As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is one of the most phenomenal books I have read. I am devastated in the best way possible. This is stunning.

If I hadn’t known going into this that it was a debut, I would’ve thought that Zoulfa Katouh was a well established author who possibly had not been published in the United States before. The writing is both beautifully written in its descriptiveness as well as heart and gut wrenching in the horrors of war as they are presented on the page. From the opening pages of the book I couldn’t help but fall in love with Salama and her sister-in-law, Layla; two young women who find themselves all that they have left in the world after the deaths and imprisonment of the men in their lives.

The complexities of Salama are further rendered on the page as we not only learn of what her dreams and aspirations had been prior to the war, but we come to be both fearful of and enthralled by Khawf, an imagined companion brought about by the traumas she experienced. I absolutely loved the push and pull dynamic of Khawf because of the image I had of him in my mind with his dark look and cigarette smoking and because he sees and recognizes things about Salama’s surroundings and the people she interacts with before her own conscious mind is able to fully flesh them out. I love how the author uses Khawf to help illustrate Salama’s ongoing trauma and PTSD that she is subjected to day in and day out both by the war she sees being played out in the hospital and her own horrible memories.

A constant thought playing throughout my mid as I read this book, was what is happening in Syria now? Is the war still going on? The answer, sadly, is yes. Learning of the continued war in Syria, I was furthered angered and saddened by the fact that, like with so many things that occur in the world, the war in Syria is something that is barely discussed anymore on news stations here in the United States. As someone who studied media in college I understand that the news can’t cover all stories all the time, but it’s still disheartening to think that many people are no longer aware of the state of Syria due to other more prominent news stories that have come to the forefront since the start of the Syrian War.

It is because of the lack of discussion surrounding Syria that I’m so glad that As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is out in the world. This is a book that will put you through the gamut of emotions, from anger to sadness to hope to a deep feeling of love for the characters and the countless Syrian people who are just trying to survive what looks to be a never ending war. This is not only a must read, but it’s a book you will want to own and make sure that when you’re out picking up a copy for yourself you also pick up a box of tissues.

As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is an astonishing important story. Equal parts heart wrenching, raw, honest, hopeful , beautiful, and healing. Definitely going into this book knowing it won't be an easy read, because everything this book touches on is part of the ongoing civil war in Syria, and knowing that the horrors in this book are real is so heartbreaking. Make sure you check the trigger warnings before you read, but know that when you do read it, it will devour your soul and change your life.

5 Stars

As Long As the Lemon Trees grows is such an impactful story that captured my heartstrings and went through a whirlwind of emotions. It’s hard to describe how incredible this story is and I’m so glad that Zoulfa wrote this breaking story, which I would encourage you all to pick up.

From page one, I was captivated by this beautifully written story. Zoulfa has such a wonderful way with words that get you so emotionally invested in this story. She uses vivid imagery that draws the reader in and allows you to see this war-torn world that the characters are experiencing daily contrasting with the hopeful futures our characters try to see themselves living in if they end up surviving.

There are so many words I could use to describe this story. Beautiful. Heartbreaking. Hopeful. Tragic. Shocking. Through this story, we see the struggle that many Syrian people faced and shake you to your core on all the horrific experiences they went through. I didn’t know much about the war in Syria and it’s the kind of story that will break through barriers allowing people to see what others are experiencing somewhere else. It’s a story about survival, family, love, and human perseverance in a situation filled with despair, death, and sadness.

This is the kind of story that sticks with you for years to come. A story that will leave you speechless by the end, hard to put into the words what you just read but will forever leave a mark on you.

