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Pomegranate Tears
Southern Italy 1950s.
Desperate to break free from her father’s possessive hold, Bianca prepares her escape to freedom. Vittorio, her tyrant brother, convinced she’s yearning for something beyond her grasp, is obsessed with bringing her to heel. If he can’t persuade her—he’ll break her.
At the first opportunity, Bianca flees to England despite the country’s different culture, and a language she doesn’t understand. She’s determined to do all in her power to control her own future.
When James, a handsome Englishman, steps onto the scene, Bianca wonders if she should accept his proposal of marriage. But will she find happiness marrying so far from home? Would she be sacrificing her newly found freedom?
Based on true-life events, Bianca’s story is one of determination, love, and ambition as she tries to adapt to her new life and fulfill her dreams of becoming a top designer.
As the Italian saying goes—you can have more than one home, but your roots will remain unchanged.
Desperate to break free from her father’s possessive hold, Bianca prepares her escape to freedom. Vittorio, her tyrant brother, convinced she’s yearning for something beyond her grasp, is obsessed with bringing her to heel. If he can’t persuade her—he’ll break her.
At the first opportunity, Bianca flees to England despite the country’s different culture, and a language she doesn’t understand. She’s determined to do all in her power to control her own future.
When James, a handsome Englishman, steps onto the scene, Bianca wonders if she should accept his proposal of marriage. But will she find happiness marrying so far from home? Would she be sacrificing her newly found freedom?
Based on true-life events, Bianca’s story is one of determination, love, and ambition as she tries to adapt to her new life and fulfill her dreams of becoming a top designer.
As the Italian saying goes—you can have more than one home, but your roots will remain unchanged.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
August 27, 2022
A take a journey back in time to a struggling family during the war, father rules with an iron fist, mother steps in line, money and food are in short supply.
As the children grow, life in Italy no longer appeals to Bianca, she wants to spread her wings and fly to England.
The story follows Bianca's fascinating life as she struggles with language, culture, the loss of her family but her resilience, steadfast determination and her creative skill in design pull her through, only for history to repeat itself from a daughter of her own.
A fantastic reflection of the life experienced by family members, penned by this talented author. Every aspect of emotion is covered, from sadness, hardship and joy that expose you to the true personalities of each character and how they dealt with each trying event that occurred. I'm sure many people will relate to different aspects of the story but an underlying message that resonates is that the grass isn't always greener but when you've made your bed, with hard work and resolutness, you can succeed. And Bianca sure did, with pride! Brilliant!
As the children grow, life in Italy no longer appeals to Bianca, she wants to spread her wings and fly to England.
The story follows Bianca's fascinating life as she struggles with language, culture, the loss of her family but her resilience, steadfast determination and her creative skill in design pull her through, only for history to repeat itself from a daughter of her own.
A fantastic reflection of the life experienced by family members, penned by this talented author. Every aspect of emotion is covered, from sadness, hardship and joy that expose you to the true personalities of each character and how they dealt with each trying event that occurred. I'm sure many people will relate to different aspects of the story but an underlying message that resonates is that the grass isn't always greener but when you've made your bed, with hard work and resolutness, you can succeed. And Bianca sure did, with pride! Brilliant!
April 30, 2023
The story begins in Southern Italy in the 1950s when the country is still recovering from the war, and food and money are in short supply. Bianca, the main character, is a young Italian girl who dreams of being a fashion designer, but her father and brother, Vittorio, are determined to bring her to heel. However, Bianca is a strong and determined young woman, and at the first opportunity, she leaves Italy with her friends to seek a new life in England; a brave move considering she does not speak the language. The fascinating story follows Bianca’s life as she meets and falls in love with James, a young Englishman. He helps her to adapt to the country’s different culture and language, but still, she misses Italy, particularly her mother, and younger brother, Luca. The book is beautifully written and the characters, are well-developed. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.
July 21, 2023
Pomegranate Tears, by Jos Saunders.
An engaging story throughout.
Bianca, lives with her family in a village in Southern Italy. She is a talented artist and dreams of becoming a fashion designer, with the hope of one day being famous. Her Papa runs a strict household and as Bianca grows up, she and her siblings find life at home intolerable. Her Mamma is kind and loving towards her children, but wives are subordinate to their husband’s wishes in Italy, 1960s.
Events come to a head when Bianca turns twenty-one and desperate to get away, she and her friend leave their home village; bound for England, and a new life.
The story moves through the decades of the 1940s to 1980s, making this an interesting read. A story full of emotions, where family bonds are important.
A nicely written story full of emotions, love, and family. A very pleasurable, entertaining read.
Recommended.
An engaging story throughout.
Bianca, lives with her family in a village in Southern Italy. She is a talented artist and dreams of becoming a fashion designer, with the hope of one day being famous. Her Papa runs a strict household and as Bianca grows up, she and her siblings find life at home intolerable. Her Mamma is kind and loving towards her children, but wives are subordinate to their husband’s wishes in Italy, 1960s.
