As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

A Love Letter to Syria

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is a touching, necessary read, especially in these times when many of us are reading books about Palestine. It tells a story that, while set in Syria, powerfully mirrors the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The deliberate starvation, destroyed hospitals, and lack of medication, alongside the horrific loss of life and the devastation of families, are painfully familiar. A young boy’s effort to document these atrocities online brings a chilling sense of reality, as the novel mirrors the ongoing suffering we see today.

This book is more than just fiction; it is a love letter to Syria and its people, brimming with the pain and struggle of deciding whether to leave one’s homeland for safety. Amidst the devastation, a tender love story blossoms, offering a ray of hope and a reminder that life does not stop in war zones.

One of the novel’s most captivating elements is its depiction of Muslim identity, especially through Salama, the smart, ambitious, and faithful protagonist. Her relationship, grounded in her beliefs, shines as a refreshing portrayal of romance not aimed at the western audience—a story where a Muslim woman doesn’t compromise her identity for love, but instead finds strength in it.

Zoulfa Katouh beautifully portrays the unbreakable connection between people and their homeland, and this love for Syria permeates every page. It’s not just a story of survival but of an enduring love that refuses to fade, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. Books like this hold significance beyond their plot and character development. They reveal truths to audiences who might otherwise be unaware of the harsh realities faced by others around the world.

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