Book Review- As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

“Every lemon will bring forth a child, and the lemons will never die out.” -Zoulfa Katouh, As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow

Summary

As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is a chilling and sad novel set during the Syrian Civil War, primarily in the city of Homs. It centers on Salama, a 19-year old pharmacy student who miraculously helps people beyond her pharmaceutical knowledge and volunteers in a hospital despite many bombings and suffering. As the city collapses, Salama is torn between leaving for her safety and the desire to help her community.

About the Author

Zoulfa Katouh is a YA author who was raised in Dubai and Switzerland, but completed her master's degree in drug sciences. She is of Syrian descent (Wikipedia).

The Lemon Trees Grow was the first book to be published by Brown Books for Young Readers. She began writing it in 2017, and then published it in 2014. She also won the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award 2023 and was nominated for the Carnegie medal. Her debut novel has been translated into twenty-three languages.

Character Development and New Perspectives

Salama's character arc is truly compelling, as the book starts, she is horrified by Khawf-- a voice of fear in a dark time which undermines her confidence. This insightful character gives readers a window into the devastating effects of war as well as the prolonged effects of survivor's guilt. Over time, she grapples with her sense of duty and willingness to survive the war. The relationship she forms with her sister-in-law as well as Kenan, emphasize her survival guilt and her traumatic experiences from war. The novel avoids surface level descriptions and doesn't fail to add depth to the protagonist's life which embodies the complexities of seeking hope in tough times.

Lemon Trees Symbolism

The lemon trees from Salama's childhood serve as powerful symbols during the novel. They represent the previous journeys that the Syrian people lived before their peace was taken away. They represent vitality, sweetness and the precious sour moments before devastation. Despite the misery in Salama's environment, she lemon trees grounded her memories and aspirations. The lemon trees symbolize resilience-- their ability to grow and bear fruit mirrors Salama's determination to thrive. In moments of devastation, the lemon trees reminded her of the possibility of peace and the renewal. This symbolism enriches the narrative by connecting botanical cycles to human endurance, and provides aesthetic imagery even in an unfortunate time.

Burden of Leaving

Regardless of how many people she helped, Salama persistently feels a burden about leaving Syria. She feels guilty at the thought of leaving her motherlands, her dead family members, and everyone else who cannot escape. This internal conflict sheds light on the multi-faceted complex phenomenon refugees face-- survivors guilt. They fear the future, the unknown, and as seen in the novel, they fear moving on from the past. The novel portrays leaving as a costly sacrifice that uses up someone's identity and their sense of belonging. Salama's decision is fraught with sorrow and doubt, showing the reader that migration during war was not just physically draining, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

Issues refugees face

Through her flight from Homs to the escaping, readers learned about the trials and tribunals that refugees go through even after not being in war. The consistent fear of being turned down or getting caught in the borders, bureaucratic obstacles layer onto the emotional toll that refugees already experience. Salama's story puts a name on the face, an example to the crisis, emphasizing that the behind the statistics, there lies individuals with stories, hopes, dreams and futures.

Love during a conflict

Among the chaos, the relationship between Kenan and Salama gives more reasons to keep up hope. Their love is not a distraction, but an addition, demonstrating how human connection can provide strength even in the darkest of times. Their romance doesn't feel forced or lustful, but instead natural and supportive which adds emotional depth to the story. The story challenges the stereotype that refugees might be devoid of joy, happiness, companionship, comfort and love.

Representation and Culture

As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow the Lemon Trees Grow stands out for its young adult literature and its authentic portrayal of a Muslim Syria protagonist immersed in her culture. Salama's faith and traditions, are woven into the story, providing richness and combating stereotypes. The depiction of Islamic practices such as prayers, is natural, helping to diversify the Middle East and give a platform to refugees, as well as Syrians in general.

Final Thoughts

Overall, As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow is a wonderful novel which raises awareness regarding the Syrian Civil War with this fictional narrative. Although Salama didn't necessarily exist in real life, her character resembles certain aspects of millions of Syrian people around the world. Through Salama's eyes, readers get a glimpse of survival and sacrifice under extreme sacrifices, which are unfortunately still the daily life for many people in the world.