Shaban Book Club Recap
Bismillah.
Assalamu aleikum readers. Thank for tuning in for another month. Please check out this month's selection below.
A Review by Musart Ellaahi
Salama having to grow beyond her years due to the Syrian conflicts shows all the possible emotions that a war-torn pharmacist could ever express. Reading this book really makes you intertwine with the notions felt from the characters in such a difficult conflict that is still happening till today. Many have been able to flee and restart new lives in other countries but still yearn the pain of the losses of their homeland.
This book couldn't have come at a better time especially now that Syria is suffering again due to the earthquake, and I pray it gets even more awareness as needed. Seven years of continuous hardship of just having the bare minimum to get by and living in guilt of wanting to flee their homelands and restarting a new life. Zoulfa has done an immaculate job in expanding the readers imagination of what the first stages of an immigrant/asylum seeker has to go through in order to find comfort in just to being able to live.
Salama is left having to care for her pregnant sister-in-law and keep the promises she had made to her fearless brother and father who were lost in protesting for their country. She's described as this incredibly smart teenager who has had to grow beyond her years to make the right decisions for her family as well as nursing the wounded where she helps out in the hospital. Her quick wit has taught her many medical terms and practices which enable her to handle almost anything.
As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow is a title chosen due to the hopeful smell that Kenan, the man Salama has fallen for brings. Love helps Salama carry on with her mission, not only the newfound love of Kenan, but her love for Layla and her promises made to her brother to always keep them safe.
I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who really wants to understand the conflicts of Syria and most of all to emphasize with the hardships an immigrant/asylum seeker goes through.
Check it out today at your preferred bookstore!
Want to discuss books with us? Our Usual Book Club Questions Are:
1. What did you like most?
2. What gave you pause?
3. What didn't you like?
4. What are your other thoughts?
5. What question (s) do you have for the author(s)?
6. What questions about the book(s) do you have for the moderator or other members of the discussion(s)?
Thank you for tuning in and reading. Dear Readers & Members, see you in next month in Ramadan 1444 AH insha'Allah. We look forward to hearing from you.
G E T I N T O U C H!
FOFKY'S
Books, Teas & Coffees
Until next time, subhanaka Allahumma wa-bihamdika ash-hadu anla ilaha illa anta as-taghfiruka wa atoobu ilayka. (O Allah, You are free from every imperfection; praise be to You. I testify that there is no true god except You; I ask Your Pardon and turn to You in repentance.) Aameen.
Masalam,
The Fofky's Book Club Team