Scan barcode
A review by mikkiokko
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
5.0
SPOLIER FREE
I loved this book!
I thought that this book was fantastic! It was simultaneously one of the saddest and hardest yet most hopeful and colorful things I've ever read. The descriptions of Syria were not afraid to shy away from the reality of war, but also honored the beauty of a country and its people that I feel often gets lost in the midst of a conflict. The characters were SO AMAZING!! The main characters were incredibly lovable and complex, and even the side characters managed to pack a punch. Khwaf was also a very chilling and creative addition that brought so much to the themes of grief, trauma, and guilt. The story was just plain GREAT. I think this is a STELLAR book for the YA age group because of how well it communicates complex topics like grief, love, trauma, war, and hope in a way that is easy to understand and empathize with. So if you are or know a reader in that age group I highly recommend reading it or getting it for that person. But, even if you're not just read it! My god, it is so good!
Also, I would like to add that I think this book is a prime example of much needed great representation. I would like to preface that I am white and come at it from that perspective. But, I still thought this was great representation because in the US (where I am from) Middle Eastern people and characters are often characterized and treated horribly. So I think that this book is important because Zoulfa Katouh goes against that common characterization. She gives every Syrian character and the country of Syria at whole the humanity and celebration they deserve. She created a world where those who come from a Middle Eastern background, specifically Syria, can be proud of who they are, where they come from, and hopeful for the future. I think that is necessary and fantastic. So please, no matter who you are, read this book!
Finally, I'd like to end this with a shoutout to Zoulfa Katouh herself because she seems cool as hell! I follow her on social media and I have to say, she seems like just such an awesome gal! Her makeup: iconic. Her outfits: to die for. Her feed: the coziest place on the internet. And y'all, the fact that this is her debut is crazy! Ugh! I love her! Anyway, shoutout and I am SO excited for her next book!!!
I loved this book!
I thought that this book was fantastic! It was simultaneously one of the saddest and hardest yet most hopeful and colorful things I've ever read. The descriptions of Syria were not afraid to shy away from the reality of war, but also honored the beauty of a country and its people that I feel often gets lost in the midst of a conflict. The characters were SO AMAZING!! The main characters were incredibly lovable and complex, and even the side characters managed to pack a punch. Khwaf was also a very chilling and creative addition that brought so much to the themes of grief, trauma, and guilt. The story was just plain GREAT. I think this is a STELLAR book for the YA age group because of how well it communicates complex topics like grief, love, trauma, war, and hope in a way that is easy to understand and empathize with. So if you are or know a reader in that age group I highly recommend reading it or getting it for that person. But, even if you're not just read it! My god, it is so good!
Also, I would like to add that I think this book is a prime example of much needed great representation. I would like to preface that I am white and come at it from that perspective. But, I still thought this was great representation because in the US (where I am from) Middle Eastern people and characters are often characterized and treated horribly. So I think that this book is important because Zoulfa Katouh goes against that common characterization. She gives every Syrian character and the country of Syria at whole the humanity and celebration they deserve. She created a world where those who come from a Middle Eastern background, specifically Syria, can be proud of who they are, where they come from, and hopeful for the future. I think that is necessary and fantastic. So please, no matter who you are, read this book!
Finally, I'd like to end this with a shoutout to Zoulfa Katouh herself because she seems cool as hell! I follow her on social media and I have to say, she seems like just such an awesome gal! Her makeup: iconic. Her outfits: to die for. Her feed: the coziest place on the internet. And y'all, the fact that this is her debut is crazy! Ugh! I love her! Anyway, shoutout and I am SO excited for her next book!!!