As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

BATB score: 8/10 🍋

As the media only covers the political parties and the hard facts, it reduces - the casualties, the victims, the orphans, the displaced - to mere numbers. Some time we forgot that they are people.

Best as: this book is a chance for Syrians to have their stories told about longing to the life before, belonging to Syria amidst war, and hope for the future of Syria.

Best to: Syrian civil war from March 2011 to present. we will never fully know the true effect of war - when is collateral damage ever justified for power?

Best for: novel enthusiast - it’s about the characters

BATB lingering thought: so what’s the answer to the Syrian civil war really? We can wait for al-Assad’s death (current age 57 y/o as of 2022) but then what? The opposing fragmented groups would not be able to title a democratic leader anyways? Maybe it make more sense for Syria-Russia alliance to win? I think we need to think of BATNA - there’s no win.

Best quote: “There are enough people hurting you, don’t be one of them.”

"Don't focus on the darkness and sadness. If you do, you won't see the light, even if it's staring you in the face."

"The worst of outcomes is what is most hilarious."

"If there is one thing that people are scared of, it's being forgotten."

"Know that even in death, you are my life."