Synopsis from Publishers Weekly:Kaplan, a screenwriter, sets his debut novel in 15-century Spain, amid the Inquisition, the attempt to unify the kingdoms of Spain under Christian rule, and the voyage of Christopher Columbus to what the seaman expects will be the Indies. The action centers on the historical figure of Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the king of Aragon and a converso, a Jewish convert to Christianity at a time when the Inquisition sought to repress judaizing. Santángel is friend and financier of Columbus, surviving parent of young Gabriel, and more curious than is prudent about his Jewish heritage. While he learns about Judaism in clandestine meetings, a parallel story unfolds, centering on Judith Migdal, a beautiful Jewish woman who learns to become a silversmith in Granada, located in the last part of Spain under Muslim rule. Santángel's attraction to Judith grows, even as the Inquisition closes in and the prospect of another world to the West tantalizes. Kaplan has done remarkable homework on the period and crafted a convincing and complex figure in Santángel in what is a naturally cinematic narrative and a fine debut.
My thoughts:
Wow....that's what I think...WOW!! Never in a million years would I say that historical fiction about the New Inquisition during the Medieval times would be intriguing, but I have to say that Kaplan wrote a book that had me turning the pages late into the night and wanting to get up at the crack of dawn to start reading again. The author's writing is so vivid and intense that I felt as if I was walking along side the characters. I loved every aspect of this story, but most of all I loved being immersed in a time of history that I had absolutely no knowledge about. Kaplan has done his research and it shows in his debut novel. For those that are looking for historical fiction that will keep you captivated and make you want to Google words, places, and events...then this is a book for you!!
Recommend? A resounding YES! I'm still in awe that this is Kaplan's first novel. He has a great future ahead of him and I so can't wait to get my hands on his next novel. This is one of the best historical fiction books that I've read in the past couple of years. Do yourself a favor.....read this one!!!
Rating: 10/10
About the author (click on photo)
Published: 2010Publisher: Other PressGenre: Riveting Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9781590513521
Disclaimer:Thank you to Mitchell James Kaplan for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I can feel your enthusiasm over this book. Great review Staci
ReplyDeleteFantastic review, Staci. I'll add it to the list :)
ReplyDeletewowwwwwwwww 10/10.... you really DID like this one!! Very cool! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm so happy to read your review... no I need my friend to give me the book back (I just emailed her).
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I love this one also and found this to be one of my favorites from last year - the history and detailed descriptions were amazing! I'm tweeting your review out!
ReplyDeleteThis was one of my favorite reads of 2010, and my favorite historical fiction read. It's a wonderful novel, and I ended up Googling a lot of subjects after I read it and learning a lot more than more than I knew before.
ReplyDelete"This is the best historical fiction book I have read in the past couple years." That statement alone is enough to send me out to read this one. While I know a bit about the Inquisition, I would love to know more,but I never imagined it could make for a page turner. Thanks for the awesome review.
ReplyDeleteWow, if you think it's that good, then I think I will also! I've got to find this one!
ReplyDeleteI didn't think that time period sounded all that compelling, but everyone is raving over this book! I need to read it!
ReplyDeleteYay, I am glad you liked it..but then everyone likes this book cos oh..the writing! marvellous!
ReplyDeletegreat review, I do like the sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteI recently received a review copy of it as well. I was JUST trying to figure out which book to grab next and I am going to do this one. Thanks for getting me excited!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this so much, Staci! I actually love reading about this period of history (in a the-Inquisition-was-such-a-train-wreck-but-I-can't-look-away sort of way), so that makes it sound even better to me :D
ReplyDelete2 WOWs - that got my attention. I wouldn't think this time period would interest me but your review makes it sound like a wonderful read. You do know you're making my "list" much longer, don't you? Lol, {[hugs}} to you my little friend!
ReplyDeleteI wasn't all that interested in this one until your resounding rave!
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you loved this one too! Now you know why it made my top 10 in 2010 list :) I can't wait for his next one :)
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you liked this one! My feelings are the same and I can't wait to read another one of Kaplan's work. Great review :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased you gave this one a wow. The storyline and the period really appeal to me, and so its great to know that the book really works,
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to read this book for a while now. It sounds fantastic and I love the image chosen for the cover.
ReplyDeleteWOW you won me, actually I read Jenny's glowing review a month or two ago and you've just confirmed that I HAVE to get this one!
ReplyDeleteI have heard nothing but good things about this book, and I can't wait to read it. I'm so glad to see you loved it, especially since we have such similar taste in books.
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited to hear that you enjoyed this one so much as I have it on my shelves as well. I'm hoping to get the chance to read it soon. Great review!
ReplyDeletemitchell james kaplan
ReplyDeleteto me
show details Mar 9 (5 days ago)
Staci,
Thank you so much for the lovely, lovely review. I owe so much to bloggers like you. I'll keep popping in to your wonderful site from time to time for recommendations. Keep in touch.
Mitchell