I decided to be realistic and aim for one book per week, and proudly, I did it!
This week, I finished As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, even while feeling under the weather. And what a powerful read it was.
Before I publish any review, my husband is always my number one listener. Page by page, chapter by chapter, he listens to my raw reactions and unfiltered emotions as I process the story. It’s become part of my reading ritual, and this time was no different.
Set in Syria, the book is a poignant, eye-opening narrative. In her acknowledgements, the author speaks of how little the world knows about Syria and how the media has failed to portray the full extent of the atrocities committed during the civil war. I have to admit, I too wasn’t fully aware of the depth of the conflict. This book served as both a wake-up call and a learning experience.
The pain endured by the civilians in Syria felt heartbreakingly similar to what we’re seeing in Gaza today. It crushed my soul to read about children living in fear, hospitals being bombed, and premature babies needing to be rescued from exploding medical centres. People running for their lives, leaving behind everything they knew, their homes, their memories, their identities, just to survive.
Many of us don’t truly understand the trauma refugees live with. Through the character of Khawf and the haunting experiences of Layla and baby Salama, the author paints a brutally honest picture. I had literal goosebumps. Imagine living every day with death surrounding you, never knowing if you or your family will be next. The lines between nightmare and reality blur. The horrors described when women were raped in public, civilians were slaughtered in the streets, all were so disturbing that I had to pause and breathe. Why do people commit such evil in the name of war? There is no dignity in it, only the cruelty of power-hungry men.
Reading this while I was sick made it hit even harder. It reminded me how privileged I am to have a roof over my head, clean water, warm meals, and the ability to visit a clinic whenever I feel unwell. They’re struggling to find even a Panadol.
Amid all the horror, the love story between Salama and Kenan offered a sliver of light. Their connection felt like a form of resistance, a small but powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, love still blooms. Their relationship wasn’t just romance; it was hope.
Overall, I give this book 4 stars, not because it lacked anything major, but because the pacing in some parts felt slightly uneven. That said, the emotional depth, the storytelling, and the importance of its message make it an incredibly worthwhile read.
No comments