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should read As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

One: Beautifully written story with vivid Imagery
Two: Perfectly captures the struggle of humankind during war
Three: A story that captures grief and anguish, as well as hope and love
Four: Absolutely breathing relationship between our two main characters that you won’t forget even after reading
Five: Incorporation of lemons and lemon trees as a symbol of hope and determination

Katouh’s novel is a tour de force tale of living under the Assad regime. Salama is in pharmacy school when Syria becomes embroiled in turmoil. Homs, the town where she lives, is rebelling against the oppressive rule. Assad is willing to go to extremes to put down the protests. Bombing of civilian targets and the imprisonment and killing of dissenters has made many leave Syria. But Salama wants to stay and help. She has been recruited to act as a doctor at the severely understaffed hospital. There she stitches wounds and does basic surgical procedures.

Salama’s father and brother were arrested and her mother was killed. Now she is determined to save her pregnant sister-in-law. She made a promise to her brother to protect his wife and it weighs heavily on her. Once she meets Khawf, another survivor who is also trying to make a difference, she finds a soulmate. Both are reluctant to flee, but both are committed to saving what remains of their families.

Reading this brings to mind the tragedy of Ukraine today. The utter disregard for innocent victims, the destruction of buildings and homes, the unavailability of utilities and resources – all signs of an area under attack. Sadly, the world was not as attentive to the ruthless civil war that killed many in Syria as it is to today’s conflict. But both are specific examples of world hostilities that are seen in many parts of the world. There are too many news stories that include torture, executions, decimation of towns and genocide. We often hear of the tragic events and later forget about the real costs.

Salama and her friend Khawf shine in their love of their country and their commitment to help. But good intentions cannot keep them safe and there’s only so much a human can endure without breaking. The characters are memorable and moving in their anguish and their resilience. This book is affecting and powerful – a testament to courage and love. It demonstrates that today’s horrors in Ukraine are not unique. Katouh’s story of Syria is a tale of aggression and inhumanity perpetrated by a power-hungry leader.

“Bury me before I bury you,” he whispers in prayer. “Please.”

Heartiest gratitude to Netgalley, @tbrbeyondtours and @thelemonwitch_ for the ARC!❤️

🍋 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5.

'As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow' tells an agonizing story of devastation and how hope can bloom in the most unlikely places. Zoulfa knocked it out off the park. It was an automatic choice for me not only because of the gorgeous cover but also for the representation of Muslim community. I gladly report that I was not let down.

Salma and Kenan's lifelong struggles will shatter your heart into pieces, make you weep and yet you will be captured by the beauty, the tragedy and the unfairness of it all. Beware of chapter 29. I was wailing and trust me I don't do that often. The characters are so real and horribly, beautifully humane. Zoulfa's vivid narration brought them to life. Highly recommended!

✨ Favourite Quotes ✨ :

1. Since the beginning of time, I have awoken in people’s hearts. I’ve been given many names in countless languages. In yours, I’m Khawf. In English, Fear. In German, Angst. Humans have listened to my whispers, heeded my council, and tasted my power. I’m everywhere. In the breaths of a king executed by his people. In the last heartbeats of a soldier dying alone.

2. Time is the best medicine to turn our bleeding wounds to scars, and our bodies might forget the trauma, our eyes might learn to see colors as they should be seen, but that cure doesn’t extend to our souls. It doesn’t. Time doesn’t forgive our sins, and it doesn’t bring back the dead.

3. Because you’re human. Because no matter what, you have a heart so soft it easily bruises. Because you feel.

4. My eyes wander over his shoulder to the blue ceramic pot perched directly under the sun’s rays. Seedlings have emerged through the dirt, fighting against gravity, and it reminds me of Syria. Of her strength and beauty. Of Layla’s words and her spirit. Of Mama, Baba, and Hamza. It reminds me that as long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die.

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

My Review:

I received a digital ARC from the publisher via TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange for an honest review and place on this blog tour – thanks!

I honestly don’t know where to start my review of As Long as The Lemon Tree Grows. It’s going to be one of those books I won’t be able to stop thinking about, and one I will most definitely be recommending as often as possible. This novel is filled with so much emotion, so much heart and I think it is going to be a favourite of all those who read it.

