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As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
Description
A love letter to Syria and its people, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a speculative novel set amid the Syrian Revolution, burning with the fires of hope, love, and possibility. Perfect for fans of The Book Thief and Salt to the Sea. Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. She still had her parents and her big brother; she still had her home. She had a normal teenager's life. Now Salama volunteers at a hospital in Homs, helping the wounded who flood through the doors daily. Secretly, though, she is desperate to find a way out of her beloved country before her sister-in-law, Layla, gives birth. So desperate, that she has manifested a physical embodiment of her fear in the form of her imagined companion, Khawf, who haunts her every move in an effort to keep her safe. But even with Khawf pressing her to leave, Salama is torn between her loyalty to her country and her conviction to survive. Salama must contend with bullets and bombs, military assaults, and her shifting sense of morality before she might finally breathe free. And when she crosses paths with the boy she was supposed to meet one fateful day, she starts to doubt her resolve in leaving home at all. Soon, Salama must learn to see the events around her for what they truly are--not a war, but a revolution--and decide how she, too, will cry for Syria's freedom.Show more
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Community Reviews
This book left my heart hurting but also full of hope all at the same time. It also made me think. We get desensitized to the news daily, reporting on war and turmoil in different parts of the world. I forget that there are simple people much like myself, just trying to live a happy life. This book will remind me that those war-torn places are full of regular people who love their country, their traditions, and simply want a happy life.
This story allowed me to understand hardships I have been fortunate enough to not have experienced. I feel in love with every character and will be adding this to my personal collection.
Beautifully written. A realistic depiction of a teenager navigating war, loss and love. It’s heartbreaking and honest. My only criticism is that the decision making dragged on a bit. 75% of the book is a lot of her contemplating. But regardless it’s a book I would recommend to everyone.
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