Reviews with content warning for Suicidal thoughts - As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

Such an inspiring tale of surviving and trying to escape the horrors of a war-torn country. Plot-wise and the setting of the story provides an amazing opportunity to see the reality in the midst of a revolution.

The writing style and the main character leave something to be desired though. I do commend the author for deciding to write a book around such hard and heavy topic, but it is not balanced by her execution of it. The writing is a bit juvenile to be able to carry such sensitive and heavy topic.

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tinytrashqueen's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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ceebee86's review against another edition

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dark emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book is the love letter to Syria.

I read this for an AAPI month challenge and I'm so glad I powdered through--not because it was hard for me to be interested, but because the subject matter is quite intense. Yet at the same time it is so wistful and gorgeous. I was extremely stressed reading it, and I was praying so desperately for good things to happen.

I read a lot of stories with romance but this is the first I've read in a long time where I really genuinely felt love between the two characters coming through the pages.

I thought it was beautiful the way the story is dotted with "what ifs". They were so melancholic and dreamy to read. And though this is about Syria, I do think the themes and stories of the plight of the refugee transcends time and history.

The twist near the end part of the book stunned me. It was set up artfully and I felt myself react quite strongly, as if I was there experiencing the same shock.

Gorgeous book, if you can stomach the content.

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

In the hushed whispers of hope amidst the symphony of the Syrian war, Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student, navigates the hallways of Homs’ hospitals as a volunteer, tending to countless wounds. However, beneath her heroic facade lurks a dark shadow named Khawf, her imaginary friend transformed into a physical manifestation of her fears. Khawf haunts her every move, whispering urges to abandon her beloved homeland before the birth of her sister-in-law’s baby.

In a world torn between war and revolution, Salama finds herself torn between loyalty to her country and the determination to save herself. With bullets and bombs shattering her life, Salama must uncover the true meaning behind these tragic events. As fate intertwines her path with a mysterious young man, her doubts and resolve are tested once again. As she faces the crossroads of allegiance and survival, can Salama reconcile the conflicting forces within her, or will she succumb to the shadows of fear and uncertainty?

“Auntie—don’t cry—when I go to Heaven—I’ll tell God—everything.”

In the shadows of the Syrian war, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow becomes a riveting vortex of narrative, trapping us within the bitter tales of Homs since the explosive dawn of revolution in 2011. Zoulfa Katouh intricately weaves the tapestry of Salama’s life, a pharmacy student inadvertently thrust into the unexpected role of a wartime nurse.

Every page bursts with meticulous descriptions, unraveling the suffering in every nook, the lingering brutality, and the palpable tension that enthralls readers in the chaotic ambiance. Carefully chosen words paint a vivid picture of the war’s bitter impact, immersing readers in the swirling uncertainty that enveloped Syria during those tumultuous times.

The author masterfully conjures scenes that tug at emotions, leading us through corridors of ruins and streets veiled in dust, allowing us to palpably feel the weight of everyday life amid the chaos of war. Profound details enable us to sense the depth of Salama's involvement in her role as a war nurse. Realistic portrayals of challenges, tough decisions, and emotional tension craft a lifelike image of the character. With every word, we witness her evolution from an ordinary student to an unexpected hero amidst the mayhem.

The exceptional power of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is gauged by its spellbinding wealth of details and the author's knack for immersing readers in pivotal moments of Syrian history. With razor-sharp precision, we’re invited to ponder historical moments that not only shaped but also violently shook the destiny of a nation. The author doesn’t merely narrate a gripping story; they offer profound insights into the intricate complexity of war and its profound impact on Salama’s character.

Beyond delivering a poignant narrative, this book has a more profound mission: awakening reader awareness. Through Salama’s journey, the author adeptly opens our eyes to the harsh realities of war, urging us to observe and savor life amidst the tempest of conflict. The book transcends being a mere story; it serves as a compelling call to understand and empathize with the silent suffering that unfolds.

While personally ensnared by the waves of anxiety permeating every page of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, a critical perspective emerges regarding the romantic interludes. Despite the author constructing a complex love world, at times, the nuances of romance seem slightly out of tune with the intensity of the surrounding war drama. This creates a fascinating dynamic amid the sharp emotional layers.

In terms of the author’s writing style, some moments seem to demand extra finesse. A few sentences may feel less apt, momentarily disrupting the natural flow of the story. Nevertheless, this doesn’t diminish the profound impact created by the overall narrative.

Like a lightning bolt that electrifies the silence, the plot twist in the heart of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is an unexpected jolt, steering the story in a thrilling new direction. Without revealing specifics to preserve the surprise, it’s worth acknowledging that this twist isn’t just a surprising creative element; it injects a poignant emotional dimension.

Upon the revelation of this twist, an unexpected reader reaction occurs. It feels akin to being hurled into a whirlwind of emotions—from profound astonishment to being shaken by its emotional impact. The author skillfully crafts this plot twist with a precision that shakes the reader, creating waves of conflicting emotions.

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is more than just a book; it is a penetrating voice in the cacophony of the Syrian conflict, echoing a resounding call to listen and bear witness. Amid the complexity of war, this book stands as a historical witness, compelling readers to look deeper, feel more intensely, and act decisively.

With hopes extending beyond a mere conclusion, I wish for this book to not only celebrate words but also seep into the hearts and souls of readers. May it open the eyes of more individuals to the voiceless suffering and evoke sincere respect for those ensnared in the whirlwind of chaos. By providing touching insights, this book is not merely a story; it is a call for change.

In its captivating emotional journey, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh plays a vital role as a beacon in the darkness. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a profound experience of the humanitarian crisis in Syria. Through its pages, the book constructs a bridge between us and the bitter reality, inviting us to reflect, understand, and take small steps toward change.

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superstar_y2k's review against another edition

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dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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imperaitrice's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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haleyisamess's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book was on my TBR for a long time and I was so excited to finally get around to it. It was even better than I thought it would be and the book just got better and better. Katouh did an amazing job educating and engaging her audience. The twist made my jaw drop and I found myself so incredibly attached to the characters.

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