Salama was once a pre-medical student living a normal life with a bright future ahead of her. Suddenly, when war breaks out in Syria, her life is uprooted, and she watches her brother and father taken away to fight at war. Later, her mom is lost in another fight near her neighborhood. Now, the only person Salama has left is Layla, her sister-in-law, who is carrying her brother’s child. Salama feels heartbroken that her brother won’t be there during the birth of his baby, or to support Layla, but she promises that she will keep Layla safe at any cost. When news of a possible way to leave Syria arises, Salama feels torn. She currently works at the hospital saving lives threatened by the Syrian war, and her being there is very important. However, she wants safety for herself and Layla, and she feels as though she would be failing her brother if anything would happen to Layla in Syria. Salama battles her inner thoughts and struggles to make up her mind. All the meanwhile, she must face the trauma and PTSD that has built up from her past experiences. Salama also meets Kenan, a boy her age who is taking care of his two younger siblings. They bond quickly over shared trauma and their optimism for a positive future. Salama eventually realizes that choosing to leave Syria will be even harder knowing she has to leave him behind. Will she choose to leave Syria? Does life in Germany have everything Salama hopes it does? Will she ever get the chance to return to her homeland?
I rate As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was a very enjoyable read for me, not only in its interesting plot twists and detailed world-building, but also in its relevance and the message it leaves behind. It gives the reader a new perspective on life for others. The characters are very likeable and their development throughout the book is satisfying to see. Overall, this was a great book for anyone interested in good realistic fiction.