Salama was such a powerful protagonist. I loved her determination, her will to help as many people as she can, in whatever way she can. Her struggles and hopes are balanced between Layla and Khawf throughout the novel, showing the complexity of her character, especially in the time before she meets Kenan. There is a lot of circumstance surrounding the decisions she makes in this novel, and her character development really highlights the way she has been forced to grow, but also the way her choices fall in the end.

I cannot say that I knew very much about the circumstances in Syria before reading this novel. In some, small way, I had an idea of what was happening, but these were made by the way Western media portrays the situation. As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows is a glimpse into the horrendous circumstances Syrian folks were forced to and continue to live through. Though reading this novel is quite hard at times (author included trigger warnings are located with the synopsis), it was a very eye opening experience. One that I think many of us can benefit from, especially in a world where it is only in 2022 that a Syrian YA author has been published in the US and the UK. I imagine this is only the beginning of us hearing their stories.

I always find it hard to review books I loved without spoiling them, because often my favourite parts are quite spoilerly. So I will say this, Katouh’s writing style is spellbinding. The lemon tree metaphor is stunning. You will not want to put this book down, even though there are many occasions in this book where you should, perhaps, take a contemplative break. You will cry reading this book, more than once, if my own experience says anything. However, you will also see moments of hope, of love, and of the power of community throughout these pages. I do hope you will pick this book up.

As Long As The Lemon Tree Grows releases September 13th, 2022

As Long as the Lemon Trees is emotional. It's a story which will wring your heart not only in Katouh's depictions of Syria - and the destruction and lives lost - but also in the heart of the characters. They form the foundation of this story. And I fell in love with Salama instantly. The way she is torn between seeking an escape or staying to help, to risk her life, and to run herself into the ground. Because that kind of decision is one that not all of us will know in our life.

Plagued with hallucinations to remind her of all at stake, Salama is haunted by the promises she has made to the ones we love. While she has demonstrated incredible fortitude and strength, there's no denying that it's also been what has been required of her. To survive, to answer the call of those around her. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a story about sacrifice. About purpose versus safety. And about our own choices.

Beautiful story! Heartbreaking, touching, hopeful all at the same time. I loved the earnest Muslim hijabi rep and think Muslim girls and others will really appreciate and hold this story close!

This will go down as one of the best books of 2022. I can't really encapsulate into words how incredible this book is. Just know its an absolute tear jerker. I felt everything these characters felt and for an author to do that, takes incredible skill. I cried every other chapter and in public when I read on the subway. But don't let that intimidate or stop you from reading - in fact it should encourage you to read it! The resistance of Syrians is so dehumanized in the media and overlooked, and this book did what the world has failed to do - humanize and bring the Syrian struggle to light. If there's one book you should read this year, it should be this one!

This book highlights the humanity and resilience of the Syrian people, who have been battered by war. Most people know something about the crisis happening in Syria. The news used to be flooded with reports of Syrian refugees fleeing a wartorn country. But I didn't honestly know much beyond the fact that there was some sort of war there and people were in dire need of help. I'm sure I read news accounts that told me it was a civil war and possibly gave some details of why it was all happening, but honestly those reports never stuck with me. If you'd asked me before I read this book who was fighting who and why, I would have told you I had no idea. That's why books like this are so impactful. I forget a news report, but a fictional book set during the beginnings of the Syrian civil war sticks with me. It helps me delve into the hearts and minds of people who actually lived this experience. Salama is a pharmacy student forced into the role of doctor and surgeon. She sees the horrible realities of the war every day. The book focuses on her experiences as a doctor and her struggle to decide whether or not she should try to flee the country with her pregnant sister-in-law. The book explores the question of whether it is better to stay and fight for freedom or leave (and fight in another way---by spreading the word). The story is haunting and there is a pretty huge twist that I did not see coming at all. This book changed my understanding of the conflict in Syria and forever branded my heart with its people's stories!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***

Did I love this book or did I love this book?
This was by far one of my top reads of the year, and I could tell it was going to be a heart breaker from the blurb.
But Lemon Trees didn't break my heart, no, it crushed it into tiny pieces and washed the pieces away in the river of my tears. Descriptive right? Not as descriptive as some of Zoulfa's paragraphs,which will have you fearful of the damage she's about to wreak on your soul.
Anyways, dramatics aside, go read this book right now! I can guarantee that you will not regret it, and if the promise of impending pain and heartbreak didn't lure you in, the hot imaginary guy should.

