As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is a hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking novel that follows Salama, a young woman navigating life in war-torn Syria. Inspired by the real-life Syrian revolution and Katouh’s desire to give a voice to the silenced, the novel reveals the harsh reality of a young girl’s life in Syria. Salama’s story conveys the trauma, resilience, and unwavering hope of many real life Syrians.

This debut novel is not only a gripping narrative but also a powerful testament to the humanity in times of war, it urges readers to bear witness to both pain, beauty, love, and tragedy