Events come to a head when Bianca turns twenty-one and desperate to get away, she and her friend leave their home village; bound for England, and a new life.
The story moves through the decades of the 1940s to 1980s, making this an interesting read. A story full of emotions, where family bonds are important.
A nicely written story full of emotions, love, and family. A very pleasurable, entertaining read.
Recommended.
July 12, 2023
The book was excellent. It was well written and full of imagery. I loved the character Bianca so much. Despite what she went through she wanted a better life for herself. I couldn't put the book down it was so good.
October 30, 2024
lovely story
I loved this , and chatting to the author I know who is who. Bella, I would love to know if she still has the red coat. This is an adorable story of resilience, love and the difference in nationalities. The fiery heart of some, which I’m happy to say did not get subdued. Loved it and the ending was nicely done. The story was well written and flowed with excellence. Once I’d begun I couldn’t put it down. A lovely true to life story ..
I loved this , and chatting to the author I know who is who. Bella, I would love to know if she still has the red coat. This is an adorable story of resilience, love and the difference in nationalities. The fiery heart of some, which I’m happy to say did not get subdued. Loved it and the ending was nicely done. The story was well written and flowed with excellence. Once I’d begun I couldn’t put it down. A lovely true to life story ..
August 29, 2023
Pomegranate Tears by Jos Saunders is a truly beautiful book.
A biographical account based on her own family, we follow Bianca from the fear and despair of Mussolini’s wartime Italy, and through the patriarchal and, frankly, abusive culture of rural Italy, as she escapes to a more enlightened England. Bursting into the light from years of war and depression, we quickly realise England is not the promised land of milk and honey - just a different set of cultural hurdles to jump.
All the characters are beautifully presented, but I personally am in awe of Bianca and the strong women in her life.
This book is so many things: a family biography, a snapshot of postwar Europe, a commentary on female emancipation, but on top of all that, it is a beautiful, gripping, suspenseful, story. From the first paragraph to the end of the story, Jos Saunders’ Pomegranate Tears is an impelling page turner.
A biographical account based on her own family, we follow Bianca from the fear and despair of Mussolini’s wartime Italy, and through the patriarchal and, frankly, abusive culture of rural Italy, as she escapes to a more enlightened England. Bursting into the light from years of war and depression, we quickly realise England is not the promised land of milk and honey - just a different set of cultural hurdles to jump.
All the characters are beautifully presented, but I personally am in awe of Bianca and the strong women in her life.
This book is so many things: a family biography, a snapshot of postwar Europe, a commentary on female emancipation, but on top of all that, it is a beautiful, gripping, suspenseful, story. From the first paragraph to the end of the story, Jos Saunders’ Pomegranate Tears is an impelling page turner.
November 20, 2022
Set at the end of World War 11, Pomegranate Tears is the story of Bianca. A young Italian girl who emigrated to England to escape her strict Catholic, and traditionally Italian, parents.
She meets James, a handsome Englishman, and forges a life for herself away from her home and her roots.
This is a sweet story of love and family. Of being a stranger in a strange land. And adapting to a new way of life.
It also portrays, to a degree through the 60's and 70's, the advancement of women and how they began to break away for the traditional mindset of them being the property of, first their fathers and then their husbands.
Excellent reading.
She meets James, a handsome Englishman, and forges a life for herself away from her home and her roots.
This is a sweet story of love and family. Of being a stranger in a strange land. And adapting to a new way of life.
It also portrays, to a degree through the 60's and 70's, the advancement of women and how they began to break away for the traditional mindset of them being the property of, first their fathers and then their husbands.
Excellent reading.
November 8, 2022
Book Review
Basic Details:
Book Title: Pomegranate Tears
Subtitle:
Author: Jos Saunders
Genre: Literature and Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Bianca is a young Italian woman who dreams of a career as a top designer, but her father and older brother believe she is destined for a life of marriage and servitude.
Determined to find her independence, she applies to a job in the UK and a new life beckons when she meets James. But can she leave her roots behind and live a life on foreign shores?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written and kept me wanting to read on.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The book was enjoyable in its totality.
My favourite bits in the book:
The entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written a few other books with a co-author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I’m not sure what book to compare this with.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like contemporary fiction, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Southern Italy 1950s.
Desperate to break free from her father’s possessive hold, Bianca prepares her escape to freedom. Vittorio, her tyrant brother, convinced she’s yearning for something beyond her grasp, is obsessed with bringing her to heel. If he can’t persuade her—he’ll break her.
At the first opportunity, Bianca flees to England despite the country’s different culture, and a language she doesn’t understand. She’s determined to do all in her power to control her own future.
When James, a handsome Englishman, steps onto the scene, Bianca wonders if she should accept his proposal of marriage. But will she find happiness marrying so far from home? Would she be sacrificing her newly found freedom?
Based on true-life events, Bianca’s story is one of determination, love, and ambition as she tries to adapt to her new life and fulfill her dreams of becoming a top designer.
