The Lemon Tree Tolan Analysis

The Lemon Tree, written by Sandy Tolan originated from a radio documentary that lasted forty-five minutes which was conducted by author Sandy Tolan which was featured on Fresh Air. This interview was then converted into the book in which Mr. Tolan pursues the nostalgic and heartfelt story of two homes and the history of two families which are the center of the story, and up to their present day trials and tribulations. The Lemon Tree symbolizes several things to the various parties involved in the story. For Dalia’s family who move into the Khari home, it first serves as a reminder of the previous owners of the dwelling which her family has thus taken over. For the Khari family, the lemon tree is a symbol of a sense of heritage while the fruit from the tree reminds them of what has been lost and what they desire to reclaim. Finally, the lemon tree represents a sense of hope for both parties when a simple replacement lemon tree is planted in the place of the old tree by students who are both Arab and Israeli, this act suggests that eventually, the peace that is longed for by both sides can eventually become a reality amongst the people of the land they share. Not long after the Six-Day War, a venture into the town of Ramle by three young Arab cousins to see their …show more content…
To the students, the second lemon tree symbolizes their undying hope for a future which is better and where they can all live together without war. The lemon tree is a simple act of faith driven by a connection between two young people of different backgrounds-one who is Israeli, the other Palestinian, is the strongest symbol of the hope that they both want for peace in the Middle East so that they can all coincide together and raise their families without fear of