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The Pomegranate
"I do not talk to dirty boys."
The girl was defiant, her dress dusty, her scarf askew; tendrils of burnished copper hair escaping onto her face. She would not stand by as her brother defended her honor. She would defend herself.
So begins the story of Batsheva Hagiz, the spirited daughter of a Jewish merchant dynasty in 12th Century Málaga. Her life is set by tradition, with schooling in languages, merchandise, and trade. But it’s her love of swordplay and the ability to throw a dagger with deadly aim that will serve her best.
On the caravan journey across the desert to her wedding, Batsheva is abducted by men who are certain their sheik will prize her body. In the early days of captivity, chained to his tent, she makes the decision to do more than merely survive. She will live.
Her resolve will push the boundaries of convention, taking Batsheva from the sands of the Maghreb to the Holy Land where a crusade rages, on to the court of Plantagenet England. Batsheva is Everywoman; she refuses to give in to her fate. Instead, she confronts the world on her terms.
In her third novel, S. J. Schwaidelson weaves another cinematic story, immersing readers into exotic lands and cultures with surprisingly contemporary conflicts and human passions.
The girl was defiant, her dress dusty, her scarf askew; tendrils of burnished copper hair escaping onto her face. She would not stand by as her brother defended her honor. She would defend herself.
So begins the story of Batsheva Hagiz, the spirited daughter of a Jewish merchant dynasty in 12th Century Málaga. Her life is set by tradition, with schooling in languages, merchandise, and trade. But it’s her love of swordplay and the ability to throw a dagger with deadly aim that will serve her best.
On the caravan journey across the desert to her wedding, Batsheva is abducted by men who are certain their sheik will prize her body. In the early days of captivity, chained to his tent, she makes the decision to do more than merely survive. She will live.
Her resolve will push the boundaries of convention, taking Batsheva from the sands of the Maghreb to the Holy Land where a crusade rages, on to the court of Plantagenet England. Batsheva is Everywoman; she refuses to give in to her fate. Instead, she confronts the world on her terms.
In her third novel, S. J. Schwaidelson weaves another cinematic story, immersing readers into exotic lands and cultures with surprisingly contemporary conflicts and human passions.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
698 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2021
30 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Schwaidelson
4 books13 followersNew York born, but living in Minnesota, S. J. Schwaidelson is a novelist, current events blogger, and playwright.
S. J. met her husband Ziggy at the University of Minnesota while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater. Minnesotans don’t transplant well, so they settled in Saint Paul, his home town. After the boys were born, she concentrated on plays for children as the book creator for Schwaidelson and Waterman, Playwrights. Between plays, there were kids to raise, a husband to humor, day jobs to handle, and novels to write.
After Ziggy passed away, her alter ego began blogging. The Wifely Person Speaks has been around since 2010 and is read globally. She continues to publish her take on current events, politics, and the art of the ridiculous late on Monday nights, and has yet to skip a week.
S. J. met her husband Ziggy at the University of Minnesota while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater. Minnesotans don’t transplant well, so they settled in Saint Paul, his home town. After the boys were born, she concentrated on plays for children as the book creator for Schwaidelson and Waterman, Playwrights. Between plays, there were kids to raise, a husband to humor, day jobs to handle, and novels to write.
After Ziggy passed away, her alter ego began blogging. The Wifely Person Speaks has been around since 2010 and is read globally. She continues to publish her take on current events, politics, and the art of the ridiculous late on Monday nights, and has yet to skip a week.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 11, 2021
Batsheva Hagiz is the daughter of Jewish merchant in the 12th century. A spirited young woman, well educated and skilled in swordplay. Betrothed to a young man, named Akiva, living in the Holy Land, she is kidnapped from the caravan traveling to her wedding. Her captors make a gift of her to a sheik. Batsheva finds her way through the initial shock, fear, and grief, resolving to live her life on her own terms. And so begins an incredible story of determination and courage.
I was hooked within the first ten pages and could hardly put this book down. The story is well-paced and action-packed. Batsheva is a fascinating character, faced with repeated trauma, she maintains an inspiring resilience. I also admired her determination to maintain her Jewish observances and traditions, maintaining this core of herself.
