The Honey Jar: An Armenian's Escape to Freedom

"Based on a true story, only some members of a family escape the Armenian genocide and one of them, just a boy during the flight, must return to find a sister who was left behind.

“Fantastic reading, well covered, and beautifully presented.”―Varoujan Der Simonian, President, Board of Trustees, Armenian Museum of Fresno

In 1920, eight-year-old Bedros fled Armenia with his young sisters, grandmother, and uncle to escape the Turkish soldiers invading their town. But in the confusion, Bedros lost sight of the adults and was left alone to protect his siblings. Hungry, cold, and overwhelmed with responsibility, Bedros failed to remember his promise to his mother…

Told in verse, suspenseful and heart-rending, The Honey Jar depicts a journey from desperation to freedom, anchored in Bedros’ promise to return to his native land and to find the one he left behind. His story will touch the hearts of families everywhere, especially those who have experienced the longing for a new life.

More accolades:

“My grandfather’s letting go of his sister is a pain still felt by many of us today. I often imagine the interchange and the feelings he experienced; the pain of loss and the hope in finding. I carry these feelings of great sadness and joy, as my father has before me. They are treasured possessions that we will always have, like a gold cross and a honey jar.”―Kalem Kazarian, the grandson of Peter Kazarian

"I had the honor to read an ARC for this, and oh-my-God! Such a heartrending story of family love, loss, and an unbreakable will to carry on against all odds.  I can't wait till THE HONEY JAR hits the shelves!"―Astrid Kamalyan, author of Babo: A Tale of Armeninan Rug-Washing Day

"YOUR BOOK IS AMAZING! Thank you for publishing my nation’s tragedy and raising awareness. I read it yesterday with one breath. Very touching and poetic.”―Tamar Tufenkdjian, Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools

“To truly understand history, events must be tied to the individual stories of those involved. All too often this standard is not met, leading to misinterpretation and misrepresentation. Joan Schoettler‘s, The Honey Jar, reaches this high standard. Her concise, stark, and captivating writing style, renders this story unforgettable.  Genocide’s generational effects can never ever be forgotten.  This book should be recommended reading for all ages.”―Andrew G Kumpuris M.D., F.A.C.C., Chairman, Arkansas Center for Health Improvement