As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

First off, the language is poetic and gorgeous. One neat device is how the main character sees the world through her pharmacy eyes - she defines and describes in technical, medical detail. This style of voice gives you such a rich feel for the character’s personality, and how that personality is navigating the horrors of her life and the sweet awkwardness of young love. The descriptions of war, the fear, hunger, loss experienced by every day Syrians was powerful. I loved the love story that blossomed in the midst of all that tragedy. It was sweet, the chemistry and emotions were so well done. It was relatable for anyone dealing with long-term grief and trying to salvage some joy and meaning out of life anyway. Did not see the twist coming! It was also not gratuitous, but added layers and depth to the character and her experience. Overall, I might have shied away from this book for the heavy overarching subject matter, but I’m so glad I didn’t! This was a book that spoke to me, changed me, and opened my eyes. Definitely recommend. I would reread this.

4 tragic stars!! This book touches your soul. These characters grab your heart and don’t let go. This was a good book. It really takes place in just one town for majority of the book but the terrors and tragedies they face are enormous. There is a twist in the book that you definitely don’t see coming until the author spells it out for you. That broke my a little bit. The end was beyond words. This is a read that I think everyone should read at some point in their life.

This is a phenomenally heartbreaking story, and so important to read for today’s modern world history, and to understand the struggles in the middle east and often misunderstood peacefulness of the Quran. Also, randomly, pages 249-280 are written upside-down. I thought briefly this was a cultural thing—Arabic is read left to right 😂 But I think it is simply a misprint. So if anyone on the airplane saw me reading a book upside down. That is why.

I picked up this book with the intention of learning more about the devastation of what was occurring and still remains of the unrest in Syria. Now I Find myself emotionally transfixed on the characters and the humane context instead of politics! I loved every minute and every word written. I fell in love with the rich history., the family dynamics, the strength and ferocity of the People!! Salameh, Kenan, the kids and the twists!!!! The Doctor. Am, and even Khawf. It hit so hard I found myself in tears more times than I can count. Heart wrenching! The vulnerability. All of it reminds us we are truly on human. God I just love this author!!! A must read hands down!!! And now I’m in a reading slump lol.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is beautiful and devastating in equal measure. The novel offers a deeply moving insight into the war in Syria and its impact on young people — their dreams, their fears, and the impossible choices they are forced to make. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the final page, quietly reminding you of the human cost of conflict and the fragile power of hope. 💔🍋✨

The story itself was amazing and brought me to tears. However, my complaint is with this specific book I received. The pages are uneven and the physical quality is unpleasant

One of my top 5 favorite books.

I was interested due to the reviews but was waiting and waiting for the twist and the story became repetitive to me. I struggled u til the good part and then it was a very predictable ending for me. That being said, I enjoyed reading about the plight of the displaced. There were some valuable moments.

As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow ist ein Buch, das man nicht einfach liest, man fühlt es. Die Geschichte gibt einen erschütternd ehrlichen Einblick in den Krieg in Syrien und zeigt, was er mit jungen Menschen, ihren Träumen und ihrer Hoffnung macht. Die Hauptfigur Salama ist unglaublich stark und gleichzeitig zerbrechlich, was sie sehr real wirken lässt. Besonders berührend ist der innere Konflikt zwischen Überleben, Schuldgefühlen und dem Wunsch nach Freiheit. Der Schreibstil ist poetisch, emotional und bleibt lange im Kopf. Viele Szenen gehen unter die Haut und lassen einen auch nach dem Lesen nicht los. Ein wichtiges Buch, das Empathie schafft und zum Nachdenken anregt. Das Buch hat mich so bewegt, dass ich sogar eine Collage dazu erstellt habe, um meine Gefühle und Gedanken nach dem Lesen auszudrücken. Ein wichtiges, emotionales Buch, das man nicht vergisst.

Book quality is terrible. The pages are uneven, there are tears on the pages. Given that this is such a great book, I’m disappointed at the quality of the book

As Long as the Lemons Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is a deeply emotional and powerful novel that captures the human side of war and survival. Set during the Syrian conflict, the story follows Salama Kassab, a young pharmacy student whose life is completely transformed by the violence around her. As hospitals fill with the wounded and danger becomes a part of everyday life, Salama is forced to grow up quickly and make impossible choices. One of the most striking elements of the book is how it portrays trauma and inner conflict. Salama often imagines a voice in her head named Khawf (fear), representing her anxiety and survival instincts. This unique narrative device allows readers to truly feel her emotional struggles—torn between staying to help others and escaping to safety. The novel also explores themes of love, hope, and resilience. Even in the middle of destruction, moments of connection and kindness shine through. Salama’s relationships, especially with Kenan, add warmth and humanity to an otherwise heartbreaking setting. These emotional layers make the story not just about war, but about what it means to stay human in inhumane conditions. What makes this book a great read is its authenticity and emotional depth. The author, being of Syrian origin, brings a sense of realism that makes the story feel raw and honest. The writing is simple yet powerful, making it accessible while still deeply moving. Overall, As Long as the Lemons Grow is a haunting yet hopeful novel. It reminds readers of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of holding on to hope, even in the darkest times.

The quality of book is so good I like it so much thank you ! Im probably order again 🫶🏻🌷

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