Schwaidelson is a captivating storyteller, with a wonderfully careful attention to historical detail. This book is impeccably researched. I highly recommend this book. It is historical fiction at its best.
I was hooked within the first ten pages and could hardly put this book down. The story is well-paced and action-packed. Batsheva is a fascinating character, faced with repeated trauma, she maintains an inspiring resilience. I also admired her determination to maintain her Jewish observances and traditions, maintaining this core of herself.
Schwaidelson is a captivating storyteller, with a wonderfully careful attention to historical detail. This book is impeccably researched. I highly recommend this book. It is historical fiction at its best.
February 22, 2023
I loved this book. I chose it based on the 5 stars and thought "why not" It is so intriguing and exciting. Couldn't put it down. If Bateskva were in this world today, she would be any woman's hero.
I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend it!
December 18, 2021
Batsheva is the daughter of a Jewish merchant around the 12th century. Set to marry Akiva, she finds herself kidnapped on the way to her wedding and given to a sheik. Now, she's determined to get free and live her life how she chooses.
Batsheva is a wonderful character, full of emotions and struggles. You connect with her easily and are rooting for her the entire time. She's strong willed and despite her situation, makes the best of it, choosing to fight for herself rather than give up.
The book was slow going in the first few chapters, but it began picking up and really grabs the readers attention.
Batsheva is a wonderful character, full of emotions and struggles. You connect with her easily and are rooting for her the entire time. She's strong willed and despite her situation, makes the best of it, choosing to fight for herself rather than give up.
The book was slow going in the first few chapters, but it began picking up and really grabs the readers attention.
July 3, 2025
S.J. Schwaidelson's beautiful storytelling is absolutely immersive, bringing to life the myriad sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Batsheva's journey from childhood to womanhood to motherhood, in intricate detail, in brilliantly described cultures, people and locations, with characters and dialog so well-written and believable that you'll feel like an eavesdropper. Although the story takes place in the 12th century, the themes presented here are timeless and universal.
I loved every minute I spent with this book and its characters and was truly sad when I turned the last page and it was done. Splendid writing that's a joy to read. Definitely on my "Must read again" list.
I loved every minute I spent with this book and its characters and was truly sad when I turned the last page and it was done. Splendid writing that's a joy to read. Definitely on my "Must read again" list.
November 16, 2022
I loved this book!
I found this book to be both bittersweet and amazing. It follows a young woman through her unexpected travels and we get to see her grow into a greatly accomplished woman. It also tells the story of things done in the name of religion and war. How hate and love can be found in this world. This is a book I will read again in the future. It really resonated with me. I highly recommend it.
I found this book to be both bittersweet and amazing. It follows a young woman through her unexpected travels and we get to see her grow into a greatly accomplished woman. It also tells the story of things done in the name of religion and war. How hate and love can be found in this world. This is a book I will read again in the future. It really resonated with me. I highly recommend it.
January 9, 2022
Transport yourself to the 12th century for an epic take
Strong characters that weave together a fascinating story. This is a time period that I knew nothing about but reading The Pomegranate encouraged me to learn more about that era. The story is intricate but flows so smoothly that it kept me captivated through the end. A great read.
Strong characters that weave together a fascinating story. This is a time period that I knew nothing about but reading The Pomegranate encouraged me to learn more about that era. The story is intricate but flows so smoothly that it kept me captivated through the end. A great read.
April 1, 2023
A very exciting book to read.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a wonderful job writing this book. She did make one mistake in the book. There were no coaches or carriages after the fall of the Roman till the late 14th Century and very early 15th Century. That is the only historical mistake she made that I found in her book!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The author did a wonderful job writing this book. She did make one mistake in the book. There were no coaches or carriages after the fall of the Roman till the late 14th Century and very early 15th Century. That is the only historical mistake she made that I found in her book!
