Book Review: As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow 

By Zoulfa Katouh 

5 Stars 

Zoulfa Katouh’s As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow tells the story of Salama, a young Syrian woman whose life is shattered by war. Once a pharmacy student, she now works in a hospital filled with suffering and loss. She finds herself torn between staying to help and leaving to survive.  

What makes this novel powerful is Katouh’s vivid writing. You can almost smell the smoke, hear the sirens, and feel the tension on every page. Yet amid the chaos, she weaves in moments of beauty, like memories of laughter, the scent of lemons, and the fragile spark of hope that refuses to die. The lemon trees, which appear throughout the story, symbolize resilience. They show that even in the darkest times, life still reaches for the light. 

I particularly admired how Katouh avoids simplifying her characters. Salama is complex; she is brave yet broken, hopeful yet haunted. The author’s sensitivity in showing trauma and mental health adds rare emotional depth to the novel. The recurring symbol of lemon trees brings more meaning, reminding readers that even in destruction, life continues to grow. 

By the final page, the book leaves a lasting ache, a mix of sorrow and admiration. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is not just about war; it is a story about love, memory, and the courage needed to keep believing in tomorrow. 

Reviewed by Alfina as part of the Teen Reviewer, opens a new window program.

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