A love letter to Syria and its resilient people, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a speculative novel set against the backdrop of the Syrian Revolution, filled with the flames of hope, love, and possibility. This gripping narrative centers on Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student whose life was upended by the cries for freedom that echoed throughout her homeland. Amidst the chaos, she transforms from a typical teenager into a courageous volunteer at a hospital in Homs, where she encounters the harsh realities of war as wounded individuals flood through the doors daily.
Desperate to escape before her sister-in-law, Layla, gives birth, Salama's fears manifest in the form of Khawf, an imagined companion who shadows her every move, urging her to prioritize her safety above all. As she grapples with the challenge of leaving her beloved country, she finds herself torn between her loyalty and the instinct to survive. The tumultuous world outside, filled with gunfire, bombs, and military assaults, forces her to confront her shifting sense of morality.
As Salama navigates through this harrowing landscape, her initial doubts turn into profound realizations. When fate presents her with the boy she was destined to meet, she begins to question whether leaving her home is indeed the answer. Through her journey, she learns to reframe the violent narrative surrounding her—seeing not just a war, but a revolution in pursuit of freedom.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow challenges readers to reflect on the true meaning of bravery and the sacrifices made in the name of freedom, compelling us all to cry out for Syria's liberation alongside Salama. This novel is a must-read for anyone who cherishes powerful storytelling intertwined with human spirit and resilience.