February 22, 2023
Years ago I was out with friends and I was so immersed in the world of the book series I was reading at the time that all I wanted to do was go home and rejoin that world instead of being out in the real one. It’s a testament to world-building when a book can give you that feeling—and this book very much does.
I don’t read much historical fiction (by chance, not by preference), and I forget how a good author makes it easy for you to lose yourself in the escapism that is the core of the genre. The Pomegranate makes you want to spend time with the characters and immerse yourself in their world. You want to linger over lushly rendered scenes not only because they’re part of the texture of the novel—but because you’re genuinely enjoying the characters and you want to be within every element of their lives.
The main character—Batsheva--is wonderfully rendered as a strong woman navigating various societies that do not favor her in a diplomatic and unyielding way. She finds a way to be internally and externally powerful in situations where she has no overt power (and often a distinct lack of both power and control). Much of this is done, ultimately, by making meaningful relationship bonds with other women. The core romantic relationships in this book are with men, but the richest relationships are between women—whether in families, friendships, or work.
[There are elements that, while fitting in historical context, are going to be hard to digest for a modern audience. CW for multiple instances of violent/drugged rape—of a teenager (again: context of the times)-- leading to love. Alas, humans have always contained complexities that defy sensibilities.]
I don’t read much historical fiction (by chance, not by preference), and I forget how a good author makes it easy for you to lose yourself in the escapism that is the core of the genre. The Pomegranate makes you want to spend time with the characters and immerse yourself in their world. You want to linger over lushly rendered scenes not only because they’re part of the texture of the novel—but because you’re genuinely enjoying the characters and you want to be within every element of their lives.
The main character—Batsheva--is wonderfully rendered as a strong woman navigating various societies that do not favor her in a diplomatic and unyielding way. She finds a way to be internally and externally powerful in situations where she has no overt power (and often a distinct lack of both power and control). Much of this is done, ultimately, by making meaningful relationship bonds with other women. The core romantic relationships in this book are with men, but the richest relationships are between women—whether in families, friendships, or work.
[There are elements that, while fitting in historical context, are going to be hard to digest for a modern audience. CW for multiple instances of violent/drugged rape—of a teenager (again: context of the times)-- leading to love. Alas, humans have always contained complexities that defy sensibilities.]
January 5, 2022
Rounded to 4.5 stars.
CONTENT WARNING: rape, slavery, murder, blood, mention of death of a child, violence, mention of miscarriage, prejudice, misogyny, antisemitism
After reading and reviewing a bunch of Jewish-themed books around Hanukkah, the author had contacted me and offered me a copy of her book, and I’m incredibly grateful to her for that. Because I absolutely fell in love with this book, and it’s the kind of book that deserves to be highlighted. And it just felt right to start off 2022 with this as my first review of the year.
The story starts out a bit slow, but the pace picks up quickly, and hooked me early on. And while the subject matter is difficult to read at times, it’s dealt with in a sensitive, respectful manner that felt historically accurate.
Batsheva is the daughter of a powerful merchant in the 12th century, connected to a dynasty with branches throughout Europe and the Middle East. As a young Jewish girl, she’s highly educated in a variety of disciplines — not just languages, but finances, trade, and self-defense. When she sets off across the desert to attend her wedding, she winds up getting kidnapped and the entire trajectory of her life changes. She goes from a woman with her entire life ahead of her to having no say over what happens to her. But instead of giving up or submitting to her circumstances, her fiery spirit forces her to live to the best of her abilities. This decision is the first she makes, and it changes her entire life.
Her captor, who actually had no hand in her kidnapping, is morally gray. He’s a rapist and holds her against her will, but he genuinely cares for her at the same time. It’s difficult to not hate him at first, but he actually wound up growing on me. Because while yes, he is doing horrific things to her in today’s standards, these were acceptable and common things in that time and culture. But he showed capacity for change and growth, and that is what ultimately won me over. Instead of viewing her as simply a piece of property, he wanted to get to know her. He continually asks questions to learn more about her, although Batsheva is understandably resistant to tell him about her life before:
“How could she tell him of her hopes and dreams when all of them died on the day she was taken? To talk about it was to remember; to remember was to mourn the loss. To share the details of her past would seal it forever as gone; yet, in some ways she knew it would free her.”
