We don’t have to stop living because we might die. ― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

What would you do if your home became a war zone? As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh, brings this hard question to life.

This book tells the story of Salama, a young woman living in Syria during the early years of the war. She wants to protect the people around her, but fear and loss make that harder each day.

It’s a young adult novel, but its message is for everyone. The story mixes real-life pain with a touch of magic.

This is Katouh’s first novel, first published in 2022. It quickly gained attention for its honest writing and emotional weight.

Through Salama’s eyes, readers get a close look at love, fear, and what it means to keep going when everything around you falls apart.

Plot Summary of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Every lemon will bring forth a child, and the lemons will never die out. ― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Storyline

The story follows Salama Kassab, a young pharmacy student in Syria, whose life turns upside down after war reaches her city. She volunteers at a hospital, helping treat people injured in bombings and shootings, all while dealing with fear, guilt, and loss.

Salama wants to leave for safety, but a part of her can’t imagine leaving those behind who still need help. She begins to see a shadow-like figure named Khawf—her fear given form—which pushes her to make a choice: flee or stay.

As the story moves forward, Salama meets Kenan, a young man who brings new feelings and strength. Their bond adds light to the dark world they live in, but it also makes the weight of every decision heavier.

Characters and Character Arc

The characters in this book change in quiet but powerful ways. Each one faces fear, but they also find small ways to keep going. These are some of the main people in Salama’s life:

• Salama Kassab: The main character. At first, she’s scared and unsure, but she grows braver with every hard choice she makes.

• Layla: Salama’s sister-in-law. She is pregnant and relies on Salama for safety and support, showing strength in quiet ways.

• Kenan: A kind young man Salama meets during her hospital visits. He helps her believe in love and a future, even in the middle of chaos.

• Khawf: A dark figure only Salama sees. He pushes her toward leaving but also reflects her inner fears and doubt.

By the end of the book, each of these characters has been tested by war. Their pain doesn’t go away, but they find ways to keep love, trust, and hope alive—even when nothing feels safe.

Themes and Plotline

The book deals with war, but it focuses more on what war does to people inside. Salama’s story is one of survival, not just in the body but in the heart.

Love and family are strong themes in Salama’s life. She cares deeply about the people close to her. Her love for Layla and her growing bond with Kenan give her reasons to keep going.

The theme of trauma is present throughout the story. Salama is not just scared—she’s scarred. Her mind creates Khawf because she can’t process all the pain at once.

Courage is not loud in this book. It shows up in small moments—helping someone, telling the truth, or staying one more day when it would be easier to leave.

What Genre Is As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow?

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a young adult book that combines historical fiction and magical realism. Set during the Syrian uprising, it shows real events and personal feelings through small touches of magic, like the shadowy figure Khawf.

The story includes romance, with slow-growing feelings and a strong bond formed during hard times. It also uses the found family theme, where people support each other even if they’re not related.

Readers can expect strong emotions, a brave main character, quiet moments of love, and the lasting effects of war. The book’s mix of real life and inner struggle feels both personal and powerful.

Readers’ Ratings and Reviews

It reminds me that as long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die. ― Zoulfa Katouh, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

Rating

The book has a 4.48 out of 5 rating on Goodreads with over 84,000 ratings and more than 15,000 reviews. Many readers shared strong emotional reactions and praised the writing.

Goodreads Reviews

On Goodreads, many readers say the book feels both heartbreaking and hopeful. The writing, characters, and setting all leave a deep impact.

“This book tore me apart and stitched me back together.” – Kirsten Dubbink
“It’s painful and beautiful. I cried more than once.” – Farrah
“An emotional read, but one I’ll never forget.” – Basma

Amazon Reviews

Based on thousands of reviews on Amazon, the book has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. Readers mention how real the characters feel and how the story stays with them.

“I couldn’t stop reading. It was heavy, but I felt every word.” – Andrea Tang
“A powerful book with a voice that needs to be heard.” – Tired Tiger

Some readers say it’s intense, but many agree it’s worth reading from start to finish.

This story stands out because of its setting during the Syrian uprising and the voice of a Muslim heroine. It shows war, love, and fear in an honest way. The mix of pain and hope makes this book different from others in young adult fiction.

Who Should Read As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow?

This book is best for readers 14 and older. It’s written for teens but can speak to adults as well.

The story includes war, trauma, and loss, with scenes that may be upsetting. It shows the real cost of conflict through the eyes of a young girl.

Readers who enjoy emotional stories with strong themes may connect with this book. It’s a good choice for those who like personal stories that feel honest and true.

If you liked The Book Thief, They Both Die at the End, or A Thousand Splendid Suns, this book may also speak to you.

Book Recommendations if You Liked As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

If you were moved by As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, there are other books that also deal with war, love, and the strength to keep going. These stories are emotional and focus on young voices during difficult times.

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

• A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

• I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys

• Internment by Samira Ahmed

• Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Each of these books shares a story filled with heart, truth, and the will to survive in hard moments. They leave a lasting impression, just like As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow.

Conclusion

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is more than just a story—it is a strong look at what war does to people. It shows how fear and hope can live side by side.

Salama’s world is full of hard choices. She wants to care for others, but she also wants to survive. Her thoughts and actions feel real because they come from a place of pain and care.

The book uses simple writing to show deep feelings. The magical parts do not take away from the truth—they add to it. This book is for readers who want to feel something real. It speaks about loss, love, and the power of holding on.

Suppose you want a book that leaves a mark. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is one you should not miss. It stays with you long after the last page.

About the Author

Zoulfa Katouh is a Syrian Canadian author whose stories reflect real emotions and important truths. She was born in Syria and raised in Switzerland, where she studied science before turning to writing.

Her debut novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, brings attention to the human side of conflict. Through her work, she shares the voices of people often left out of fiction. Her writing is known for being personal, emotional, and deeply moving.