Feminist Shtetl Horror Tales: “The Sweet Fragrance of Life & Other Stories”

Renowned Jewish vocalist and writer Elizabeth Schwartz’s first book of fiction, The Sweet Fragrance of Life & Other Stories, is a meditation on historic European Jewish culture seen through the lens of a woman’s point of view. The author weaves in rich historical particulars, from the political climate of decades past to an account of a real-life incident that inspired one of the tales. Smooth, descriptive prose makes these short stories fly by. This exceptional collection’s brevity is sure to leave readers wanting more.

Tune in virtually as Schwartz reads excerpts from her dark thrilling stories, describes the religious, cultural, and historical factors that shaped them, and her approach to traditional Jewish arts.

Please see the Zoom link in your order confirmation email. This program is entirely virtual.

Image Credit: “The Sweet Fragrance of Life & Other Stories (Olniansky Tekst, 2023),” Elizabeth Schwartz. Book Cover.