As the Italian saying goes—you can have more than one home, but your roots will remain unchanged.
About the Author:
Basic Details:
Book Title: Pomegranate Tears
Subtitle:
Author: Jos Saunders
Genre: Literature and Fiction
Part of a series? No
Order in series:
Best read after earlier books in series?
Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6...
Overall score:
I scored this book 5/5
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Short Summary of the book:
Bianca is a young Italian woman who dreams of a career as a top designer, but her father and older brother believe she is destined for a life of marriage and servitude.
Determined to find her independence, she applies to a job in the UK and a new life beckons when she meets James. But can she leave her roots behind and live a life on foreign shores?
What I liked about the book:
The book is well-written and kept me wanting to read on.
What I didn’t like about the book:
The book was enjoyable in its totality.
My favourite bits in the book:
The entire book.
My least favourite bits in the book:
I enjoyed the entire book.
Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?
The author has written a few other books with a co-author.
What books could this be compared to and why?
I’m not sure what book to compare this with.
Recommendation:
In summary, I would recommend this book to the following readers:
Children No
Young Adult Possibly
Adult Yes
If you like contemporary fiction, this book may be the book for you.
I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Book Description by Author:
Southern Italy 1950s.
Desperate to break free from her father’s possessive hold, Bianca prepares her escape to freedom. Vittorio, her tyrant brother, convinced she’s yearning for something beyond her grasp, is obsessed with bringing her to heel. If he can’t persuade her—he’ll break her.
At the first opportunity, Bianca flees to England despite the country’s different culture, and a language she doesn’t understand. She’s determined to do all in her power to control her own future.
When James, a handsome Englishman, steps onto the scene, Bianca wonders if she should accept his proposal of marriage. But will she find happiness marrying so far from home? Would she be sacrificing her newly found freedom?
Based on true-life events, Bianca’s story is one of determination, love, and ambition as she tries to adapt to her new life and fulfill her dreams of becoming a top designer.
As the Italian saying goes—you can have more than one home, but your roots will remain unchanged.
About the Author:
July 26, 2025
Based on true events, Pomegranate Tears follows the journey of Bianca, a young woman searching for freedom, understanding, and a place to belong, and it touched me more deeply than I expected.
For me, the best stories are the ones that take you on an emotional journey, and this one took me through themes of growth, hope, and what it means to break free while still holding love for where you came from.
Bianca’s relationship with her mother in her early years struck a familiar chord in me, and I found myself already emotionally invested in her story. As she grows, her home life mainly, her overly strict father and her bully of a brother, becomes the catalyst for her decision to leave Italy and start anew in England.
The author does a beautiful job portraying Bianca’s inner thoughts and feelings. Every choice she makes feels layered and human and we see not just her decisions but her doubts, her fears, and her emotional processing throughout. I was rooting for Bianca every step of the way.
What surprised me was how much compassion I also felt for Papa. While his strictness was suffocating, it came from a place shaped by cultural expectations and a misguided sense of love. I’ve known fathers like him who truly care but don’t know how to express it in healthy ways. His love was real, even if his actions were flawed, and one particular moment between Bianca and Papa later in the story really touched with me.
On the other hand, her brother Vittorio’s behaviour felt more like cruelty without purpose, a stark contrast that added tension to Bianca’s home life and made her yearning for escape even more understandable.
By the end of the book, I didn’t just feel like I had read a story, I felt like I had reconnected with an old friend. The emotional depth in every scene made Bianca and her family feel real to me. Her relationship with her husband was another highlight as it was so deeply loving, supportive, and a beautiful complement to her character’s strength and vulnerability.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say this: if you love heartfelt personal journeys filled with hope, courage, and the complex beauty of family, Pomegranate Tears is a story you won’t want to miss.
For me, the best stories are the ones that take you on an emotional journey, and this one took me through themes of growth, hope, and what it means to break free while still holding love for where you came from.
Bianca’s relationship with her mother in her early years struck a familiar chord in me, and I found myself already emotionally invested in her story. As she grows, her home life mainly, her overly strict father and her bully of a brother, becomes the catalyst for her decision to leave Italy and start anew in England.
The author does a beautiful job portraying Bianca’s inner thoughts and feelings. Every choice she makes feels layered and human and we see not just her decisions but her doubts, her fears, and her emotional processing throughout. I was rooting for Bianca every step of the way.
What surprised me was how much compassion I also felt for Papa. While his strictness was suffocating, it came from a place shaped by cultural expectations and a misguided sense of love. I’ve known fathers like him who truly care but don’t know how to express it in healthy ways. His love was real, even if his actions were flawed, and one particular moment between Bianca and Papa later in the story really touched with me.
On the other hand, her brother Vittorio’s behaviour felt more like cruelty without purpose, a stark contrast that added tension to Bianca’s home life and made her yearning for escape even more understandable.
