For July’s book club, we’re reading As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, Zoulfa Katouh’s heartbreaking and inspiring novel set during the Syrian Revolution. This story certainly invites conversation, so check out the discussion questions below, and feel free to add any questions of your own in the comments!
Icebreaker
Tell me something good.
Discussion Questions
Before reading this book, how much did you know about the situation in Syria and these events featured in the book?
What did you think about Khawf as a storytelling device? And did you find yourself agreeing with him?
Salama’s instincts for survival are sometimes at odds with her moral compass. If you were in her shoes, do you think you would have made the same decisions she did? Including what she did to get those seats on the boat?
Did you understand why Kenan wanted to stay? If not, is there something Zoulfa Katouh could have done differently to help you understand?
Salama and Kenan’s relationship developed pretty quickly. Did you feel that was realistic, given the circumstances and their intended betrothal? Moreover, did you find it swoon worthy?
Did you see the twist coming?
How did you feel about the dramatic ending and the epilogue?
What’s your favorite Studio Ghibli movie?
