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 older 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.
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About the author
Zoulfa Katouh
Author
Zoulfa Katouh is a Canadian author of young adult fiction. Her debut novel, As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow, was published in 2022.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
by Zoulfa Katouh
Books Like As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
If you're looking for books similar to As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Book Thief
Markus Zusak
Set during World War II, this powerful novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl living in Nazi Germany who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. Like 'As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow', it explores themes of survival, resilience, and hope during a time of extreme conflict. The narrative provides a deeply human perspective on war and its impact on individuals.
Half of a Yellow Sun
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A novel set during the Nigerian Civil War, exploring personal stories against a backdrop of political conflict. Like 'As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow', it offers a nuanced portrayal of individual experiences during war. The narrative emphasizes human resilience and the impact of political upheaval.
The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini
Set in Afghanistan, this novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption against a backdrop of political turmoil. Similar to the main book, it provides a deeply personal narrative of survival and hope during times of conflict. The story emphasizes the human impact of political and social upheaval.
Refugee
Alan Gratz
A novel interweaving the stories of three young refugees from different historical periods. Like the main book, it explores themes of displacement, survival, and hope. The narrative provides multiple perspectives on the refugee experience across different times and places.
Salt to the Sea
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A historical fiction novel about refugees during World War II, focusing on four young people fleeing across the Baltic Sea. Similar to the main book, it portrays young characters navigating a dangerous landscape of war and personal survival. The story highlights individual experiences within a larger historical context and the human capacity for hope and resilience.
In the Time of the Butterflies
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A historical novel about the Mirabal sisters in the Dominican Republic during Trujillo's dictatorship. Like the main book, it focuses on young women's resistance and courage during political oppression. The narrative highlights personal bravery and the fight for freedom.
Home Fire
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A novel exploring themes of identity, family, and political conflict. Like the main book, it focuses on young characters navigating complex social and political landscapes. The story provides a nuanced exploration of personal choice and social responsibility.
Persepolis
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A graphic novel memoir about growing up during the Iranian Revolution. Like 'As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow', it offers a young person's perspective on political upheaval and personal transformation. The narrative combines personal experience with broader social and political commentary.
The Cellist of Sarajevo
Steven Galloway
A novel set during the Siege of Sarajevo, focusing on individual experiences of survival and resilience. Similar to the main book, it explores how people maintain hope and humanity during conflict. The story provides a powerful narrative of personal strength in extraordinary circumstances.
A Woman Is No Man
Etaf Rum
A powerful novel exploring the experiences of Palestinian-American women across generations. Like 'As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow', it delves into cultural identity, personal struggle, and the quest for freedom. The book offers a nuanced portrayal of women's experiences in challenging social and political environments.
The Breadwinner
Deborah Ellis
A novel about a young girl in Afghanistan who must disguise herself as a boy to support her family under Taliban rule. Similar to 'As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow', it explores survival, resilience, and personal transformation during conflict. The story emphasizes individual agency in challenging circumstances.
The Midnight Library
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A novel about exploring life's possibilities and personal choice. Similar to the main book, it emphasizes themes of hope and personal agency. The narrative provides a unique perspective on individual decision-making and potential.
Exit West
Mohsin Hamid
A novel about two young lovers navigating displacement and migration during a time of political unrest. Similar to the main book, it explores themes of survival, love, and hope in the face of challenging circumstances. The story provides a nuanced look at the human experience of conflict and migration.
The Quiet Before
Gal Beckerman
A non-fiction book exploring how movements for social change begin and develop. Similar to the main book, it examines themes of revolution and individual agency. The narrative provides insights into how personal actions can contribute to broader social transformations.
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