Answer for The almond tree is a recurring motif in the book. It bears testimony to the years of struggle of the Hamid family. At times, it has also served as a point of consolation. Why did you choose it to be such a significant part of the novel?

I am the almond tree. I am a witness too and I wrote this novel because silence should never be an answer to violence. The almond tree could be useful for food. Almond milk, almond flour, almond butter, almond paste. The tree provides shade and when it blossoms it provides a source of beauty. It’s native to the land.