As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow Paperback – March 26, 2024

Heartbreaking story about the Syrian war, but filled with color, life and poetry. Poignant and touching and filled with hope.

Oof. This author grabbed my heart she ripped out, sqaushed it, tossed it then said “oh let’s put it back to see if it still works.” And does it? No. It does not. This book was so beautiful and amazing and it became on my top list of books.I felt so connected to Salama and Layla and rooted the entire book for them to make it away from syria and its horror.***SPOILER***I sobbed when we realized that layla had died and our girl salama hadnt accepted her death.The entire time I also felt like i was there seeing the horrifying parts of the Syrian war without being censored. I may not be well informed of it but I can say that this book had me googling and reading up on the syrian war. It just felt like I knew these characters as friends/family and damn if i’m not crying writing this review. So now every-time I see a lemon tree I will think of this book and syria and the atrocities that have happened because of war.

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.

Amazing story. Beautifully written.

An important read about the lives of Syrians and the cruelty and land devastation they have endured for years from their own leaders. Beautifully written, innovative character development, and emotionally engaging.

This book was one of the only books that made me cry.

This story took me on an emotional journey. From awestruck, to angry, all the way to bringing me to tears. The anguish of the Syrian people. I also didn't even suspect that twist. I mean she was so alive, so real! This is a must read.

This book opened my eyes to the despair of living through the Syrian war. Very powerful and moving.