REVIEW: As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow (Zoulfa Katouh)

Book: As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Author: Zoulfa Katouh

Premise: Salama was a normal teenager when war broke out in Syria. Now she works at the hospital - helping those she can, closing the eyes of those she can't. Layla and her unborn baby are all Salama has left. Until she crosses paths with Kenan, a boy who risks his life for everything Syria could be.

This book was eye-opening and heart breaking. I was in my early teens when war broke out in Syria and I didn't really understand it. Indeed the news only focused on the religious extremism aspect. Reading this book enlightened me on the actual reason for the war and also all the atrocities that went on.

The characters are what make this book. Salama is at breaking point and has been suffering with trauma. I was close to tears at many points. But then she meets Kenan. We then get a love story and see her starting to heal.

I highly recommend this book.