"AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW" by Zoulfa Katouh

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Salama lives in war-torn Syria. Her parents and brother were brutally taken away from her. The only family she has left is Layla, her pregnant sister-in-law and bestfriend. Every day Salama risks her own life by going to work at the hospital. Although she was only in her first year of uni studying to become a pharmacist, the war forced her to perform the work of a doctor. Another consequence of the war is Salama's hallucinations. Every day she sees Khawf who reminds Salama of all the horror she has endured. He wants her to leave Syria, but she is reluctant. Then Salama meets Kenan who changes things. He gives her hope. 

In the novel, we read how Salama is torn between staying in Syria and leaving for a safer future. She wants to stay in Syria to help and treat the wounded civilians and freedom fighters, but she also made a promise to her brother that she would get out of Syria. What does one do? Stay and fight? Or leave and fight from the outside? Salama is conflicted, starved and tired. As are most Syrians. 

I love that the theme of the novel is one of hope. The title "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" is also about hope. It means that life can still grow in places of death and destruction. Salama knows that her life is not gonna be easier if she leaves Syria. Leaving your home country for a different one also comes with consequences. But it is a safer choice. This is one that many refugees and immigrants make around the world. No one leaves their home country with no reason. They leave because there is no other option if they want to stay alive. 

Read this novel if you are interested in stories about war. How it affects and changes people in sad and beautiful ways. 4/5 stars. 

Bloomsbury, 415 pages, 2022

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