YOUNG ADULT BOOK OF THE WEEK UPPER BODY

AS LONG AS THE LEMON TREES GROW

by Zoulfa Katouh, published in hardback by Bloomsbury YA, priced £12.99 (ebook £9.09)

★★★★✩

Set in Syria amid the war which broke out in

March 2011, As

Long as the

Lemon Trees

Grow centres around a young woman who has lost any innocence she once had, despite just leaving childhood behind her.

Salama, a first-year pharmacist, is rapidly forcibly promoted to senior doctor at a hospital receiving daily injured civilians.

A yearning for safety in Europe is explored along with a sense of belonging and homeland that is likely to resonate with the Syrian diaspora. The book does not shy away from descriptions of the atrocities – and many of the stories are true, according to the author’s notes. Although the war’s timeline does not accurately measure up with the events in the book, it does not pretend to be a historically accurate account – instead focusing on the humanity.

Loss, grievance and PTSD are all explored through the eyes of 18-year-old Salama. It’s a story that will remain with the reader for a long time after the book is finished.

Fearne stresses the importance of good posture, keeping your shoulders back and spine straight, suggesting that holding yourself well can make you feel more powerful.

She’s also a big advocate for using the lungs for controlled breathing. “In those moments when you feel nervous or panicked, try working on your breathing first,” she recommends. “You will hopefully notice your brain is worrying less, as you are focusing on your breath. You might also notice that by breathing slowly your heart rate has slowed too, making you even calmer .”