Just as she’s settling into her new life, one that she’s become resigned to, a different option is presented to her. And her captor gives her the freedom to make that choice on her own. It winds up having far-reaching effects on the rest of her life, but it sets her conscience at ease and she feels that she’s made the right decision. And it winds up opening new doors to her. She winds up traveling to the Holy Land, also known as Zion. And it’s an incredibly touching moment when I realize that no matter how many centuries pass or how different our journeys are, there’s an incredible connection to the land that so many of us feel. It’s captured perfectly in this interaction between Batsheva and her companion:
“‘It will be good to have a friend, for I am a stranger here.’ ‘No, gracious lady,’ replied Devora, lifting her chin, ‘no Jew can ever be a stranger in Zion.’”
It’s incredibly difficult not to fall in love with the characters. Batsheva is a strong, smart, and endearing character, and I found myself empathizing with the situations that kept ensnaring her. All I wanted was for the poor girl to catch a break. She suffered so much, and I was hoping that she’d finally find a happy ending. And considering that she continues to wind up in the most unfortunate situations, she still manages to find herself surrounded by generally great people. However, there are some negative people who don’t want the best for her, and considering that this took place in the 12th century, there’s more than enough prejudice, hatred, misogyny, and antisemitism flowing around society. This is even more pronounced when she finds herself in England, when educated women weren’t common, and non-Christians were actively discriminated against.
“This was how hated was bred, in stories to children who knew nothing more than what they were told by their elders.”
This book is epic and immersive, and I fell in love with Batsheva and her story. Even though it was difficult and my heart broke for her so many times, I couldn’t stop reading. I cried for her so many times, but I also found myself crying with happiness for her as well. This is the kind of book that has a bit of everything — battle, romance, political intrigue, friendship, family drama, history, and social scheming. I loved every minute of the story, and it was a great start to my reading year. It’s definitely going to become one of my recommendations to any and everyone, and I strongly suggest checking it out.
CONTENT WARNING: rape, slavery, murder, blood, mention of death of a child, violence, mention of miscarriage, prejudice, misogyny, antisemitism
After reading and reviewing a bunch of Jewish-themed books around Hanukkah, the author had contacted me and offered me a copy of her book, and I’m incredibly grateful to her for that. Because I absolutely fell in love with this book, and it’s the kind of book that deserves to be highlighted. And it just felt right to start off 2022 with this as my first review of the year.
The story starts out a bit slow, but the pace picks up quickly, and hooked me early on. And while the subject matter is difficult to read at times, it’s dealt with in a sensitive, respectful manner that felt historically accurate.
Batsheva is the daughter of a powerful merchant in the 12th century, connected to a dynasty with branches throughout Europe and the Middle East. As a young Jewish girl, she’s highly educated in a variety of disciplines — not just languages, but finances, trade, and self-defense. When she sets off across the desert to attend her wedding, she winds up getting kidnapped and the entire trajectory of her life changes. She goes from a woman with her entire life ahead of her to having no say over what happens to her. But instead of giving up or submitting to her circumstances, her fiery spirit forces her to live to the best of her abilities. This decision is the first she makes, and it changes her entire life.
Her captor, who actually had no hand in her kidnapping, is morally gray. He’s a rapist and holds her against her will, but he genuinely cares for her at the same time. It’s difficult to not hate him at first, but he actually wound up growing on me. Because while yes, he is doing horrific things to her in today’s standards, these were acceptable and common things in that time and culture. But he showed capacity for change and growth, and that is what ultimately won me over. Instead of viewing her as simply a piece of property, he wanted to get to know her. He continually asks questions to learn more about her, although Batsheva is understandably resistant to tell him about her life before:
“How could she tell him of her hopes and dreams when all of them died on the day she was taken? To talk about it was to remember; to remember was to mourn the loss. To share the details of her past would seal it forever as gone; yet, in some ways she knew it would free her.”
