart out a bit.

Add this one to your TBR. This is a five star read from me. But remember, this one's a heavy hitter - have the tissues ready! And as always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Have you read any other stories about resilience and survival that have moved you? Share your recommendations in the comments because life is too short to read bad books.