REVIEW: As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow

Speechless. That was me when I finished the book. 

A book that I found so hard to put down and one I was looking forward to reading each time I did.

My wife introduced me to this book. She's read it already via the publishers platform. I must commend her for keeping so quiet about the happenings of the book, because there's a lot that happens!

Salama, the main protagonist, an 18 year old newly graduated pharmacist, is thrust into a life of chaos. The Syrian war is just at the beginning. Though a background in pharmacy, she volunteers at a hospital where she carries out surgery on patients, victims of the war.

She's a very interesting and intelligent character. She's honest, she's brave and she's a good muslimah. The war has taken everything and everyone away from her, apart from her dheen. Apart from her resolve to help people despite everything she's going through. Anyone in her shoes would give up.

The book is set in Homs, Syria. We see everything from Salamah's eyes. We feel her feelings. We share her memories.  And what amazing memories they are.

The book is captivating. Filled with curveballs, twists and turns. Some expected and others unimaginable.

Salamah talks about her life before the war began. Her family, especially her best friend Layla, who becomes her sister in-law, after she marries Salamah's older brother, Hamza.

She works at a hospital, where the head doctor is Dr. Ziad. He is a lovable character who sent his family away so he can help patients. He is like a father figure. Despite the war, the wounded, bloodshed and death... Salamah stays composed.

But she has her challenges. Hallucination in form of a character called Khawf. I like him, his description. Reminds me of Scrooge from A Christmas Carol. He tells Salamah things to guilt trip her to leave Syria and migrate to Germany.

Then there's a boy Salamah likes. Kenan. Before the war, there was a marriage proposal from his family, which never materialised. But due to a unfortunate incident, they're united again. Their story is an interesting one. I like how they both like each other, but keep away from any physical touches. They don't make their love known until further into the story. Kenan is a respectable and understanding individual. Very creative.

There's lots of surprises. Lots of emotions. Heartbreaks. Happiness. Parts of the book left me with a heavy feeling. Hair raising moments. Sighs of relief.

I am in awe.

I like of how the author has bought the Syrian issue to light. Anyone reading this will renew their resolve to help the Syrian people.

Parts of the book were very hard to read, but the reality was apparent. And I haven't come across a Muslim romantic book before but MashaAllah it's all halal!

I would highly recommend this book. Read it and recommend it to others.