By the end of the book, I didn’t just feel like I had read a story, I felt like I had reconnected with an old friend. The emotional depth in every scene made Bianca and her family feel real to me. Her relationship with her husband was another highlight as it was so deeply loving, supportive, and a beautiful complement to her character’s strength and vulnerability.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say this: if you love heartfelt personal journeys filled with hope, courage, and the complex beauty of family, Pomegranate Tears is a story you won’t want to miss.
August 20, 2022
A work based in part on the real lives of the author’s family members, Pomegranate Tears follows the life of Bianca and her struggle to break away from the repressive patriarchy of her native Italy and live her life in the way she chooses.
The action spans more than forty years, from Bianca’s childhood during WWII to the moving-on of her eldest child in the 1980s. It encompasses the lack of a maternal bond—the mother having too many children to take up her time—and the efforts of the daughter to resist a controlling and violent older brother in his continuing repression of his sisters. Bianca finds a lifeline in dressmaking, for which she has a flair, and which is an ‘approved’ occupation for an Italian village girl who’s expected to marry and submit to a husband as a wife and mother. Her determination sees her move to England, defying familial disapproval, and build a life there which is successful, in the main.
It comes at a price, though. Author Jos Saunders doesn’t attempt to show that ‘you can have it all’, as modern attitudes would have us believe. Despite making a love-match to a flexible man who understands Bianca’s need for self-expression through her chosen career, she can’t have it all. Her blood family is in Italy, her new family—including her children—is in England, and her husband’s mobile career means that her career has to be put on hold at times. Nevertheless, Bianca finishes her story on a positive note.
A thought-provoking story which will resonate with anybody who has had to make similar choices.
The action spans more than forty years, from Bianca’s childhood during WWII to the moving-on of her eldest child in the 1980s. It encompasses the lack of a maternal bond—the mother having too many children to take up her time—and the efforts of the daughter to resist a controlling and violent older brother in his continuing repression of his sisters. Bianca finds a lifeline in dressmaking, for which she has a flair, and which is an ‘approved’ occupation for an Italian village girl who’s expected to marry and submit to a husband as a wife and mother. Her determination sees her move to England, defying familial disapproval, and build a life there which is successful, in the main.
It comes at a price, though. Author Jos Saunders doesn’t attempt to show that ‘you can have it all’, as modern attitudes would have us believe. Despite making a love-match to a flexible man who understands Bianca’s need for self-expression through her chosen career, she can’t have it all. Her blood family is in Italy, her new family—including her children—is in England, and her husband’s mobile career means that her career has to be put on hold at times. Nevertheless, Bianca finishes her story on a positive note.
A thought-provoking story which will resonate with anybody who has had to make similar choices.
November 30, 2022
Such an amazing and inspiring read!
I got to this book-Pomegranate Tears by Jos Saunders, not by a mere chance, but through divine guidance, therefore, I had full faith that there is something really magical about this book. While expecting a lot of magic, it had surpassed my high expectations and had my mind completely blown away. It is so spellbinding that I in fact felt that I was among the characters and have experienced a whirlwind of emotions throughout. I had an instant feel of the character Bianca, a young Italian lady who was brought up in a patriarchal society and under strict rules resembling dictatorship, and refused to accept her “destiny”. I had felt complete embodiment of her throughout her fascinating journey deciding not to have her life dictated by society and strict rules, but rather had the courage to stand up for herself and migrate to another country, not knowing anyone, not knowing even the language, but the quest for freedom and self-realisation kept her going no matter what. Having gone through a similar journey to that of Bianca and her sister, Florinda, I was extremely touched by the story and it was impossible for me to put it down. Such an amazing and inspiring read. In fact, a must read for everyone. Very highly recommended!
I got to this book-Pomegranate Tears by Jos Saunders, not by a mere chance, but through divine guidance, therefore, I had full faith that there is something really magical about this book. While expecting a lot of magic, it had surpassed my high expectations and had my mind completely blown away. It is so spellbinding that I in fact felt that I was among the characters and have experienced a whirlwind of emotions throughout. I had an instant feel of the character Bianca, a young Italian lady who was brought up in a patriarchal society and under strict rules resembling dictatorship, and refused to accept her “destiny”. I had felt complete embodiment of her throughout her fascinating journey deciding not to have her life dictated by society and strict rules, but rather had the courage to stand up for herself and migrate to another country, not knowing anyone, not knowing even the language, but the quest for freedom and self-realisation kept her going no matter what. Having gone through a similar journey to that of Bianca and her sister, Florinda, I was extremely touched by the story and it was impossible for me to put it down. Such an amazing and inspiring read. In fact, a must read for everyone. Very highly recommended!
