As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow - Honest Book review

As Long as the Lemon trees grow is the debut novel by Syrian author Zoulfa Katouch published in the year 2022. 

"It's the same sky other people see in their countries. But while we watch it here, hiding, not knowing if our next breath is our last, others sleep safely in their beds, bidding the moon a peaceful goodnight"

In this detailed As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow book review, I'll share why this novel about Syrian resilience moved me to tears. 

• Book Summary
• What I Loved
• Critiques
• Final Thoughts

Sometimes we tend to think the world around us, is in chaos when we are struggling in the race of life but we forget that people are struggling for survival, dreaming of being free, and wishing to have a full meal. People who are feeling desolate due to the decreasing number of their family members. The book is about these people who are living in Syria. The book touches your heart by showing you the two different versions of Syria, one version is before the protest where the main character is shown having an ordinary life, and the other version is after the turning point in the entire country.  Reading this will help you understand melancholy and broaden the reader's horizon.  It's the story of a young girl named Salama turning into a responsible adult overnight who is walking on a path filled with grievances and trying to find hope filled with ephemeral moments.  The story is full of abundant emotions, love, and shattered dreams.

The thing that is the center of attraction in the story of Salama, her will to find the freedom; the oxygen of the soul which seems elusive. The life of the main character will make you nostalgic by making you remember the value of family, freedom, and many more. The best part is that the author pulls you into Salama's world and you are no longer a stranger in the story. It makes you feel close to Salama and unknowingly you will have the desire to become an emotional crutch for every person who is suffering in Syria. The thing I liked most about the book is that when you start to read it will take you to Salama's world which is full of life-threatening adventures and once you are closer to the end you feel surreal.

As you come towards the end of the novel you understand it's the end, so here some people might feel it's straightforward and the author could have made it a little bit exciting, but once you complete the entire book you will be able to connect the dots.

Every character in the book has its stand and the author has tried to describe the versatile nature of human beings. The story swings you in a way that you will feel deeply heartbroken and vivacious. It will make you reflect on your decisions. The multifaceted characters will tell us to go easy on ourselves in the battle of life. Everyone who reads it will have different takeaways, let me know what is yours! 

#AsLongAsTheLemonTreesGrow is a heart-wrenching #HistoricalFiction novel about Palestinian resilience. If you loved #TheBookThief, this #MustRead will stay with you long after the last page.