My first introduction to this book was when a friend called me in tears after finishing it, begging me to read it. Naturally, I had high expectations, and this book did not disappoint. As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is set during the Syrian revolution, and we experience the story through the eyes of Salama Kassab, who was once a pharmacy student but is now risking her life as a volunteer in a hospital amidst the chaos of war. As the world around her crumbles, Salama struggles to maintain her composure. 

With fear, hope, and guilt surging through every page, this story feels heartbreakingly real. Unlike the news, which often focuses on facts and numbers, this story gives faces to those facts. Salama’s narrative highlights the hardships, resiliency, and ambitions of the individuals impacted by the Syrian crisis, showing the tremendous impact of the conflict on the people living there. As someone who barely used to check the news every two weeks, I found this book to be a huge eye-opener. It made me realize how numb we can become to suffering when it is just statistics, but through this novel, every loss is palpable. I am captivated by how the story intricately explores the profound psychological impact of war. Salama’s terror manifests as Khawf, a haunting figure from her imagination that plagues her every decision. This shows how the war, in addition to ravaging cities, can also shatter the mind. Yet, this book serves as a reminder that even in dire circumstances, love can flourish, which I find beautiful. 

The author describes this book as a love letter to Syria, its people, and those who fight to remember what their home used to be. I found this book incredibly heartwarming, and consider it a must-read for people of all ages. 

                                                                                               By: Mariyam Zaffa Zaheer

                                                                                                           11S6 (Batch 2026)