August 25, 2022
This story starts during the Second World War where Bianca is a little girl and has to deal with the likes of German soldiers invading her home and the lack of maternal love. Each chapter is a different period in live as Bianca grows up in a little village in Italy under the shadow of her strict father and abusive brother who is a real peace of work. She eventually runs of to England where she eventually falls in love with James and marries him. But live isn’t always rosy for them. At first James is a soldier spending months away in Germany until he comes back and gets a job as a police officer but they have to move around a lot and at one point they are in a remote village in Scotland which Bianca and the kids are not happy with at all. Eventually the story ends in the early eighties on a bittersweet moment as Bianca and James’s eldest daughter follows in her mothers footsteps and gets married. This is a beautifully told story with some shocking and heartbreaking moments especially when it comes to Bianca’s family dynamic in Italy. But there are a some joyous sweet moments as the story progresses. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
October 14, 2022
Pomegranate Tears is the story of a young girl who appears destined for an arranged marriage, a house full of children, and never-ending domestic chores. However, Bianca believes that she has so much more to offer the world and knows that she has the talent to find her way into a much better life. She follows her dreams, works hard to build that new life, overcomes challenges, and creates the opportunities to fulfil her dreams, all with the help of a gentleman who falls in love with her, and she with him. They marry and start a life of adventure together as she fulfills her dream of becoming a fashion creator.
I loved this novel and the strong character of Bianca as the story evolved from a 20-ish Bianca to her as a matriarch watching her daughter marry in the wedding dress Bianca designed, and with the daughter beginning a life filled with possibilities, just as Bianca had so long ago.
I did not want this story to end. The characters were so well-developed, and the story flowed so effortlessly off the page, that I felt I was there living the life with them.
Great job, Jos Saunders. I will read more by this author.
I loved this novel and the strong character of Bianca as the story evolved from a 20-ish Bianca to her as a matriarch watching her daughter marry in the wedding dress Bianca designed, and with the daughter beginning a life filled with possibilities, just as Bianca had so long ago.
I did not want this story to end. The characters were so well-developed, and the story flowed so effortlessly off the page, that I felt I was there living the life with them.
Great job, Jos Saunders. I will read more by this author.
March 14, 2023
This is the story of Bianca. A young woman from a large family in rural Italy, just after the Second World War. Her father has plans for her, to marry a man of his choosing and her older brother Vittorio has a duty to keep Bianca and her younger sister Florinda in line with the strict family values.
Bianca dreams of escaping and wants more from life than to become a housewife. She wants to be a fashion designer. An apprenticeship opportunity arises in Naples but is only short lived and Bianca is soon back trapped in her home life. She chooses to escape to England with her friend Anna, but will she manage to escape? Her tyrannical brother is determined to keep the apron strings tied. What adventures or obstacles will await Bianca and Anna in Britain? A possible romance? Will she get homesick and will that be enough for her to return to the quiet rural life in her home?
I enjoyed this book, it was very beautifully written and I really detested Vittorio, forgetting that it was just a story. It was quite eye opening knowing that this was based on true events. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes an emotional drama with a pinch of suspense. Check this out.
Bianca dreams of escaping and wants more from life than to become a housewife. She wants to be a fashion designer. An apprenticeship opportunity arises in Naples but is only short lived and Bianca is soon back trapped in her home life. She chooses to escape to England with her friend Anna, but will she manage to escape? Her tyrannical brother is determined to keep the apron strings tied. What adventures or obstacles will await Bianca and Anna in Britain? A possible romance? Will she get homesick and will that be enough for her to return to the quiet rural life in her home?
I enjoyed this book, it was very beautifully written and I really detested Vittorio, forgetting that it was just a story. It was quite eye opening knowing that this was based on true events. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes an emotional drama with a pinch of suspense. Check this out.
August 17, 2023
This story starts during the Second World War where Bianca is a little girl and has to deal with the likes of German soldiers invading her home and the lack of maternal love. Each chapter is a different period in live as Bianca grows up in a little village in Italy under the shadow of her strict father and abusive brother who is a real peace of work. She eventually runs of to England where she eventually falls in love with James and marries him. But live isn’t always rosy for them. At first James is a soldier spending months away in Germany until he comes back and gets a job as a police officer but they have to move around a lot and at one point they are in a remote village in Scotland which Bianca and the kids are not happy with at all. Eventually the story ends in the early eighties on a bittersweet moment as Bianca and James’s eldest daughter follows in her mothers footsteps and gets married. This is a beautifully told story with some shocking and heartbreaking moments especially when it comes to Bianca’s family dynamic in Italy. But there are a some joyous sweet moments as the story progresses. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
August 30, 2022
An ideal feel-good read charts Bianca’s life from a young girl, the family caught up in the German occupation of Italy at the end of World War two, her stifled childhood under a domineering father and abusive big brother, where all her ambitions are smothered with the expectation of her being a dutiful daughter, to her eventual escape and realisation that she could become something more than just a suppressed human being in a male-dominated society, by escaping to England. The story is well told and takes on several decades as she finds life can be good and things turn full circle. I enjoyed the read, and I found the story flowed simply and effectively. It's a story about self-discovery and how love conquers all amongst the heartbreak of separation that exile brings. There is a certain fascination to read about a different (European) culture that probably did not (or has not) changed for centuries and the expectation for its perpetuation by those at the heart of it. A nice satisfying reading at the end.
