Picture a Syrian-Canadian storyteller weaving tales of hope amid chaos—meet Zoulfa Katouh! This trilingual pharmacist-turned-author has taken the Young Adult world by storm with her debut novel, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow. With a knack for blending heart-wrenching realities with flickers of romance and fantasy, Katouh’s stories resonate globally, earning her a Goodreads Choice Award and a spot as a trailblazer for Syrian voices in YA literature.
Born in Calgary, Canada, and raised between Dubai and Switzerland, Katouh’s unique journey fuels her storytelling. Her Syrian roots and experiences as a diaspora child shape narratives that challenge stereotypes and amplify marginalized voices. Let’s dive into the world of Zoulfa Katouh, where lemons symbolize resilience and stories spark change.
The Making of Zoulfa Katouh
Zoulfa Katouh was born on March 29, 1994, in Calgary, Canada, to Syrian parents. Growing up, she split her childhood between Dubai’s bustling energy and Switzerland’s serene landscapes. A self-proclaimed Studio Ghibli enthusiast, she found inspiration in the mountains and stars of her Swiss home. Katouh’s trilingual fluency in English, Arabic, and German, paired with her pharmacy background, gave her a unique lens for storytelling. Her writing journey began during NaNoWriMo 2017, when she penned the first draft of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow, driven by a desire to share the Syrian revolution’s human stories with the world.
Despite her scientific career, Katouh’s love for literature never faded. She once thought writing would remain a hobby, confined to journals and fan fiction. But in her twenties, she embraced her dual passions, crafting stories that reflect her heritage and challenge Western perceptions of Syria. Her persistence paid off, making her the first Syrian YA author published by Bloomsbury and Little, Brown.
Zoulfa Katouh’s Unforgettable Stories
Katouh’s debut, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow (2022), is a speculative YA novel set during the Syrian revolution. It follows Salama Kassab, an 18-year-old pharmacy student turned volunteer doctor in war-torn Homs. Torn between loyalty to her country and the need to protect her pregnant sister-in-law, Salama grapples with trauma, embodied by her hallucination, Khawf (Arabic for fear). Katouh weaves romance and fantasy into this raw narrative, with lemons symbolizing hope, inspired by Syrian poet Nizar Qabbani’s verse, “every lemon shall bring forth a child.” The novel’s lyrical prose and unflinching depiction of war earned it critical acclaim, including an Amy Mathers Teen Book Award.
Katouh’s writing style is a tapestry of vivid imagery, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity. Her stories blend the brutal realities of conflict with universal themes like love, resilience, and identity. She’s currently working on a second YA novel, a dual-POV story exploring identity and healing as a refugee, and an adult romcom, showcasing her versatility. Her ability to humanize the Syrian experience while crafting relatable characters has made her a standout in YA literature.
Unlike many YA authors, Katouh doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. She spent years researching trauma and mental health to ensure authenticity, rewriting Salama’s character three times to balance pain with hope. Her work appeals to teens and adults alike, breaking age boundaries with its universal resonance.
Why Zoulfa Katouh Matters
Zoulfa Katouh’s impact extends beyond her pages. As the first Syrian YA author published in the US and UK, she’s paved the way for diverse voices in literature. Her stories challenge stereotypes, offering nuanced portrayals of Muslim and Syrian characters who are more than their pain. By writing in English, she bridges cultural gaps, educating global readers about Syria’s revolution and the refugee experience. Her work has sparked conversations at events like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, inspiring aspiring authors to tell their own stories.
Katouh’s legacy lies in her ability to blend hope with hardship. Her novels remind readers that even in darkness, resilience and love endure. For Muslim and diaspora teens, her characters are a mirror, reflecting their dreams and struggles. For others, they’re a window into a world often misunderstood.
- Born: March 29, 1994, Calgary, Canada
- Key Work: As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow (2022)
- Awards: Amy Mathers Teen Book Award 2023, Goodreads Choice Award finalist
- Fun Fact: She dreams of BTS’s Kim Nam-joon reading her book!
Snag As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow and dive into Zoulfa Katouh’s breathtaking blend of hope and heart! Her stories will leave you inspired, moved, and ready to see the world through new eyes.