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Converso
From the dungeons of the Inquisition to the last days of the Reconquista and the fall of Granada, this is a sweeping tale of loyalty, betrayal and courage set in medieval Spain.
Seville 1490: Diego Vasquez is one of the city's most famous painters. His murals and triptychs grace every church and cathedral. But he is also a converso, and so despite his reputation he lives every day in fear.
Raul Beltran is a knight in the service of the king. A man of action. He has everything, except the woman he loves. He’ll do anything to get her.
While the Inquisition hunts for heretics and the Spanish king sets out to capture Granada, Diego and Raul are thrown into their own life and death struggle. Should a man defy his family, his church and even his own ambition for the sake of his soul?
‘Beautifully rendered and highly recommended’ Great Historicals.
'Spectacular historical fiction blazing with romance, intrigue and dramatic action.' Booklist.
Previously published as A Great Love of Small Proportion. This revised edition is different from the original and contains additional scenes.
Experience the Epic Adventure Series
Thrilling journeys through vividly imagined worlds, heart pounding action and unforgettable characters.
Multi-bestselling stand-alone tales that can be read in any order.
25,000+ five-star reviews.
Part thriller. Part history. All adventure.
Seville 1490: Diego Vasquez is one of the city's most famous painters. His murals and triptychs grace every church and cathedral. But he is also a converso, and so despite his reputation he lives every day in fear.
Raul Beltran is a knight in the service of the king. A man of action. He has everything, except the woman he loves. He’ll do anything to get her.
While the Inquisition hunts for heretics and the Spanish king sets out to capture Granada, Diego and Raul are thrown into their own life and death struggle. Should a man defy his family, his church and even his own ambition for the sake of his soul?
‘Beautifully rendered and highly recommended’ Great Historicals.
'Spectacular historical fiction blazing with romance, intrigue and dramatic action.' Booklist.
Previously published as A Great Love of Small Proportion. This revised edition is different from the original and contains additional scenes.
Experience the Epic Adventure Series
Thrilling journeys through vividly imagined worlds, heart pounding action and unforgettable characters.
Multi-bestselling stand-alone tales that can be read in any order.
25,000+ five-star reviews.
Part thriller. Part history. All adventure.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
823 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Colin Falconer
68 books733 followersColin Falconer writes fast-paced historical adventures that sweep readers across centuries and continents, from the battlefields of Rome to the intrigues of forgotten empires. His novels blend action, danger, and unforgettable characters in richly imagined worlds.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
Born in London, Colin now lives in Australia with his wife and their cocker spaniels. Click FOLLOW for updates on new releases, or join his mailing list for exclusive offers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 21, 2025
An easy read and another entertaining yarn from Colin Falconer, and a book which he has rewritten and re-issued. Set around 1490 when Granada, the last stronghold of the Moors, is about to fall to Ferdinand and Isabella.
At its heart, it’s a love story between a talented painter of Jewish heritage who is a dwarf and a beautiful woman. The descriptions of the painting techniques are particularly good and you get an atmospheric feeling for life in Seville during the era.
‘Converso’ refers to those who converted to Christianity from Islam or Judaism to avoid persecution, but who often were accused of not being true Christians and tortured and sometimes burned alive by the Spanish Inquisition.
Indeed after the fall of Granada, all remaining non Christians who didn’t convert, be they Jewish of Muslim, were expelled from Spain.
Yet the legacy of the Moors in Spain still lives on today centuries later in the wonderful architecture and tile work, in the food - oranges, saffron, and rice were just some of the foods they introduced to Spain - and in the Spanish language, so many of whose words are derived from Arabic.
At its heart, it’s a love story between a talented painter of Jewish heritage who is a dwarf and a beautiful woman. The descriptions of the painting techniques are particularly good and you get an atmospheric feeling for life in Seville during the era.
‘Converso’ refers to those who converted to Christianity from Islam or Judaism to avoid persecution, but who often were accused of not being true Christians and tortured and sometimes burned alive by the Spanish Inquisition.
Indeed after the fall of Granada, all remaining non Christians who didn’t convert, be they Jewish of Muslim, were expelled from Spain.
Yet the legacy of the Moors in Spain still lives on today centuries later in the wonderful architecture and tile work, in the food - oranges, saffron, and rice were just some of the foods they introduced to Spain - and in the Spanish language, so many of whose words are derived from Arabic.
November 30, 2019
Main Points
An action-packed historical novel
Took only 4 days.