March 26, 2025
I love anything travel-related and reading about earlier times. So, this hit the spot for me. It’s a beautifully written story of self-discovery from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. We follow the lives of Bianca and her family. Bianca is desperate for freedom from her family, especially her bullying older brother and strict father. She hates her life in the tiny Italian town where she lives. There are no prospects for her there. She seeks freedom against the backdrop of 1950s Southern Italy, and it comes to her by moving to England. Bianca's journey is heartbreaking as she escapes the oppressive family dynamic to land in an unfamiliar country where she has to find herself. The raw emotions of longing, fear, and hope are captured with masterful storytelling, making Bianca’s struggles feel very realistic.
The book takes readers through time and place, and what I loved most was the vibrant contrast between Italy’s traditions and England’s. The book is about survival and transformation as Bianca faces difficult choices. Rich with cultural detail and emotional depth, Pomegranate Tears is a poignant read that will sit well on any bookshelf.
The book takes readers through time and place, and what I loved most was the vibrant contrast between Italy’s traditions and England’s. The book is about survival and transformation as Bianca faces difficult choices. Rich with cultural detail and emotional depth, Pomegranate Tears is a poignant read that will sit well on any bookshelf.
December 16, 2023
Pomegranate Tears by Jos Saunders is a lovely family saga told by the main character, Bianca. It begins when she is a young woman looking into the future and seeing nothing but a bleak existence in her male dominated home. She has dreams and talent and hopes to make those dreams come true, but they will never come true if she stays in her home in Italy. Through Bianca's eyes we see her family, the love that exist, but also the tribulations she, her mother, and her sister Florinda must endure. Bianca determines she must escape this existence and with a friend, she flees to England. She finds work, love, and a new family, and she is eventually able to realize her long held dreams. As she adapts to her new life and new family, her love for her family in Italy remains strong, but she knows she escaped a life that would have drowned her. As you read Bianca's story, you will applaud her courage and delight in her triumphs.
Celia Martin
Celia Martin
August 12, 2022
Not my usual read, but I absolutely loved this semi-fictional memoir and couldn’t put it down! Based around true-life events, and set in the 1950s, Saunders' book is so well written, and offers a fascinating insight into other lives, cultures, and times.
I was thoroughly drawn into Bianca’s world, as she experiences the competing pull of family, tradition, and prescribed gender roles in Italy. And then admired her bravery in leaving for England, a stranger in a new land, unable at first to even speak the language.
All the other characters are well-drawn too. From Bianca’s downtrodden mother, authoritarian father, abusive older brother (hated him!) to her supportive sister and the lovely James.
Truly delightful… a story I suspect I shall be revisiting, as I love to do with special reads.
I was thoroughly drawn into Bianca’s world, as she experiences the competing pull of family, tradition, and prescribed gender roles in Italy. And then admired her bravery in leaving for England, a stranger in a new land, unable at first to even speak the language.
All the other characters are well-drawn too. From Bianca’s downtrodden mother, authoritarian father, abusive older brother (hated him!) to her supportive sister and the lovely James.
Truly delightful… a story I suspect I shall be revisiting, as I love to do with special reads.
November 21, 2022
Touching
I found this to be quite an emotional read. Bianca came from a strict family in a small Italian town and throughout her childhood craved love and attention from her parents. Her parents expected her to abide by their rules and follow the plans they had for her. But Bianca was a dreamer, she craved for more. She took the opportunity to escape to England and marry James. Life wasnt as easy as she hoped, and she had to work for what she got out of it. I found this story often left me with a lump in my throat, especially when she returns home to her family and has regrets and guilt for past situations that she is reminded of. The moral of the
Story i found was that you get out of life what you put in and the grass isnt always greener. we should never forget were we came from. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm glad i read it.
I found this to be quite an emotional read. Bianca came from a strict family in a small Italian town and throughout her childhood craved love and attention from her parents. Her parents expected her to abide by their rules and follow the plans they had for her. But Bianca was a dreamer, she craved for more. She took the opportunity to escape to England and marry James. Life wasnt as easy as she hoped, and she had to work for what she got out of it. I found this story often left me with a lump in my throat, especially when she returns home to her family and has regrets and guilt for past situations that she is reminded of. The moral of the
Story i found was that you get out of life what you put in and the grass isnt always greener. we should never forget were we came from. I thoroughly enjoyed this and I'm glad i read it.
January 17, 2023
This is a fascinating book and well out of my usual comfort zone.
It is - well, how do I describe it? Literary fiction? Certainly. Historical fiction? That too, though recent history (40s-80s). Women's fiction? Possibly, as it's written in the first person about a woman's life in Italy and England during and after WWII.
But it's much more than that.
It's an exploration of familial relationships, both good and bad. The repetition of patterns in those relationships, despite awareness of them. The courage to break out of the pattern, even knowing the cost.
What impressed me most was the evolution of the narrator's voice. It reflected her changing situation and life experiences, so the teenage narrator does not sound like the mature adult narrator.
Certainly worth your time to dive into!
