Books matching: spanish inquisition
68 result(s)
- #1
'The Sisterhood' by Helen Bryan is a novel that weaves together two timelines, one set in the 16th century Andalusia and the other in the present day. The story follows Menina Walker, a young woman who was found as a child with a mysterious medal around her neck after a hurricane in South America. Adopted by an American couple from Georgia, Menina embarks on a journey to uncover her past, leading her to a convent with a rich history and a secret Chronicle. The narrative shifts between past and present, exploring themes of history, religion, and the resilience of women through the ages.
The book is characterized by a mix of historical fiction, mystery, and romance, with vivid descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. The writing style alternates between engaging storytelling of the past and a more contemporary tone in the present, creating a compelling contrast that keeps readers intrigued about the interconnected fates of the characters across centuries.
A year after the Mano del Diablo, a battered car with “Taxi” painted on its side wound its way into the oldest part of the old provincial capital, which was still scarred by the disaster. Finally the ... - #2
'The Familiar' by Leigh Bardugo is a magical tale set during the Spanish Inquisition, exploring the themes of religion, magic, politics, power plays, betrayals, friendships, and the brutalities inflicted on the Jews and others victimized during that time. The story follows two broken individuals who enter a dangerous scenario with much at stake, delving deep into their souls as they navigate through grief, loss, fear, and the complexities of protecting those in danger.
The book is described as a captivating read that focuses on how everyone suffers when religion imposes its beliefs, narrated through the personal lens of the main character's story. The author's talent for storytelling shines through in the perfect details, immersive settings, rich and rewarding characters, and the seamless adventure experienced within the narrative.
- #3
'Captain From Castile' by Samuel Shellabarger is a historical novel set in the time of the Spanish Conquistadors. It follows the journey of a young Spanish man, Pedro De Vargas, who is forced to flee Spain due to false accusations of heresy. Joining Hernan Cortes' expedition to the New World, Pedro experiences high adventure, romance, intrigue, and betrayal. The story spans from old Spain to the jungles of Mexico, depicting the conquest of the Aztecs and the complexities of relationships during that era. The writing style is engaging, bringing history to life with vivid details and emotional depth.
ON THE evening of June 28th, 1518, young Pedro de Vargas, aged nineteen, confessed his sins of the month to Father Juan Méndez. He took them more seriously than the priest, who had been hearing confes... - #4
The Last Jew by Noah Gordon is a historical fiction novel set in late fifteenth-century Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. The story follows Yonah Toledano, a young Jewish boy who pretends to be a Christian to survive the horrors of the Inquisition, ultimately becoming a doctor. The book vividly portrays the expulsion, persecution, fear, and death faced by Jews during this tumultuous period, providing a gripping tale of survival and faith. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the author delves into the tensions and fears of the violent end of Moorish rule in the Iberian Peninsula, capturing the historical context and complexities of the era.
The bad time began for Bernardo Espina on a day when the air hung heavy as iron and the arrogant sunshine was a curse. That morning his crowded dispensary had been almost emptied when a pregnant woman... - #5
Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean by Edward Kritzler is a historical account that delves into the lesser-known history of Jewish pirates who fled Spain during the Inquisition and ventured into sea exploration and piracy. The book explores the lives of these Jewish adventurers, their roles in Caribbean and South American exploration, and their pursuit of religious freedom amidst political intrigues and colonial expansion. The narrative, filled with tales of swashbuckling Jews, spies, and rabbis, sheds light on how these individuals shaped the political landscape of the New World.
May 1504, Santa Gloria, Jamaica: For nearly a year, Columbus had been stranded in Jamaica with a hoard of gold, a mutinous crew, and a few dozen teenage loyalists, some of whom were secret Jews. Alone... - #6
The Coffee Trader by David Liss is a historical novel set in 17th-century Amsterdam, revolving around the world of coffee trading and the Dutch Commodities Exchange. The story follows Miguel Lienzo, a Portuguese Jew in debt, who teams up with a Dutchwoman named Geertruid to devise a risky scheme involving coffee trading. The narrative delves into themes of deceit, manipulation, financial intrigue, and complex relationships, all set against the backdrop of a bustling Amsterdam mercantile scene.
Liss employs a dual protagonist narrative style, providing insights into the characters' motivations and struggles. The book offers a rich historical backdrop, detailing the cultural and religious dynamics of Jewish society in Amsterdam during the 1600s. Through intricate plot twists and detailed descriptions, the novel explores themes of ambition, treachery, and the pursuit of wealth amidst a backdrop of historical events and financial schemes.
It rippled thickly in the bowl, dark and hot and uninviting. Miguel Lienzo picked it up and pulled it so close he almost dipped his nose into the tarry liquid. Holding the vessel still for an instant,... - #7
"The Sea Beggars" by Cecelia Holland is a historical novel set in the Netherlands during a period of struggle for independence from Spain. The story follows the experiences of two young siblings, Jan and Hanneke, as they navigate the brutal realities of war, religious persecution, and political upheaval. Through their journey, the author vividly portrays the courage and strength of the common people who unite to defend their homes and families against oppressive forces. The plot unfolds with gripping detail, illustrating the historical events and personal sacrifices made during this tumultuous time in Dutch history.
The writing style in "The Sea Beggars" is praised for its attention to historical accuracy and detail, providing readers with a compelling narrative that educates as well as entertains. Cecelia Holland's skill in creating complex and unforgettable characters, such as Jan and Hanneke, allows readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. The book seamlessly weaves together the personal stories of the characters with the broader historical context, offering a rich and immersive reading experience.
In the heat of the summer, the great Calvinist preachers went into the countryside, into fallow fields and meadows, and there delivered their sermons under the open sky. From all over the Provinces, p... - #9
The Enterprise of Death by Jesse Bullington is a historical fantasy novel set during the Spanish Inquisition, following the story of Awa, a young necromancer trying to rid herself of a curse put upon her by her teacher. The book mixes elements of magic, grotesque scenes, and dark humor to tell a tale of adventure, friendship, and survival in a brutal and unforgiving world. The plot unfolds with a mix of lurching unevenness, combining themes of necromancy, cannibalism, necrophilia, and the struggles of the protagonist against societal prejudices and supernatural threats.
Pity Boabdil. King of Granada, last Moor lord of the Iberian Peninsula, reduced to a suppliant outside his own city by a Spaniard sovereign, an exile from a home hard won. The truce signed by kings an... - #10
Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer is a swashbuckling historical romance set in the Elizabethan era. The story follows Sir Nicholas Beauvallet, a daring English pirate, who captures Dona Dominica de Rada y Sylva, a Spanish lady, during a pirate attack. Despite their initial animosity, a romance blossoms between them as Beauvallet promises to take Dominica back to Spain and make her his bride. The plot is filled with adventures, schemes, and escapades as Beauvallet navigates the dangers of war and the Inquisition to win Dominica's heart. The writing style is described as a mix of historical accuracy, lively pacing, and engaging characters that bring the Elizabethan period to life.
The deck was a shambles. Men lay dead and dying; there was split woodwork, a welter of broken mizzen and sagging sail, dust and grime, and the reek of powder. A ball screamed through the rigging overh...