Books As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow: The breathtaking story of love and loss in the Syrian revolution by Zoulfa Katouh

"As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfa Katouh is a powerful and emotional novel set during the Syrian Revolution. It follows Salama Kassab, an 18-year-old pharmacy student living in Homs, Syria, who becomes a hospital worker amid the violence and devastation of war. The story portrays Salama’s courage and deep sense of duty as she helps save lives under dire conditions while grappling with immense personal losses—including the disappearance of her father and brother, and the death of her mother.

Salama also struggles with trauma and survivor’s guilt, personified by a hallucinated figure named Khawf (fear), reflecting her mental health battles. Despite the constant danger and heartbreak, Salama remains committed to caring for her community and finds moments of hope and love, including her relationship with Kenan, a young rebel and fellow survivor.

The novel explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and the enduring hope tied to homeland and identity, symbolized by the metaphor of lemon trees growing—representing survival and persistence in the darkest times. It also addresses the brutal realities of war, including violence, displacement, and the moral complexities of survival and escape.