I liked it.
3 stars
An action-packed historical novel
Took only 4 days.
I liked it.
3 stars
July 30, 2024
Good Read....
It was a good read and more. The first few pages might have been somewhat dull, but the action picked up when the beautiful Mencia tried to seduce her art teacher, the dwarf named Diego, and the action never stopped. The words galloped across the pages. The storyline was set in Spain in the latter half of the fifteenth century. Columbus was hanging around trying to get Ferdinand and Isabella to fund his fateful journey across the Atlantic in 1492. The Spanish Inquisition was getting a head of steam, but before the Jews could be killed or sent on their way to some other country, the Spanish throne finds it must deal with the Moors in Granada. Throw in a love story, three men who proved to be impotent at the worst possible times, a war, beautiful art descriptions, the way Diego saw and painted beauty, and so much more, and the author has a five star book and I have a good read.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read.
It was a good read and more. The first few pages might have been somewhat dull, but the action picked up when the beautiful Mencia tried to seduce her art teacher, the dwarf named Diego, and the action never stopped. The words galloped across the pages. The storyline was set in Spain in the latter half of the fifteenth century. Columbus was hanging around trying to get Ferdinand and Isabella to fund his fateful journey across the Atlantic in 1492. The Spanish Inquisition was getting a head of steam, but before the Jews could be killed or sent on their way to some other country, the Spanish throne finds it must deal with the Moors in Granada. Throw in a love story, three men who proved to be impotent at the worst possible times, a war, beautiful art descriptions, the way Diego saw and painted beauty, and so much more, and the author has a five star book and I have a good read.
Thank you, Mr. Falconer, for a good read.
August 8, 2024
A dwarf coming right out of the chute is bound to grab a reader. Mr. Falconer baited the hook, and I bit. He tweaked his book, A Great Love Of Small Proportions, and created another good read. Conservos were Jews living in Spain where they claimed to be converted to more palatable religions. The Muslims had taken a good hold on Spain, and Wars will be fought to move the Moors out of Spain . I have a better review floating somewhere. I still have not conquered the internet and for that I apologize.
Than you, Sir, for a good read!
Than you, Sir, for a good read!
October 19, 2020
A story that weaves the complicated history of Spain into a tapestry of love and forgiveness
A few good coincidences create positive outcomes for a talented artist, his apprentice, a soldier and an emerging nation. The forces of the church, inquisitors, politicians, the Moors and fearful public add intensity and drama to this interesting tale.
A few good coincidences create positive outcomes for a talented artist, his apprentice, a soldier and an emerging nation. The forces of the church, inquisitors, politicians, the Moors and fearful public add intensity and drama to this interesting tale.
September 16, 2019
A Truly Great Book
I am almost through Colin Falconer’s series of historical fiction. Although I keep fearing I will lose interest — that has not happened. This is a book I did not want to finish. I want more. I am entranced with Colin Falconer’s talent.
I am almost through Colin Falconer’s series of historical fiction. Although I keep fearing I will lose interest — that has not happened. This is a book I did not want to finish. I want more. I am entranced with Colin Falconer’s talent.
August 30, 2017
In this novel, author Colin Falconer sweeps readers into 15th century Seville after the Reconquista. At the heart of the story is Diego Sanchis, Seville's most sought after, most talented artist. His work is prolific and graces the walls of every church in the country. But what is most fascinating about this character is his faults - for he is ugly, bitter, and an outspoken dwarf. He has been bullied, shunned, abused, and made fun of all his life. His life experiences shaped him into a man with a vitriolic tongue and low self-esteem. It is only through his work that he gains respect and fame. Oh, and did I mention that he might be Jewish? A danger in itself and another strike against him.
One day, he is tasked with teaching art to a beautiful young woman, Mencia Goncalvez, the daughter of a rich and powerful man. At first, he resents being her mentor and only wishes to put an end to his obligation. But soon, their relationship changes into something much more meaningful, more powerful.
Colin Falconer delves deep into the psyche of both characters as they strive to live in a most dangerous era. History and romance combines in this highly entertaining novel. I fell in love with Diego and his biting sarcasm and propensity to be bluntly honest. He is real, loveable, and easy to sympathize with. Likewise is Mencia who struggles to break through the norms of the era to become an artist by her own right.
Another winning novel by Colin Falconer that is filled with wit and suspense! Beautifully rendered and highly recommended!
