Consolation for an Exile

Chronicles Of Isaac Of Girona #8

by Caroline Roe

As political, religious, and familial intrigue once again converge on Girona, danger and deceit infiltrate two very different families--and only the blind Isaac can bring the truth to light.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Mystery, Spain, Fiction, Medieval, Historical

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Caroline Medora Sale Roe AKA Medora Sale

As Medora Sale, Caroline Roe has written six police procedurals, including an Arthur Ellis Award winner. These books are set in and about Toronto and feature homicide detective John Sanders and architectural photographer Harriet Jeffries. As Caroline Roe, Medora used her PhD research on religious diversity in medieval times to re-create the character of the Bishop of Girona's Jewish physician, a 14th-century doctor with important patients and a nose for wrong-doing.

Medora is a past president of both Crime Writers of Canada and the international board of Sisters in Crime.

Series:
* Chronicles of Isaac of Girona

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This last book in the Chronicles of Isaac of Girona tells Yusuf's story as well as creating a great mystery going back to the Cathars. Roe has done an excellent job in this series and I highly recommend it to those with an interest in medieval history or just a liking for meaty mysteries.

[Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's been hard finding books from this series, much as I was looking forward to it; this was the first one I could get my hands on.

Have to say it's disappointing: the plot was good, the setting intriguing (though not as surprising as it might be for a reader who'd never heard of Muslim Spain) and at least some of the characters sympathetic. But their unfailing courtesy made it hard to draw significant lines between them and leave the whole seeming much less than realistic.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young boy in training with Isaac of Girona after being separated from his family as a result of war, is returned to them at their request only to have his life threatened repeatedly causing his family to send him back in order to save his life. Unfortunately his return does not go smoothly and he is forced to rely on his wits and the kindness of strangers to effect his return. Interesting characters and a look at life at a time before Spain was united in the form we know today.

[Scilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book about a physician, Isaac, takes place in Girona, Spain, in the fourteenth century. Isaac's apprentice, Yusef, is called back to Grenada, where his family who believed him dead have discovered that he is still alive. There are two interwoven plots. One is the story of Yusef's return to his homeland, danger there, and difficult return to Girona. The other is the story of Raimon Forestar, one of Isaac's patients, his family, and his murder. The author holds a PhD in Medieval Studies, so the details of life and politics of the time are probably accurate, and the story is well developed and woven together.

[Diana Sandberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this hardcover book for 1/6 the regular price, so I bought it, even though I'd only read the first in the series and this is the eighth. And I suppose I could have put it away until I'd caught up, but I didn't do that. It's good; I didn't find the feeding of necessary background at all annoying, nor was it inadequate. I did feel that the two separate story lines - the mystery surrounding the "foreign" family, and Yusuf's journeys - didn't really mesh well, although each was interesting and enjoyable enough. I'll happily read the intervening tales.

10 years later: So far only managed to read #2 and #3 of the intervening tales, but picked this up and re-read it with, I think, more enjoyment than the first time. I did have to make a little genealogical chart to keep the players straight - ha.

PS - I always appreciate a map, as provided in this book.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the last book written in this series and I find it a little disappointing as I feel this series was just getting into the swing of things, especially with Yusuf.

I enjoyed the foray into a foreign court, the excessive amount of politics and conspiracy was exciting, the family and shadowy figures along with the escape made for a great middle to the story. The mystery at home in Girona was also exciting with questions going a couple generations back before the answer presents itself.

[Frank · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost gave the book one star as it drug slowly across the middle during what seemed to be an interminable journey for Yusuf to make his way back from Grenada along a dangerous route.

The real problem I think is it is the first book I have read in the series and the characters have surely developed over time. I did enjoy the characters and the setting, but not as much as I am sure I would had thus been the eighth book of Isaac the Physician I read.

Not bad, but slow at times.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by this author I have read. Obviously I did not start at beginning of the series of books revolving around the blind doctor Isaac. I liked this one very much, so I will seek out others. I do seem to pick out my books randomly at the library, but in this case I ended up reading two books in a row that included Cathars, their beliefs and practices and punishment. The book I read previous to this one was Ariana Franklin's A Murderous Procession, another enjoyable read.

[Lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't much care for this book. The historical setting was fascinating, but hard to keep up with amidst trying to keep track of all of the characters and their storylines. I wasn't even sure, until at least halfway through the story what exactly the "mystery" was going to be.

I read it for a grad school class on Detective Fiction, and am now required to write a 15+ page paper on it; perhaps, with the research I'll do for the paper, I will come to better appreciate the book.

[Bobbie N · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUMMARY: Yusuf, assistant to Isaac the physician, is summoned home by his cousin, the new Emir of Grenada. As he sets off on his journey, a stranger arrives in Girona, claiming to be the half-brother of Raimon Forestar, one of Isaac’s patients who have been plagued of late by disturbing memories and dreams of his long-forgotten childhood. When Raimon is poisoned, Isaac sets out to find the killer.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting for its setting in 14th century Spain, its hero, a blind Jewish doctor, and a number of other appealing characters. Plot elements include the conflicts between Catharism and Catholicism and Moorish and Christian Spain, as well as some very poisonous herbs. Would be a good travel book for a trip to Grenada.

[Laura C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good clean read, absolutely nothing objectionable, except that the characters were oddly emotionless. Caroline Roe has a Ph.d in Medieval Studies, so you know the details are right, too.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seriousle tedious.

[Roshni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caroline Roe is always a pleasure to read. The rich historical detail and the fast-moving plot make this an enjoyable read.

[Ruthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading about Spain in the Middle Ages.

[P.D.R. Lindsay]

A pleasant read, another in the Isaac the healer series, and involving a tricky plot and some new characters. Yusuf sets up a story line for the next book. It's an interesting and entertaining read, perfect for rainy day reading.