As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

A powerful and heart-wrenching debut novel set during the Syrian revolution, blending love, hope, and resilience amid war and trauma. Salama Kassab, once a pharmacy student, is now a volunteer in a hospital overwhelmed by the war tearing Syria apart. Haunted by trauma and accompanied by a personified version of her fear, she’s torn between fleeing the country for safety and staying to help her people. But when she meets Kenan, her perspective shifts, and she’s faced with an impossible choice between survival and love, between escape and resistance.

Why You’ll Love It:

• A moving story of a young woman’s courage in the face of unimaginable conflict.

• Vividly captures the beauty of Syria and the devastating impact of war.

• Blends psychological depth, romance, and emotional resilience in a gripping narrative.

• Ideal for readers who appreciate emotionally rich storytelling with real-world relevance.