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Luis de Santangel is a high ranking official in the court of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. He is also a third generation converso or a “new Christian” and as such, subjected to increased suspicion and scrutiny. He finds himself curious about the faith his family left behind and when he begins to meet secretly to learn, a series of events gets set into motion that will cause him to question everything he knows – or thinks he knows.
In addition to Santangel’s story, is that of a Jewish silversmith – Judith. After a chance meeting, Luis is quite taken with the young woman and he devises ways to see her. Through Judith and her interaction with Luis, Kaplan is able to relate some of the history of an oppressed people, the differences between Judaism and Christianity, and some of the misconceptions and prejudices held by both sides.
What little I knew about the Spanish Inquisition mainly came from reading a few books about Queen Isabella. It is not a pleasant subject to read about – often more political than religious it’s an example of humanity at its worst and of the depths of evil that people will go to in the name of their god and religion.
Although a little slow in the beginning, By Fire, By Water was very thought provoking and seemed well researched. I liked Kaplan’s writing style and was glad to see that the rather short, choppy sentences used in the opening chapter were not carried throughout the rest of the book. He manages to convey religious themes and issues without coming off preachy or arrogant and since I'm really not that knowledgeable about religion, I appreciated the information he manages to weave into the story. Subplots involve the adventurer Cristobel Colon (Christopher Columbus) and his attempts to get financing to find a new route to the Indies, an ancient and forbidden Jewish text, and an interesting explanation for the madness of Ferdinand and Isabella’s daughter, Juana.
It is easy to empathize with Luis as he struggles with which path he should take and watches those he loves suffer. Should he leave behind the protection of his position for love? Can he become someone else while still remaining true to who he is? Action packed this is not. Rather it is the journey of one man and of a people trying to find a path through a changing and increasingly hostile world - and to survive.
Where is paradise? “If I knew where paradise was, do you think I would be sitting here with you?” A Hebrew scribe talking with Luis.
If everybody says it, it must be true: “And how would they know, this “everybody” that has no name and no face but whose authority is absolute?” Luis to his brother in response to his statement that “everybody” is talking.
This book looks good. I must read it at some point!
January 25, 2011 9:57 PM
I just finished this one on Saturday. I really liked it. It was a bit slow going at first, but it picked up momentum and turned out to be a very thought provoking read. I haven't posted my review yet, but will soon...when I stop procrastinating, that is!
Great review!
January 26, 2011 12:07 AM
This is on my "to read" list. Thanks for reminding me with your review and quotations!
January 26, 2011 4:34 AM
Kailana and Deborah - I hope you get a chance to read it. It's nice to read something a little different once in a while.
Michelle - I"m a terrible procastinator. I always intend to get them written "right away" but usually that never happens!
January 26, 2011 8:10 AM