Just as she’s settling into her new life, one that she’s become resigned to, a different option is presented to her. And her captor gives her the freedom to make that choice on her own. It winds up having far-reaching effects on the rest of her life, but it sets her conscience at ease and she feels that she’s made the right decision. And it winds up opening new doors to her. She winds up traveling to the Holy Land, also known as Zion. And it’s an incredibly touching moment when I realize that no matter how many centuries pass or how different our journeys are, there’s an incredible connection to the land that so many of us feel. It’s captured perfectly in this interaction between Batsheva and her companion:
“‘It will be good to have a friend, for I am a stranger here.’ ‘No, gracious lady,’ replied Devora, lifting her chin, ‘no Jew can ever be a stranger in Zion.’”
It’s incredibly difficult not to fall in love with the characters. Batsheva is a strong, smart, and endearing character, and I found myself empathizing with the situations that kept ensnaring her. All I wanted was for the poor girl to catch a break. She suffered so much, and I was hoping that she’d finally find a happy ending. And considering that she continues to wind up in the most unfortunate situations, she still manages to find herself surrounded by generally great people. However, there are some negative people who don’t want the best for her, and considering that this took place in the 12th century, there’s more than enough prejudice, hatred, misogyny, and antisemitism flowing around society. This is even more pronounced when she finds herself in England, when educated women weren’t common, and non-Christians were actively discriminated against.
“This was how hated was bred, in stories to children who knew nothing more than what they were told by their elders.”
This book is epic and immersive, and I fell in love with Batsheva and her story. Even though it was difficult and my heart broke for her so many times, I couldn’t stop reading. I cried for her so many times, but I also found myself crying with happiness for her as well. This is the kind of book that has a bit of everything — battle, romance, political intrigue, friendship, family drama, history, and social scheming. I loved every minute of the story, and it was a great start to my reading year. It’s definitely going to become one of my recommendations to any and everyone, and I strongly suggest checking it out.
May 26, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 in 5
"Never believe something is so merely because you think it is so. Always seek out what is hidden...in your own heart as well."
I loved this book! Sweeping historical fiction, it's a tale of survival, romance, intrigue, and one woman's indomitable spirit. The Pomegranate tells the story of Batsheva Hagiz, the daughter of a Jewish merchant. Kidnapped en route to her wedding and given as tribute to a Muslim sheik, she makes the hard choices to not simply survive, but live. Spirited, passionate and intelligent, Batsheva is an indomitable woman, unshakeable in her will to be true to herself and her faith. He journey leads her from Malaga, through the Crusade-riddled Holy Land, to Plantagenet England. Time and again she faces great hardships and experiences great love, facing every circumstance on her own terms and refusing to be manipulated and cowed by the will of others.
Initially the writing felt a bit simple to me. There was little description and backstory before launching full force into Batsheva's journey, but I was soon captivated. This is a character driven narrative and the characters are strong. I loved the settings, the representation, and the interweaving of historical figures and events throughout. I plowed through all 698 pages in 4 days!
Read if you enjoy:
🍒 Historical fiction
🍒 Representation of diverse races and religions
🍒 Strong female leads
🍒 Court intrigues and politics
"Never believe something is so merely because you think it is so. Always seek out what is hidden...in your own heart as well."
I loved this book! Sweeping historical fiction, it's a tale of survival, romance, intrigue, and one woman's indomitable spirit. The Pomegranate tells the story of Batsheva Hagiz, the daughter of a Jewish merchant. Kidnapped en route to her wedding and given as tribute to a Muslim sheik, she makes the hard choices to not simply survive, but live. Spirited, passionate and intelligent, Batsheva is an indomitable woman, unshakeable in her will to be true to herself and her faith. He journey leads her from Malaga, through the Crusade-riddled Holy Land, to Plantagenet England. Time and again she faces great hardships and experiences great love, facing every circumstance on her own terms and refusing to be manipulated and cowed by the will of others.
Initially the writing felt a bit simple to me. There was little description and backstory before launching full force into Batsheva's journey, but I was soon captivated. This is a character driven narrative and the characters are strong. I loved the settings, the representation, and the interweaving of historical figures and events throughout. I plowed through all 698 pages in 4 days!
