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.

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"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

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.

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!

My heart weeps for every Syrian. My soul bleeds for them. Zoulfa creates an unimaginable image of hearts which dare to dream, hope, and pray despite the brutal indifference of the world without breaking. This is a plea for the deaf, blind, mute world to hear the screams and cries, to witness the spilt blood and scattered organs of fellow humans on the Syrian soil ( and elsewhere). ‘As long as the lemon trees grow’ is a sacred prayer which should not be ignored.