This was a very strong and meaningful read about the war in Syria. I haven't read any other books that take place here or discuss the war and I am so glad I was able to read this one. I loved the writing and the twists. I did find it a little slow in spots but not enough to go down a star

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
By Zoulfa Katouh

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Synopsis:
Salama Kassab is a pharmacy student-turned-surgeon, whose life was flipped upside down when the Syrian Revolution started. Living a full and happy life, Salama could not have foreseen that she would lose most of her family within a year. With the whereabouts of her father and brother unknown, Salama had to face the death of her mother when a bomb hits her home.

Now, Salama is scraping through each day, trying to live her days with her best friend and sister-in-law, eight-month pregnant, Layla. Tormented by the promise made to her brother to keep his wife safe, Salama is torn between her love for her country and helping to treat the injured and getting Layla to safety abroad.

Salama eventually learns to view the Revolution around her with a new outlook and accept it for what it is and what it means for her beloved country.

✨Personal Review✨

This book gives an insight into the Syrian Revolution that is pure, raw, and utterly emotional. This book left me emotionally drenched - such heartbreak, such raw feeling. Zoulfa’s words have such a powerful impact. I absolutely loved how the Muslim world was displayed in its true sense. I would recommend this to each and every one of you! Be ready for some happy tears, but be more ready for heartbreaking, emotionally wrenching ones as well. This was truly amazing!! ✨

I have been thinking about how to review this book for hours, I simply can't put into words how powerful and heart wrenching this story this. Strike that, it isn't a story, it's actually a reality for so many of the muslims....

The pain in this book is palpable, I sobbed while reading. It's a story about grief, loss, hardship, resilience, hope and love ❤️❤️

An exceptional debut author who writes so plainly yet so beautifully. I loved the concept of Khawf (fear) being a separate entity who Salama needs to fight. I loved the innocent love story or as we muslims like to call it Halal Romance...
This is a book that you need to experience first hand, no review will ever bring it justice.
All I'll say is Its an important read because it truly enlightens you to what is happening in Syria and how devastated the people are, how much they've lost and how much fight and love they still have left in them ..

Simply an amazing debut novel based on the ongoing conflict and atrocities in Syria!

"As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow" is the amazing debut novel by Syrian author Zoulfa Katouh. It is a gripping tale from start to finish and exudes the ever-present fear of the main characters and their neighbors. The story is absolutely heart-wrenching and made even more so with the understanding that it is based on actual events and ongoing conditions in Syria. The tension was constant from the beginning but continued to build as the story unfolded. The author doesn't pull any punches. There is no softening of the blows of the revolution's impact on the characters or the reader. There is death and danger at every turn of the page. I had to step away from the story to recover before going on. I can't imagine the reality of those that cannot.

The story is told in first-person from Salama's point of view, so we are privy to her thoughts and feelings. The effects of her PTSD manifest themselves in Khawf, who shows up at all hours of the day or night to harangue and taunt her. But Salama is an extraordinary and extremely likable young woman, a real underdog everyone will want to succeed. Amid her desperate daily life, romance finds its way to her, and it is accomplished in a most natural way and satisfying way.