Read if you enjoy:
🍒 Historical fiction
🍒 Representation of diverse races and religions
🍒 Strong female leads
🍒 Court intrigues and politics
September 6, 2022
The story of a young woman's journey and coming-of-age was so thoughtfully told and meticulously researched that I felt instantly I was in the hands of a master storyteller. The twelfth century was brought to life as vibrantly as our own, teeming in its own broth of human passions and missteps--and each character is given the full weight of his or her story. I was actually quite sad the book ended and would gladly have picked it up again. I hope a sequel is in the works, as I would love to see one!
February 5, 2024
I loved this book so much right up until the last 20 pages. I loved Batsheva and her courage and strength. It is beautiful story set against the Crusades. The ending was such a let down. 530 pages wrapped up in a neat package that deflated the whole book for me. I would actually give this book 4 1/2 stars.
March 29, 2024
enchanting. I could not put it down.
maybe a bit fanciful in terms of plausibility and historical accuracy...but who cares, let yourself get swept away in the story.
maybe a bit fanciful in terms of plausibility and historical accuracy...but who cares, let yourself get swept away in the story.
July 5, 2024
I wouldn't have picked up The Pomegranate if it wasn't for 2023 Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge, one of the main reasons I wanted to participate so much. Read what you wouldn't automatically be reaching for. Challenge yourself! Historical fiction, while something I enjoy, often seems daunting because novels of the genre run longer on average and feature dialects that can be hard to read. The near 700 page-count on this one almost prevented me from choosing it from the beginning. However, the fruit featured on both the cover and in the title has some sentimental ties, changing my mind.
Batsheva, or Vashi, or Elizabeth, or Bess (the protagonist of many names) provides the primary lense through which the reader views this 12th century tale. Set against the backdrop of the crusades, the main story happens mostly adjacent to that instead of being the main focus. Strong-willed with a well-rounded education, Batsheva is styled to have quite a bit more agency than most women of her time. Which makes my biggest issue with this novel stand out in even greater contrast: How little agency she seems to have in the matters of her own heart.
I admit that I've never been a huge fan of love triangles, but will usually enjoy a work despite having one. The Pomegranate has one of the worst love triangles I can remember reading, though. For the concept to work, the legs need to be balanced or have some merit. One of the legs here was started and perpetuated at least at the start by rape (which was not a content warning and is pretty graphic) and includes nonconsensual drug use as well. Unless we're talking about dark romance or fiction, it's hard for me to support or be a fan of romantic relationships that keep abusers with those they abuse. Especially if they seem to celebrate those relationships.
The strength of the main character kept me reading even if her strength made it seem even less credible with some of the issues listed above. Despite my own reactions, the quality of the writing was high. Readers who are looking for a female-centered historical fiction with darker elements should still find something to enjoy.
Batsheva, or Vashi, or Elizabeth, or Bess (the protagonist of many names) provides the primary lense through which the reader views this 12th century tale. Set against the backdrop of the crusades, the main story happens mostly adjacent to that instead of being the main focus. Strong-willed with a well-rounded education, Batsheva is styled to have quite a bit more agency than most women of her time. Which makes my biggest issue with this novel stand out in even greater contrast: How little agency she seems to have in the matters of her own heart.
I admit that I've never been a huge fan of love triangles, but will usually enjoy a work despite having one. The Pomegranate has one of the worst love triangles I can remember reading, though. For the concept to work, the legs need to be balanced or have some merit. One of the legs here was started and perpetuated at least at the start by rape (which was not a content warning and is pretty graphic) and includes nonconsensual drug use as well. Unless we're talking about dark romance or fiction, it's hard for me to support or be a fan of romantic relationships that keep abusers with those they abuse. Especially if they seem to celebrate those relationships.
The strength of the main character kept me reading even if her strength made it seem even less credible with some of the issues listed above. Despite my own reactions, the quality of the writing was high. Readers who are looking for a female-centered historical fiction with darker elements should still find something to enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews