As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

First off, the language is poetic and gorgeous. One neat device is how the main character sees the world through her pharmacy eyes - she defines and describes in technical, medical detail. This style of voice gives you such a rich feel for the character’s personality, and how that personality is navigating the horrors of her life and the sweet awkwardness of young love. The descriptions of war, the fear, hunger, loss experienced by every day Syrians was powerful. I loved the love story that blossomed in the midst of all that tragedy. It was sweet, the chemistry and emotions were so well done. It was relatable for anyone dealing with long-term grief and trying to salvage some joy and meaning out of life anyway. Did not see the twist coming! It was also not gratuitous, but added layers and depth to the character and her experience. Overall, I might have shied away from this book for the heavy overarching subject matter, but I’m so glad I didn’t! This was a book that spoke to me, changed me, and opened my eyes. Definitely recommend. I would reread this.

4 tragic stars!! This book touches your soul. These characters grab your heart and don’t let go. This was a good book. It really takes place in just one town for majority of the book but the terrors and tragedies they face are enormous. There is a twist in the book that you definitely don’t see coming until the author spells it out for you. That broke my a little bit. The end was beyond words. This is a read that I think everyone should read at some point in their life.

I picked up this book with the intention of learning more about the devastation of what was occurring and still remains of the unrest in Syria. Now I Find myself emotionally transfixed on the characters and the humane context instead of politics! I loved every minute and every word written. I fell in love with the rich history., the family dynamics, the strength and ferocity of the People!! Salameh, Kenan, the kids and the twists!!!! The Doctor. Am, and even Khawf. It hit so hard I found myself in tears more times than I can count. Heart wrenching! The vulnerability. All of it reminds us we are truly on human. God I just love this author!!! A must read hands down!!! And now I’m in a reading slump lol.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is beautiful and devastating in equal measure. The novel offers a deeply moving insight into the war in Syria and its impact on young people — their dreams, their fears, and the impossible choices they are forced to make. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the final page, quietly reminding you of the human cost of conflict and the fragile power of hope. 💔🍋✨

This book was AMAzing! I’ve been searching for a book I couldn’t put down for over a year…..this was it!

Wonderful book. Important characters that provide knowledge regarding the trauma of the civil war on the various people of Syria.The altered Existence of the peoples of Syria and their battle to survive as per other countries of the Middle East is well and honestly described . Thus making this book a serious education .

Wonderful book with a nice story. Very catching and tells you how lucky we all are living with all the amenities, while there are still who fight everyday for survival.

I was interested due to the reviews but was waiting and waiting for the twist and the story became repetitive to me. I struggled u til the good part and then it was a very predictable ending for me. That being said, I enjoyed reading about the plight of the displaced. There were some valuable moments.