As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

What is the significance of lemons and lemon trees in the novel?

Layla advises Salama, “No matter what happens, you remember that this world is more than the agony it contains. We can have happiness, Salama. Maybe it doesn’t come in a cookie-cutter format, but we will take the fragments and we will rebuild it” (12). What does Layla mean? How is happiness portrayed in the novel?

Salama tells Am, “I know I nearly destroyed your life with what I did. [...] But you demanded I bleed myself dry. You’re not a saint. And neither am I. But at least I feel remorse” (367). Compare and contrast Salama and Am’s actions—Salama’s use of Samar and Am’s smuggling—in terms of morality.

Individual safety and collective freedom often clash in the novel. Which scenes blur the line between the two concepts? Which concept do you believe should take precedence and why?

Why was it important for Salama and Kenan to get married in Syria before they left? Cite the text in your response.

Which conflict, physical or mental, struck you as the most impactful? How does Katouh create moments of tension?

Kenan finally agrees to leave Syria with his siblings out of duty, but Lama and Yusuf end up living in Germany, while he and Salama settle in Canada. Why do you think Katouh made this choice?

Analyze a character not highlighted in this guide, such as Layla. Describe their characterization and role in the novel.