As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow - Zoulfa Katouh

So I put off reading this book for a while because of how heartbreaking I heard it was. And break my heart it did.

As long as the lemon trees grow follows the story of Salama, who, alongside her sister in law Layla, are trying to escape the brutality of the Assad regime. Salama, who was initially studying to be a pharmacist, becomes a volunteer in the local hospital to help with the immense civilian casualities. We follow her story as she tries, desperately and reluctantly, to board a boat and escape inevitable death.

Where to even begin with this book. Firstly, the brutality of the regime. My heart broke eveytime the book highlighted the violence perpetrated by the state, whether that be its indiscriminate bloodshed, use of chemical weapons or the huge civilian death toll. The barbarity of the crimes are beyond heartbreaking.

The bittersweet but beautiful romance between Salama and Kenan was particularly saddening as well as a symbol of hope. The courage and hopefulness of two people to fall in love amidst the destruction surrounding them. It was also refreshing to read a halal love story, without any of the usual cliches and liberal pandering.
I also found the character of khawf to be such a unique but apt touch.

A devastatingly painful story about the real atrocities our Syrian brothers and sisters are facing. Overall, this book should be on everyone's TBR.

May we see Syria and Palestine free.