The story isn't all heartbreak; there are moments of joy and recollections of good times. There are descriptions of life in pre-revolution Syria, college memories, friends and family, food and drink, and mentions of the glories of Syria's past. Layla and Salama have been best friends since childhood, and they still have some BFF moments, sharing secrets and giggling together when they can, although, under the circumstances, this is infrequent. (This book also presents one of the biggest and most shockingly blindsiding twists I have ever encountered in a plot. All I will say is I totally did not see that coming.)

With its engaging heroine and other main characters and tense, desperate plot, I highly recommend AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW to readers of young adult fiction and suspense, especially those who enjoy stories based on actual events. Please note that the subject matter is tough and comes with a list of content or trigger warnings.

Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

Author: Zoulfa Katouh

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Diversity: Syrian Muslim MC and characters

Recommended For...: young adult readers, historical fiction, romance, war, Syria, Middle East

Publication Date: September 13, 2022

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Age Relevance: 16+ (war, starvation, gore, violence, pregnancy, religion, death, depression, torture, infanticide, rape, human trafficking, cursing, PTSD, romance, attempted sexual assault)

Explanation of Above: The book takes place during the war for freedom in Syria, so there is a lot about war in the book. There is also gore, including blood and some surgery, and weapons violence. There is also death mentioned frequently in the book and there are mentions of torture as well. There is starvation mentioned and shown in the book and pregnancy is also shown and discussed, as well as some infanticide committed by opposing forces. Religion (Islam) is discussed a lot in the book. There are depictions and mentions of depression and PTSD. There is some slight cursing in the book and some romance. Rape is mentioned a couple of times in the book, there is a scene with an attempted sexual assault, and human trafficking is mentioned as well.

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 432

Synopsis: Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. She still had her parents and her big brother; she still had her home. She had a normal teenager’s life.

Now Salama volunteers at a hospital in Homs, helping the wounded who flood through the doors daily. Secretly, though, she is desperate to find a way out of her beloved country before her sister-in-law, Layla, gives birth. So desperate, that she has manifested a physical embodiment of her fear in the form of her imagined companion, Khawf, who haunts her every move in an effort to keep her safe.

But even with Khawf pressing her to leave, Salama is torn between her loyalty to her country and her conviction to survive. Salama must contend with bullets and bombs, military assaults, and her shifting sense of morality before she might finally breathe free. And when she crosses paths with the boy she was supposed to meet one fateful day, she starts to doubt her resolve in leaving home at all.

Soon, Salama must learn to see the events around her for what they truly are—not a war, but a revolution—and decide how she, too, will cry for Syria’s freedom.

Review: This was an excellent read! I absolutely loved the story and I thought it did well to talk about the struggles of living in Syria during the majority of the fighting. I loved the world building and character development. The pacing was on point and the writing was very well done. The twist in the book was so well done and I could NOT put the book down. I cried, I screamed, I fell in love. And this story will stick with me for a long time. It’s definitely changed me for the better.

The only thing I think could be a bit better is that I wanted a little bit more of the romance and I wanted a bit more resolution with Khawf.

Verdict: It was amazing! Highly recommend!

I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars , WOW, it's beautifully written, and with so much love and hope tucked between some incredibly real and dark events. This book incredibly difficult to read at times but it’s raw and real and it’s the story that Syrians deserve. There were times that I sobbed throughout this story.

I read this book as part of the blog tour hosted by TBR & Beyond Tours. Special thanks to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 5 stars!

TL;DR: Long story short, this book is an important read because it shines a light on a situation that we are so lucky we get to turn away from. Syrians are forced to leave their country, their hearts, and their homes not for freedom but for safety—and even then, they must first endure a treachreous journey to reach it, if they ever do. This book was illuminating and heavy but it sure as hell is worth the read and I can't give it anything less than 5 stars because I know the story I read will stick with me for a long time. This was absolutely incredible storytelling and an amazingly heartfelt and impactful debut!

