Reviews with content warning for Body horror - As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

This is SAD. It's about fictional characters, but not a fictional place or a fictional situation. It's a look at what horrors Syrian civilians face. So, you know, forewarned and all, but also, good lord. It's really good. Really really good.

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qquuiill's review

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I don't cry easily but this book made me genuinely tear up. There are also many moments and instances where I had to physically put the book down and get up and contemplate or react for a solid five minutes.

This book is very inspiring. From the hardships that Salama faces, you learn through her and other characters like Kenan that life is worth fighting for. You learn to be strong. To have hope. To keep your head up. To love. To smile. To, despite the world against you, persevere and find joy.

Albeit, the book is on a heavy topic so if you don't like reads with themes of war, politics(?), and PTSD, maybe don't read it. It's a great read nonetheless.

The book isn't spicy but the moments between Salama and Kenan are enough to make your heart flutter, kick your legs, and giggle. It's very sweet. Their relationship is honest and pure.

I finished this book in one sitting - I could NOT put it down.

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aericsson's review

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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aimee_aj's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Brilliant. Harrowing. Heartbreaking. This is an important book in highlighting the atrocities occurring in Syria and also the plight of refugees. I strongly advise you to check the trigger warnings.

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solaria's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

God this book is incredible.

The writing is soooo immersive, beautiful and absolutely devastating. I've never been to Syria, nor do I know a lot about it, but Katouh's writing made it so easy to picture exactly what it's like and the feelings captured within Homs. The absolute devestation war and terror has inflicted upon Salama's people and her homelands. The love they have for Syria and how terrified they are to leave her.

Next we have Khawf, which is honestly one of the best techniques I've seen in a book in a long time. Having a person represent Salama's anxiety and PTSD is so clever, and beats having just general descriptions of what a character is feeling any day. The confusion, second guessing and constant war she was at with herself via Khawf's existence was so immersive and made me sob for her.

And without spoilers....THAT FUCKING PLOT TWIST!!!!!! I was left in shock for a while. I had to reread those lines over and over. It makes me want to reread the book just to see if there were any signs pointing to it. Absolutely jawdropping.

There's more I can say about this book, but honestly I'd recommend reading rather than anyone hearing me talk about it. It's so amazing, easily the best thing I've read this year so far. As always check content warnings beforehand though as there is a lot of potentially triggering content in this book.

Content Warnings