Genre: Fiction, War story
Key Stage: Year 9+ (contains challenging, sensitive content including war and violence)
Rating: ★★★★★
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (2022)
Plot: This book is set in Homs, Syria and while a war is raging, nineteen-year-old Salama must decide whether she wants to flee the country or continue volunteering at the Hospital to help those that are constantly being brought in due to the dangers they face in Syria.
Positives: This captivating story would not let me put it down. I was always wanting to see what would happen next as, after every ‘normal’ chapter, a heartbreaking one would follow. The book describes the consequences of war by focusing on just one young woman and all the hardships she goes through. It makes me think of all the other characters that have different stories to tell and how they are faring through the war. It was beautiful and I will never forget the plot twist that sprung out of nowhere.
Negatives: Everything about this book was deeply moving and I cannot think of any downsides.
Reviewer: Rose, Year 9