As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

How I Came Across It... *Before my summer cruise, I was looking for a novel to bring with me. I can't remember where I came across this title, but found the reviews to be full of high praise and great ratings. I bought myself a physical copy and have been reading the story off and on during the summer of 2025. What It's About - Five Things You Need to Know... *This story takes place during the Syrian Revolution.

*Salama went to school to become a pharmacist before the unrest in her country.  

*As she continues her volunteer work at the hospital, she finds herself taking on more and more responsibility to help all of the victims of the civil war.  

*When she is given the opportunity to escape Syria for Germany, she is torn between staying and helping her country, and getting herself and sister-in-law to safety.

*The the war escalates, she knows it is time to make some life-changing decisions.  

What I Thought of It - Five Observations/Reflections... *The story was well written, the characters were well developed, and the action was non stop.

*I didn't remember a lot about his revolution, so I found it interesting and fascinating to read about the conflict in Syria.

*Salama was a strong, independent, and courageous young girl who drove the story forward.

*There were several emotional scenes throughout the story and I felt like I was right there there in the middle of everything.  

*I always enjoy fiction stories that are engaging, but also to teach me a new thing of two.  This novel definitely did that.  

Who Should Read It... *I believe this novel is marketed as young-adult, but I think both the adult reader and the young-adult reader would be perfect for the story. Historical fiction lovers would also be ideal for the novel. Happy Reading!

Rating... 4 out of 5 stars