One day, he is tasked with teaching art to a beautiful young woman, Mencia Goncalvez, the daughter of a rich and powerful man. At first, he resents being her mentor and only wishes to put an end to his obligation. But soon, their relationship changes into something much more meaningful, more powerful.
Colin Falconer delves deep into the psyche of both characters as they strive to live in a most dangerous era. History and romance combines in this highly entertaining novel. I fell in love with Diego and his biting sarcasm and propensity to be bluntly honest. He is real, loveable, and easy to sympathize with. Likewise is Mencia who struggles to break through the norms of the era to become an artist by her own right.
Another winning novel by Colin Falconer that is filled with wit and suspense! Beautifully rendered and highly recommended!
November 12, 2019
Love is blind
Set in the late 1400's in Castile, this is the story of love: forbidden, unrequitrd, and endearing. The painter Diego and his friend Raul are both in live with the same woman. Raul, rich and handsome with seem to have the advantage over his friend, a dwarf who is monetheless a masterful painter.
Much to Raul's surprise and disappointment, their love interest picks Diego. But before the marriage can take place, Raul points out Diego to the Inquisition.
The backdrop of the story is Spain's fight to rid its country of the last bastion of Muslims, the city of Granada. Both Diego and his love are coincidentally interred in the same court of Abollah. The only fault I found in the book was the lack of an answer to the question of what happened to them after Granada finally fell to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Great story line and character building set within an accurate historical background.
Set in the late 1400's in Castile, this is the story of love: forbidden, unrequitrd, and endearing. The painter Diego and his friend Raul are both in live with the same woman. Raul, rich and handsome with seem to have the advantage over his friend, a dwarf who is monetheless a masterful painter.
Much to Raul's surprise and disappointment, their love interest picks Diego. But before the marriage can take place, Raul points out Diego to the Inquisition.
The backdrop of the story is Spain's fight to rid its country of the last bastion of Muslims, the city of Granada. Both Diego and his love are coincidentally interred in the same court of Abollah. The only fault I found in the book was the lack of an answer to the question of what happened to them after Granada finally fell to Ferdinand and Isabella.
Great story line and character building set within an accurate historical background.
Read
November 1, 2021This book started out really well. Diego’s demeanor was bust out loud funny. This book had a lot of promise. It was a little vague sometimes at critical points. Almost as if the author was trying to spare us the details.
His sparring with Mercedes was refreshing. When it suddenly developed into love and marriage, it seemed a little abrupt, however welcome.
When the writing changed to Granada, I was like wait… what???
So I read that part, not seeing where this was going.
Well long story short, Diego is imprisoned because he was falsely accused of Judaism in order to get him out of the way. His best friend Raul wanted Mercedes himself and his father, Don Julio, took it as a personal affront when Mercedes chose a dwarf over his son.
Mercedes agreed to marry Raul to save Diego.
It didn’t stop the torture and subsequent delivery of Diego to the sultan as a slave.
Eventually Mercedes decided to escape only to be caught and gadded to the Sultan’s harem. It didn’t take long for Diego to find out she was there. When he was offered his freedom, he requested hers as well.
When they FINALLY escaped, they were immediately set upon by Don Julio, Raul and their army. Don Julio was killed but I am not quite certain who killed him.
The story ends!!!!
What?????? It seems as though the author just ended the book to meet a deadline. There was much more to be told about Diego and Mercedes. The epilogue didn’t even mention them.
Over all, a good read but leaves a lot to the imagination!
His sparring with Mercedes was refreshing. When it suddenly developed into love and marriage, it seemed a little abrupt, however welcome.
When the writing changed to Granada, I was like wait… what???
So I read that part, not seeing where this was going.
Well long story short, Diego is imprisoned because he was falsely accused of Judaism in order to get him out of the way. His best friend Raul wanted Mercedes himself and his father, Don Julio, took it as a personal affront when Mercedes chose a dwarf over his son.
Mercedes agreed to marry Raul to save Diego.
It didn’t stop the torture and subsequent delivery of Diego to the sultan as a slave.
Eventually Mercedes decided to escape only to be caught and gadded to the Sultan’s harem. It didn’t take long for Diego to find out she was there. When he was offered his freedom, he requested hers as well.
When they FINALLY escaped, they were immediately set upon by Don Julio, Raul and their army. Don Julio was killed but I am not quite certain who killed him.
The story ends!!!!
What?????? It seems as though the author just ended the book to meet a deadline. There was much more to be told about Diego and Mercedes. The epilogue didn’t even mention them.
