Book Review — As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh (2022)
“Freedom was never an easy price; it’s paid with blood. More than we ever thought possible.” — Zoulfa K
Living in a dictatorship country is terrorizing. Your rights as a human & citizen are violated. Those who don’t obey the leader would be dead or live miserably. For the rulers, the country might seem like a playground and the citizens are merely the dolls.
Background
Salama, a young pharmacist who lives in Syria, has lived in agony. She is trying to survive while helping Syrians who wish to obtain their rights as citizens. She helps them by working almost 24/7 in a hospital. She rarely rests or sleeps.
Syria, a country where Salama lives has been controlled by a dictator. As background knowledge, let’s find out first what dictatorship is. This term was originated in the Roman Republic. “Dictatorship” means a temporary grant of absolute power to a leader to handle some emergency. In the 20th century, the forms of dictatorship are diverse. However, they share some similar features such as maintaining power by repressing any opposition, controlling all communications, punishing critics, attacking the ideal of pluralist democracy, and blocking most cross-border flows of people & information. (Treisman, D. 2022). The goal behind all these practices was “intimidation”.
As a result, the Syrians live in such a nightmare situation. Everyone can die anytime, the bombs explode everywhere, and there would be shootings. The soldiers shoot their own people. At the end of the day, many innocent people of various ages are dead. People have lost their humanity due to ambition. They put their greed on top of every citizen’s rights, and social justice, and support the country to be more prosperous.
Zoulfa Katouh, the author of this novel, is a Canadian Syrian diaspora. The main reason she wrote about this novel is to tell the world that Syria is not okay now. Despite living in a modern world, where many world citizens live in comfort, glamorous, and peaceful life, some of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world live a completely different life.
Things that we take for granted such as being able to eat regularly, live in a comfortable house, having our full family members, going to school & working safely are precious little things. Those regular activities are things that people who live in dictatorship countries long for. Especially Syria, where the country applies military forces. There is no sense of safety and stability. Every time, the citizens live under fear and threat. So, if you want to obtain a new perspective on how these people live in their country in fear but still hopeful, please grab it now!
The Review
The moment I read the title, “As Long as Lemon Trees Grow”, it caught my attention & left a unique impression right away. Moreover, the book cover looks so adorable. I love the color combination. The design reminds me a bit of the cover of the “Holy Quran” for Muslims. Behind the lemon tree, you can also see the shadow of a mosque and other buildings. Those elements make me curious about the book. I think I have to read it!
This novel is originally written in English. As an English learner, the language is easily understood, Katouh has succeeded in delivering the message effectively. In terms of literature aesthetics, she excellently describes Salama’s everyday life simply yet creates vivid details images of the scenes.
A fan art featuring Keenan, Salama, and Laela.
There are only a few main characters being told, so when I read it I didn’t find it confusing. On the other hand, each character gets the right portion of explanation such as their backgrounds, traumas, struggles, and how they handle challenges. The relationships between characters are made so realistic in a magical way. It’s so natural & the bonds formed are beautiful.
Amid the dark setting presented in Syria, Katouh emphasized that there’s always hope. Hope is a crucial thing to hold on to remain alive. There’s always opportunity and other beautiful scenarios waiting to be discovered. Just like Salama, a young girl who is left behind by all of her family members alone.
Despite her difficulties living alone with a devastated heart for treating hurt people, she can pretend to be strong & be there for them. Her love for the people, and the country, and her belief in those who are still striving for their rights make her stand tall.
Additionally, Katouh also presents a subtle love story between Salama & Keenan. Their relationships add more color to the story. I’m also a big shipper for this couple. They represent an ideal & realistic image of how a good couple should be in Islam. It can be seen from their character development. After they meet & build a relationship, they become better individuals. They also contribute goodness to the people around them. In short, they nurture & support each other to become the best versions of themselves.
Spoiler alert!
There’s another amazing element that makes this novel worth to be read. Before Salama met Keenan, she thought that her sister-in-law, Laela was alive. She had a conversation with her every time she came back after the shift at the hospital. She also often has conversations with an imaginary guy. I assume this person might be another of Salama’s hidden voices. Why? Whenever Salama has a dilemma, she always discusses the matter with this person. Especially, before she decides to do something important. Yes, this novel gives psychological knowledge too.
Overall, this novel is a real definition of exquisite. Physically & instrumentally, this novel brings the best out of the best. I love the color & the cover design. They represent the whole story well. Moreover, it’s rich of human’s complicated experience in experiencing struggle. Last but not least, it’s true though that:
“.… as long as the lemon trees grow, hope will never die.”
References:
____. Why has the Syrian War lasted for 12 years? 2023. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35806229
https://www.carnegie.org/our-work/article/how-do-dictatorships-survive-21st-century/
