As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow explores the theme of Survival, Fear, and Patriotism, the conflict between individual desires and collective responsibilities within the context of the Syrian Revolution. In Syrian culture, collectivism is practiced: Collectivism is the “idea that people should prioritize the good of society over the welfare of the individual” ("Collectivism." Vocabulary). Thus, people like Salama and Kenan struggle with leaving Syria because they value their collective identity as Syrians. They believe in being unified and united on all matters, even if their lives are at stake. In contrast, individualism is “the belief and practice that every person is unique and self-reliant” and “implies that you believe that the government should bud out of your individual affairs” ("Individualism." Vocabulary). In the novel and real life, many collectivists want to stay and fight for their freedom against President Bashar al-Assad and his forces, while individualists weigh their survival against staying in their homeland. In the end, Salama and Kenan leave Syria, but try to keep their home alive in other ways.

Zoulfa Katouh is a Canadian writer with Syrian roots. She studied pharmacology and always wanted to be a writer. Her Syrian ancestry and Muslim culture (she wears a hijab like Salama and Layla) inspired her to write about the Syrian Revolution and its clash of collectivism and individualism:

I wanted to write a story about why people make the difficult decision to leave their homes and risk their lives—risk drowning in seas for an uncertain future that may or may not happen. Because everywhere in the world all that’s seen is the consequence; refugees coming into the countries. I wanted to write the why (Kennelly, Savannah. "1 Author, 7 Questions: Zoulfa Katouh." The Novl).

Though told through the eyes of a fictional character, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow realistically portrays refugees’ struggle with collectivism and individualism.