As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow Paperback – 22 June 2023

There are few books which will always have a special place in my heart and this is one among themAs long as the lemon trees grow is a historical fiction set in the backdrop of Syria, 2011 when Syrian civil war began.The story follows Salama, an eighteen-year-old pharmacy student finds herself in the position of a war nurse, trying to help and save the lives of innocent civilians, also trying to find a way out of Syria before her sister in law Layla gives birth.She has PTSD due to which she suffers from hallucinations of a man called Kauf (Fear) which seems a bit too real. But her life is changed when she meets a 19 year old boy named Kenan.This may be a fictional story, but it is the reality of so many people out there. This book was extremely sad, heartbreaking and heavy. The main purpose of this book is to raise awareness.Awareness of a reality that happens at the same time as our reality but it's completely different, like a world apart.It is a reminder that good still exists in a world of evil. it is a reminder that even when you think all hope is gone, there's still a little flicker to light the way.This book documents the life of so many Syrians who lost everything they had and somehow found it in themselves to keep fighting, to keep surviving. it is a reminder that happiness can be found even in times of pain and agony and hardship.This is one such book that i will carry with me for the rest of my life.Toh i don't even find right words to describe what i feel but all i can say is that this book is a masterpiece.

The novel is set amid the Syrian Revolution. It is a story is a Pharmacy student, Salama, who is torn between the loyalty to her country and the conviction to survive. Though it’s a story of one, it’s a heartfelt story of the decent, sinless Syrian people.I really enjoyed reading the relation of Salama and Khawf, the physical embodiment of her fear. The portrayal is realistic. Everyone undergoes fear, Khawf in a unique manner.

A heart-wrenching, beautifully written story set in war-torn Syria, Zoulfa Katouh masterfully blends love, loss, and resilience. Salama’s journey is deeply emotional, making you feel every moment of fear and hope. If you love powerful, thought-provoking reads, this one’s a must!

"When I go to heaven, I'll tell God everything."Well, I am flustered and completely out of words. Where do I even start, and how? It's been a few days since I finished this book, and I still can't get over the lines. I have a few more book reviews to share, which I had read earlier, but I want to rant about this one first. Not many times have I loved a young adult book like this one. An historical fiction with a young adult romance blossoming amidst the chaos is never something I thought I would fall for. But here I am, recommending this book to everyone over and over again.Salama is a young pharmacology student who was forced to take up the surgeon's job under Dr. Ziad. She works every day in the hospital, stitching up wounds and saving lives destroyed by the war. She loves Syria and her job, but her promise to her brother, Hamza, flashes in front of her every minute. She must leave Syria with her best friend and sister-in-law - Layla, and her unborn child to keep her promise. She is resolute to save them against all odds, even if it means risking her life. Salama thinks her life is meant to be as sad as her war-torn nation until she meets Kenan, the green-eyed boy. Kenan and Salama fall for each other, find beauty under the destruction, and seek peace amidst the chaos while fighting for their nation and family's safety.This book is a must-read historical fiction to understand the Syrian war and its people. I loved each and every character, including Khwaf, Salama's non-existent friend and their banter. It brought tears to my eyes while reading about Syria's helplessness, Salama's mental trauma, the moral struggle of people in war, and the could have-been-s and what if-s.Now, I don't say that the book is perfect. There are a few shortcomings, like the timeline of the Syrian war is skewed, but the author explains it later in her note. Some events looked like a fairy tale affair, and some even were humanly impossible. So, the book is with its flaws, but still so worthy. If you have never shed a tear reading a book yet, you will definitely do after reading this book.

Filled with layers of love, and patriotism behind a backdrop of a completely failed war setup in Syria , this one is really an amazing read

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This book is quite heart breaking and sometimes uu feel happy for the characters. This book is a roller coster of all emotions a must read.

As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is part autobiographical, part journalistic, part fiction and part retelling of true events. But it is wholly heart and pain and desperation. It is about the will to live, the will to escape and the will to save those you love. It is a coming of age love story, but in a cruel world that has taken away everything from you, that threatens your existence every minute and that forces your mind to imagine things that don't exist, or else how would you get the will to live. The haunting title is what drew me to pick this up - it has a lyrical lilt to it that hints of a promise made to oneself in the dark and the desire to hold on to hope even when everything around you burns.