As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow

Even in the darkest times, love, hope, and resistance can still bloom.

As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh is a hauntingly beautiful and emotionally powerful YA novel set during the Syrian revolution. The story follows Salama Kassab, a pharmacy student turned volunteer medic, who’s trying to survive and help others survive in the midst of a devastating civil war. Haunted by trauma and torn between staying to help or fleeing for safety, Salama faces an impossible choice: protect her country or save her life.

But everything changes when she meets Kenan, a boy who sparks something in her that she thought the war had destroyed: hope, and maybe even love. As Salama wrestles with guilt, grief, and the growing intensity of the conflict, she must find the strength to fight not just for her country, but for her future.

This must-read YA historical fiction novel is perfect for readers who crave emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and stories that spotlight courage in the face of unimaginable odds. As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow is the best book for those who want to feel heartbreak—and hope—in equal measure.