It is - well, how do I describe it? Literary fiction? Certainly. Historical fiction? That too, though recent history (40s-80s). Women's fiction? Possibly, as it's written in the first person about a woman's life in Italy and England during and after WWII.
But it's much more than that.
It's an exploration of familial relationships, both good and bad. The repetition of patterns in those relationships, despite awareness of them. The courage to break out of the pattern, even knowing the cost.
What impressed me most was the evolution of the narrator's voice. It reflected her changing situation and life experiences, so the teenage narrator does not sound like the mature adult narrator.
Certainly worth your time to dive into!
March 27, 2023
Engrossing read!
Pomegranate Tears tells the story of Bianca a young Italian girl whose life is ruled by her father and brother. From WW11 traveling through the decades to the early eighties, the reader is taken on an emotional journey as a strong determined young woman sets her sight on leaving Italy for a new life in England.
Life isn’t always easy especially growing up within a strict family, but Bianca doesn’t let that deter her from her dreams. Standing up to her abusive brother and stern father she flees to England to pursue a better life. This is where she meets James, and her new life begins.
This is a beautifully told story about, hardship, challenges family, and love. The characters are well-developed, and the storyline keeps you engrossed throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it!
Pomegranate Tears tells the story of Bianca a young Italian girl whose life is ruled by her father and brother. From WW11 traveling through the decades to the early eighties, the reader is taken on an emotional journey as a strong determined young woman sets her sight on leaving Italy for a new life in England.
Life isn’t always easy especially growing up within a strict family, but Bianca doesn’t let that deter her from her dreams. Standing up to her abusive brother and stern father she flees to England to pursue a better life. This is where she meets James, and her new life begins.
This is a beautifully told story about, hardship, challenges family, and love. The characters are well-developed, and the storyline keeps you engrossed throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it!
August 4, 2023
Wow! Wow! Wow!
Bianca, and it had me absolutely captivated! Based on true events, this thrilling story portrays Bianca's courageous and determined journey to break free from her father's possessive hold and her brother's tyranny. She boldly takes on the challenge of uprooting her life and making her way to England, despite the dauntingly different culture and language, in order to gain control over her own future. Saunders' powerful and captivating writing style truly draws the reader into Bianca's life through the first-person narrative, and you can't help but root for her as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and ambition to become a top designer. The ending is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story of courage and strength in the face of adversity.
Bianca, and it had me absolutely captivated! Based on true events, this thrilling story portrays Bianca's courageous and determined journey to break free from her father's possessive hold and her brother's tyranny. She boldly takes on the challenge of uprooting her life and making her way to England, despite the dauntingly different culture and language, in order to gain control over her own future. Saunders' powerful and captivating writing style truly draws the reader into Bianca's life through the first-person narrative, and you can't help but root for her as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and ambition to become a top designer. The ending is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and inspired, and I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story of courage and strength in the face of adversity.
June 30, 2023
Like Mother Like Daughter
I was very wary of this book because of the time period (1950s) but as I delved more and more into the story, I couldn’t help the goosebumps I felt with each pivotal moment in the life of Bianca. I see myself and so many other women in her. Strong, focused, wanting to explore her passion (fashion designing) while taking care of her family. Wanting to get away from what she believed oppressed her to spread her wings which took her from Italy to England. I absolutely hated her brother Vittorio whose main goal was to control her, but I loved James. True definition of a great husband and father. In the end, even Bianca’s life came full circle through her daughter Bella who almost mirrors her mother. Remarkable writing and beautiful story.
I was very wary of this book because of the time period (1950s) but as I delved more and more into the story, I couldn’t help the goosebumps I felt with each pivotal moment in the life of Bianca. I see myself and so many other women in her. Strong, focused, wanting to explore her passion (fashion designing) while taking care of her family. Wanting to get away from what she believed oppressed her to spread her wings which took her from Italy to England. I absolutely hated her brother Vittorio whose main goal was to control her, but I loved James. True definition of a great husband and father. In the end, even Bianca’s life came full circle through her daughter Bella who almost mirrors her mother. Remarkable writing and beautiful story.
August 28, 2023
This captivating read caught my attention and drew me in right from the very first page. The story delves into the hardships and pitfalls of family life in Southern Italy in the 1950s As seen through the eyes of Bianca, who rebles against her father's controlling misogynist ways and the dreadful abuse she receives at the hands of her brother Vittoria, a narcissistic bully, and a control freak.
A strong-spirited, determined girl Bianca is determined to escape to England to start a new life for herself as a dressmaker, and with the help of friends she finally achieves her goal, but not without drama along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed following Bianca's heartfelt journey, and would highly recommend this book. It's five stars from me.
A strong-spirited, determined girl Bianca is determined to escape to England to start a new life for herself as a dressmaker, and with the help of friends she finally achieves her goal, but not without drama along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed following Bianca's heartfelt journey, and would highly recommend this book. It's five stars from me.
September 7, 2023
To be read again and again!
