As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
by Zoulfa Katouh
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022. 417 pages. Young Adult
This book tells the gripping story of Salama Kassab, a young pharmacy student in Syria whose life is upended by the civil unrest and protests demanding freedom. Salama becomes deeply involved in the conflict when she volunteers at a hospital to aid the wounded. Amid the chaos, she grapples with her desire to escape the violence before her sister-in-law, Layla, gives birth, a concern manifested in the form of Khawf, an imagined companion symbolizing her fears. Salama's journey is not just a physical one, but a deeply internal struggle.
Despite the urging of Khawf, her imagined companion, to leave, she wrestles with conflicting loyalties—to her country and to her own survival. She is forced to confront the harsh realities of war: bullets, bombs, and moral dilemmas, all the while questioning her resolve to flee. Her path intertwines with the fate of Syria itself, as she encounters pivotal moments and reunites with a significant figure from her past, prompting her to reevaluate her intentions. Zoulfa Katouh's novel captures the intense emotional and psychological turmoil of individuals caught amid conflict, offering a poignant exploration of courage, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom in a war-torn land.
I absolutely loved this story because it immersed me in a slice of history that was new to me. Salama's challenges resonated deeply, pulling me into her world with each turn of the page. The narrative's swift pace kept me anticipating what would unfold next, my curiosity never failing. Both the internal and external struggles felt authentic and profound, bringing an emotional response that lingered long after I finished reading. This book profoundly impacted me, teaching valuable lessons on resilience and the enduring importance of faith, family, and hope in the face of adversity. It serves as a moving testament to the determined human spirit and the universal pursuit of freedom.
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