I've been trying to write a review for the past day and I've currently got three unfinished drafts in my notes because I can't seem to write anything without rambling on about how hard this hit. I'M VERY EMOTIONAL AND IT SHOWS IN THIS REVIEW BUT I CAN'T BE SORRY ABOUT IT, OKAY. 😮‍💨 Through this book, the author aimed to shed light on the Syrian revolution that, to this day over a decade later, is still ongoing and to give voice to the Syrians directly impacted by it and she succeeds in doing just that. I commend Katouh for weaving such a brilliant story that doesn't sugarcoat the reality of a life in times of war while still managing to be so full of life and hope in this emotionally gutwrenching and hard-hitting debut.

**Fair warning: this book is dark and explores very heavy themes and I have to say that this book sat extremely heavy on my heart and in my gut. Please read the content/trigger warnings carefully before picking this up, friends and if you can handle it, I hope that you give this book a try because it's 100% worth it.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow absored me from the very beginning and I was unable to put this book down until the next morning when I finished it with puffy eyes from consistently crying over the last few chapters; though I did have my first round of crying at the 15% mark! Katouh's writing is compelling and I loved the way she brought Syria, the culture and its people to life. The story is set in Homs and it's a city that has been structurally torn apart by the revolution. You see the real-life images in the news and it's horrifying but there's something about reading about it happening that hits even harder and again, Katouh doesn't shy away from those details of war. It's not just the setting that's so vividly depicted but all the characters as well and the writing makes you feel as if you're right there alongside them bearing witness to all the life-altering events they experience.

Salama is an 18yo pharmacy student pre-revolution who, after the start of the revolution, became one of the few remaining doctors in the few hospitals still standing in Homs. She lived through the loss of her family and every day she endures the horrors of being a war doctor and her fear and anger were so palpable that it was almost suffocating at times. Thinking about everything she goes through and knowing that these are stories inspired by real people's experiences just makes me want to cry again. 🥺 It is absolutely impossible to not feel in awe of her as, despite having PTSD, suffering from fearsome hallucinations, and bearing the weight of the last remaining family member's safety on her shoulders, Salama perseveres every day to lessen the pain of others and still manages to find hope amongst the despair and the greatest love. Aside from Salama we also have Kenan, her love interest, his siblings, Lama and Yousef, Salama's sister-in-law, Layla, and the staff at the hospital, particularly Dr. Ziad, and the author did a fantastic job of breathing life into all of these supporting characters and making them feel as well-formed and important as Salama is.

Last but not least, there's the romance—oh, their achingly adorable and heartwarming romance was the biggest soothing balm to my heavy heart! Honestly, the sweetness and gentleness of their romance GAVE ME LIFE! 🥹 I loved how much Salama and Kenan connected over their love of Studio Ghibli and how they imagined their life together writing stories and bringing them to life through animation. Their "something good" moments squeezed my heart with all the feels. I mean, they were PERFECT and omg, when I tell you that I was screaming every time they experienced a near-death situation (of which there were many), I would've turned the world upside down to see them safe! They complemented each other so well and their romance was so wholesome and for them to find love in the midst of war provided a much needed counterbalance to all the grief and loss in this story.

I'm sorry if this review was a jumbling mess but this book left ME a mess. I just hope that despite the heaviness of the topics covered, this alongside the other reviews, entices you to read it!

If you just pay attention to the story, this book hasn't much different from dystopian books. It has the elements. Injusticed by the government or people in charge, revolution, people dying, sadness, despair, but there are also hope and love. Then, what makes this book special? The answer is, this is real (please read the Author's Note). The incidents are real. Syria is in the time of darkness. The people truly is dying. There are people like Salama and Layla out there who fight for their life. And it breaks my heart.

The other thing that makes this book a piece of art is after it breaks your heart, it mends it. It puts your heart back together. It teaches you to have hope and find happiness in simple things. Be grateful that the sun is still rising the next day, the stars still give their light in the night, and the trees are still growing.

I highly recommend this book to read. I never wanted to reread sad books, but for this one, I would go through many heart breaks just to read it again. It is so good!