The Cup

Set in the city of Kairouan, Tunisia, in 1020, this historical novel follows Hela, a young girl with extraordinary powers to both feel and heal the pain of others. Her life takes a dramatic turn when a mysterious cup, gifted by a slave woman, compels her to make a challenging vow. As Hela grapples with the consequences of her abilities and newfound obligations, a child in her household begins her own journey toward becoming a significant figure in the Muslim world. This story unfolds against the backdrop of the Almoravid Dynasty’s rise across Northern Africa and Spain, marking the creation of a lasting Muslim Empire.