This book captures your eye with its very well-chosen cover and its enigmatic title, and they say much about the prose inside. The story Bloom tells of of Lillian Leyb, a 22-year-old, is at times as ripe, colorful and even inviting as the fruit portrayed, but is never far from the bleak and stark facts: danger, poverty, debasement, loss and most of all, survival. Great for book club discussions, as parts of the book may repulse some while other parts are so captivating ly told they entice others. A lively discussion of the cover, the title and the "herione" status of Leyb made for lively talk with our club.

You really sympathize with the main character throughout her journey to find her daughter. The end wraps it all up in a realistic way. I would recommend this book.

This book was alright but her writing style and unbelievable story line was difficult to follow.

A story about Lillian coming to America from Russia in the 20's after her family was massacured. Then returning to try and find her 4 year old daughter Sophie whom she is told is alive by her cousin Rasile.

I found this writing style hard to read and without emotion.

A long dark tale of perseverence in the face of immense suffering. Nicely written, but some of our members found the despair/depravity overwhelming and never finished the book. The ending was satisfying however, and I'm glad I read it. I would note that this book contains more explicit sexual situations than I normally prefer.