Bartolomé: The Infanta's Pet

by Rachel van Kooij

Seventeenth century Madrid is not a kind place for a dwarf like Bartolomé, and his family has to keep him hidden in a small back room. Then the King's little daughter, the Infanta, wants to have him as her 'human-dog'. But life in the royal palace is scary and humiliating. Until Bartolomé discovers the artist's studio...

Colourful and gripping, this is an inspiring story of courage and hope.

200 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2003

Reviews

[Gaby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this was a kid's book. Oops. It was really quick but good. Definitely appropriate for the 8+ group. I think it'll serve to open their eyes to taking care of all people's well-being instead of just the well-being of those like them.

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed with this book. I was expecting Velasquez, who is an artist I admire, to have a bigger role, but he is just a faded background character.

The story is about the dwarf Bartolomé, who travels to Madrid with his family, but must never be seen, for dwarfs in seventeen century Spain are ill-treated. He breaks his father’s rule to never leave the house and, after nearly being run over by the princess’s carriage, he is “hired” as her “human dog” to amuse her in the palace. This is a really humiliating situation, but there is light at the end of the tunnel when he discovers Velasquez’s studio and the joy of painting.

I felt the book was too “simple”, like a children’s book, and the characters lacked complexity. I could not warm up to any of them, not even to Bartolomé, who suffered quite a bit. There are some interesting period details, but not a book to remember.

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of things going for it (I think it's meant for young adults, but works well for adults too). For one, the story is written around a famous painting by Valesquez, and around real historical figures - the painter, of course, and the Infanta and her court. And it's about a dwarf. So there are layers of interest beyond just the plot itself. It brought up all sorts of questions for me - how were people with dwarfism treated back then? Was Bartolome a real person (I don't think so, but there are two dwarves in "Las Meninas" who were real people)? And I really enjoyed the way van Kooij resolved the story - very inventive. I will keep this book in the back of my mind for when Squirt is of an age.

(I think more books should be written from paintings - I love that idea.)

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essentially an children's book this is a lovely read for both adults and older children alike. I read this in conjunction with I Juan de Paraja by Elizabeth Borton de Trevino and the overlap of characters with time and place enhances the enjoyment of each. There is a common theme of overcoming life's hurdles with a fascinating combination of art and Spanish culture in the 17th century.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching, shocking and fascinating. A gorgeous book but very upsetting at parts.

[Cadence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose this book on a whim simply because it takes place in Madrid. I enjoyed it quite a bit more than I thought I would. It's an imaginative tale about the origin of Velazquez's "Las Meninas". The treatment of Bartolomé and Juan's behavior toward his family were pretty appalling when viewed through the lens of 21st century sensibilities but probably historically accurate.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up in a coffee shop and read it in an hour or so. It's sweet, simple and sad. Wouldn't advise reading it if you are a little person yourself, as it's quite simplistic. Definitely a book for older children rather than adults.