Pomegranate

A Novel

By: Helen Elaine Lee

Narrated by: Machelle Williams, Janina Edwards

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN FICTION

The acclaimed author of The Serpent’s Gift returns with this “deep and beautiful” (Jaqueline Woodson, New York Times bestselling author) story about a queer Black woman working to stay clean, pull her life together, and heal after being released from prison.

Ranita Atwater is “getting short.”

She is almost done with her four-year sentence for opiate possession at Oak Hills Correctional Center. Three years sober, she is determined to stay clean and regain custody of her two children. Ranita is regaining her freedom, but she’s leaving behind her lover Maxine, who has inspired her to imagine herself and the world differently.

My name is Ranita, and I’m an addict, she has said again and again at recovery meetings. But who else is she? Who might she choose to become? Now she must steer clear of the temptations that have pulled her down, while atoning for her missteps and facing old wounds. With a fierce, smart, and sometimes funny voice, Ranita reveals how rocky and winding the path to wellness is for a Black woman, even as she draws on family, memory, faith, and love in order to choose life.

Pomegranate is a complex portrayal of queer Black womanhood and marginalization in America from an author “working at the height of her powers” (Tayari Jones, New York Times bestselling). In lyrical and precise prose, Helen Elaine Lee paints a humane and unflinching portrait of the devastating effects of incarceration and addiction, and of one woman’s determination to tell her story.

©2023 Helen Elaine Lee. All rights reserved. (P)2023 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"Both narrators capture Ranita's fear and sarcasm, along with the softer side she frequently keeps hidden. Listeners will find themselves invested in Ranita's determination to forge a new life." (AudioFile Magazine)

Best book I have read in a long time

Thank you for this book. The depth of characters, the art of the story, the relatable issues. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Lyrical, poetic

This was some of the best writing I’ve ever experienced and the narrators did a great job with it! Ranita’s story is going to stick with me for a long time to come!

Powerful, Human, and Moving

I pre-ordered this book because the description just spoke to me. I am so glad I did! This is an incredibly powerful story about a woman who is newly released from prison. The book chronicles her struggles adapting to life outside, trying to reunite with her children, and dealing with her past. The two narrators tell the story perfectly, with one speaking as present Ranita and one as past Ranita. I was sad when the book ended, because Ranita’s story was so beautifully told. Thank you so much for this wonderful book!

Moving

This book was amazing! There are are some laughs, tears, and a lot of truth.

Filled my heart and head

This beautiful story was so well written and performed that I will need a breather before I move on to another. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.

Journey

Wonderful written story following the life of a recovering addict who lost custody of her children and the steps she took to overcome her past, regain trust from her family and restore. Powerful.

The journey to sobriety was clearly shared with the listener.

The story started a bit slow and I wasn't sure I would like it. I slowly became interested in the struggle to turn ones' life around and find comfort in the process.

interesting story line

I like the well developed characters and how the author held my interest. I would recommend this book.

Really Good

Loved it! I’m old and white. I think anyone would appreciate the character development and story. The narration was excellent too.

Absolutely phenomenal

I’ve already started listening to it again. On the journey to finding yourself. I felt this so deep.