48 pages • 1 hour read
448
Novel • Fiction
Syria • 2010s
2022
YA
14-18 years
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh follows Salama Kassab, an 18-year-old pharmacy student in Homs, Syria, during the Syrian Revolution. Amidst bombings and shootings, she works tirelessly at a hospital, grappling with the loss of her family, and faces a difficult choice between staying to help or seeking safety in Germany for her pregnant sister-in-law. The book contains martial violence, sexual assault, self-harm, death, and mental health struggles related to the Syrian Revolution.
Emotional
Dark
Hopeful
Mysterious
Inspirational
69,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is praised for its emotional depth and poignant portrayal of the Syrian conflict. The characters are well-developed, bringing human faces to the tragedy. However, some readers felt the pacing faltered at times. Overall, it’s a compelling and heartfelt narrative that sheds light on a critical issue.
Readers who would enjoy As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh are those captivated by compelling, character-driven narratives set against the backdrop of conflict. Similar to fans of Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale, they appreciate emotional depth, historical settings, and resilience themes.
69,172 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Novel • Fiction
Syria • 2010s
2022
YA
14-18 years
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