The author’s visual imagery and use of sensory appeal immediately drew me into this beautifully written story. I could almost taste the juicy pomegranate as Bianca bit into it under its tree near her home in Southern Italy. Vittorio, her sadistic brother and controlling father cause Bianca to leave the warmth of her Mama’s home and flee to England where she doesn’t speak the language. But, a job and a future await if she works hard. An easygoing Englishman falls in love with Bianca while she follows her dream of being a dress designer. Will Bianca start her own family and achieve her dream? Read this book and find out. It’s an undeniable 5-star read to be read again and again. Highly recommend.
The author’s visual imagery and use of sensory appeal immediately drew me into this beautifully written story. I could almost taste the juicy pomegranate as Bianca bit into it under its tree near her home in Southern Italy. Vittorio, her sadistic brother and controlling father cause Bianca to leave the warmth of her Mama’s home and flee to England where she doesn’t speak the language. But, a job and a future await if she works hard. An easygoing Englishman falls in love with Bianca while she follows her dream of being a dress designer. Will Bianca start her own family and achieve her dream? Read this book and find out. It’s an undeniable 5-star read to be read again and again. Highly recommend.
May 19, 2025
A poignant and empowering journey of courage, identity, and transformation.
Pomegranate Tears by Jos Saunders is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that sweeps you into the heart of 1950s Southern Italy and follows a young woman’s daring escape from a life dictated by control. Bianca is a heroine you root for—resilient, passionate, and determined to carve out a future of her own making. The writing is vivid and immersive, capturing both the rich culture of her homeland and the disorienting newness of postwar England. Inspired by true events, this is more than a story of love and ambition—it’s a tribute to the strength it takes to choose yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you. A powerful, unforgettable read.
Pomegranate Tears by Jos Saunders is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that sweeps you into the heart of 1950s Southern Italy and follows a young woman’s daring escape from a life dictated by control. Bianca is a heroine you root for—resilient, passionate, and determined to carve out a future of her own making. The writing is vivid and immersive, capturing both the rich culture of her homeland and the disorienting newness of postwar England. Inspired by true events, this is more than a story of love and ambition—it’s a tribute to the strength it takes to choose yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you. A powerful, unforgettable read.
November 2, 2025
An Italian Perfumed Tale
This was a pretty easy read bearing in mind I finished the book in a couple of days . When I started the read I couldn't help thinking of the works of Elena Ferrante. The Italian settings and family personalities in Italy have something of the same quality. I thought the early parts of the book shone an excellent light on the heroine 's resilience and made me keen to discover what happened to her. As the story progressed I was not as heavily drawn into the world of the later characters. I think that maybe I wanted to find out more about the brother who went to Venezuela , and indeed rather more about British army life as it affected this heroine. All in all, the scent of the pomegranate lingered on.
This was a pretty easy read bearing in mind I finished the book in a couple of days . When I started the read I couldn't help thinking of the works of Elena Ferrante. The Italian settings and family personalities in Italy have something of the same quality. I thought the early parts of the book shone an excellent light on the heroine 's resilience and made me keen to discover what happened to her. As the story progressed I was not as heavily drawn into the world of the later characters. I think that maybe I wanted to find out more about the brother who went to Venezuela , and indeed rather more about British army life as it affected this heroine. All in all, the scent of the pomegranate lingered on.
March 23, 2023
Pomegranate Tears reads almost like a memoir. The story follows a young Italian girl growing up in Italy. Her large family leaves her aching for love from her weary mother and her overly protective father prevents her from spreading her wings. When her older brother is violent against her, Bianca decides to use her sewing talents and fees to London in search of freedom. There, she meets her Prince Charming.
The characters are deeply developed. It's easy to understand what Bianca feels as she goes through her life, traveling, raising a family, and all the joys and heartbreaks that go along with it.
The characters are deeply developed. It's easy to understand what Bianca feels as she goes through her life, traveling, raising a family, and all the joys and heartbreaks that go along with it.
April 25, 2023
Pomegranate Tears takes you on an emotional journey of love, hardship, family, and perseverance.
The story follows Bianca, a young Italian girl who grows up in a family where her strict father and abusive brother rule her life. Despite their disapproval, she leaves for England, where she meets her Prince Charming.
Well-developed characters, a relatable storyline with flawless writing from Jos Saunders, Bianca's struggles, heartaches, and triumphs from Italy's sun-drenched streets to England's grey pallor stayed with me long after I put the book down.
I highly recommend this five-star read to anyone seeking an emotional saga to inspire and tug at their heartstrings.
The story follows Bianca, a young Italian girl who grows up in a family where her strict father and abusive brother rule her life. Despite their disapproval, she leaves for England, where she meets her Prince Charming.
Well-developed characters, a relatable storyline with flawless writing from Jos Saunders, Bianca's struggles, heartaches, and triumphs from Italy's sun-drenched streets to England's grey pallor stayed with me long after I put the book down.
I highly recommend this five-star read to anyone seeking an emotional saga to inspire and tug at their heartstrings.
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