As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
Reviewed by Linda
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Thank you @bloomsburychildrens for this copy!🍋
Of all the books I've read, this is the first I've read about what's actually happening in Syria. The news and the general literature focus on videos of migrants in dingy boats across the Mediterranean or air strike footage and crumbling buildings but rarely do we get to see the heart of Syria's people. The author has poured every emotion into this book and represents the continued struggle of the Syrian people as the world turns a blind eye. Despite the war and sadness, there is an overriding sense of love, hope, and inspiring resilience with an excellent set of characters.
Set in the town of Homs, 2 hours away from Damascus, we meet Salama, a 19-year-old Pharmacy student whose parents have been killed by the Syrian revolution, her brother has been caught captive and she currently lives with her heavily pregnant sister-in-law, Layla. Every day is a ticking time bomb as Asaad's regime advances towards her town, half of the city already under rubble. She spends her waking hours at the local hospital performing surgery to treat the wounded supported by Dr. Ziad, only one of a handful qualified doctors left in the city. And wherever she goes her PTSD, named Khawf (the Arabic word for fear), invades her conscience. Salama must quickly decide if she stays in Syria or leaves her homeland.
As fate has it, we meet Salama as she shares the company of Kenan and his siblings. Their relationship blossoms despite the bleak circumstances around them, but what struck me was how joy is found in even the simplest of things: from the colours of the sky at sunset to the smell of fresh bread.
The depiction of the characters' steadfast faith was wholesome to read and this elevated the story as the characters found peace in loss and comfort in praying with one another during their darkest days.
I also want to commend the author on the great portrayal of Arab characters in this book. In addition, the representation of Muslim women is positive, enjoyable to read, and exemplary. I hope that despite the YA bracket, more people read this.
