As Long as the Lemon Tree Grows by Zoulfa Katouh is a high school Nutmeg nominee.
Salama works in a Syrian hospital during the uprising. She is faced with death on a daily basis. Her struggle is whether to stay and continue helping, or to follow her brother’s last request to get his pregnant wife Layla out of Syria.
Added to her decision is a new love interest who plans to stay in Syria (with his younger brother and sister) in order to continue sharing its stories with the world.
Through the story, Samala’s PTSD from losing her family (different scenarios) has her talking to an invisible male figure named Khawf. But this voice becomes more important than she could realize.
This book reveals details about potentially unknown events. It reveals the strength of character needed to endure hardship and the ability to find glimmers of light in darkness.
Read, Review, Repeat 