Over all, a good read but leaves a lot to the imagination!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2021
কাহিনী সংক্ষেপ- স্পেনের সেভিয়ার সবচেয়ে বিখ্যাত আঁকিয়ে দিয়াগো সাঞ্চিজ, এই বিখ্যাত শহরের প্রতিটা গির্জায় তার প্রতিভার স্বাক্ষর আছে। সৌন্দর্যের দেখা দিয়াগো সবখানে পেলেও বামন হবার কারনে সে সবার করুণার পাত্র। ইতিমধ্যে শহরের প্রভাবশালী পরিবারের সুন্দরী অবিবাহিতা মার্সিডিজ গনকাল্ভেয দিয়াগোর শিক্ষানবীশ হয়ে আসে। দিয়াগোর রূঢ় আচরণ সত্ত্বেও তারা আবিষ্কার করে তারা একে অপরের জন্য। কিন্তু সময়টা তখন খারাপ, রানী ইসাবেলা আর রাজা ফার্দিনান্দ একের পর এক মুরিশ শহর দখল করে নিচ্ছেন আর বিধর্মীদের শাস্তি দিচ্ছেন। দিয়াগোর কাছের বন্ধু আর মার্সিডিজের পানিপ্রার্থী রাউলের বিশ্বাসঘাতকতায় দিয়াগো কারাবন্দী হয় বিয়ের দিন। তারপর সময়ের ঘাত প্রতিঘাতে তাদের ভালোবাসার কি পরিণতি হয় সে নিয়েই এই উপন্যাস।
ব্যক্তিগত প্রতিক্রিয়া- সেভিয়াসহ স্পেনের আন্দালুসিয়ার অনেক শহর ঘুরে দেখেছি, পাশাপাশি মুরিশ শাসন আর স্প্যানিশ ইনকুইজিশন নিয়ে অনেক কিছু পড়েছি। কলিন ফ্যালকনার বরাবরই তাঁর উপন্যাসের হিস্টোরিক্যাল একিউরেসির জন্য বিখ্যাত। এই উপন্যাসেও তার ব্যতিক্রম হয়নি। ইনকুইজিশনের বিভীষিকা, আলহামরা প্রাসাদের বর্ননা, মুরিশদের জীবনযাত্রা ইত্যাদি লেখক খুব চমৎকারভাবে তুলে ধরেছেন। তবে আমার মনে হয়েছে দিয়াগো আর মার্সিডিজের প্রেমের ব্যাপারটি আরও ভালো ভাবে তুলে ধরা যেত, শেষের দিকে তাদের দেখা হওয়ার কাহিনীটিও ক্লিশে মনে হয়েছে।
ব্যক্তিগত প্রতিক্রিয়া- সেভিয়াসহ স্পেনের আন্দালুসিয়ার অনেক শহর ঘুরে দেখেছি, পাশাপাশি মুরিশ শাসন আর স্প্যানিশ ইনকুইজিশন নিয়ে অনেক কিছু পড়েছি। কলিন ফ্যালকনার বরাবরই তাঁর উপন্যাসের হিস্টোরিক্যাল একিউরেসির জন্য বিখ্যাত। এই উপন্যাসেও তার ব্যতিক্রম হয়নি। ইনকুইজিশনের বিভীষিকা, আলহামরা প্রাসাদের বর্ননা, মুরিশদের জীবনযাত্রা ইত্যাদি লেখক খুব চমৎকারভাবে তুলে ধরেছেন। তবে আমার মনে হয়েছে দিয়াগো আর মার্সিডিজের প্রেমের ব্যাপারটি আরও ভালো ভাবে তুলে ধরা যেত, শেষের দিকে তাদের দেখা হওয়ার কাহিনীটিও ক্লিশে মনে হয়েছে।
October 27, 2024
It's rather a boring faction representation
I honestly didn't think this came even close to being a "page turning adventure". Honestly I struggled to keep going several times because there just wasn't enough action. There wasn't much of an explanation of the religious factions or the cultural implications of the struggle.
It all seemed to come back to one woman who, other than being" beautiful ", which isn't much of a description, she wanders in and out of captivity, before finally being unrealistically brought back to reconnect with the man she'd almost once married.
This vague stroll through history brought very little to me in terms of enjoyment.
I did finish it but I know if there are subsequent episodes I'm going to have to take a hard pass.
Decent enough just nothing spectacular.
I honestly didn't think this came even close to being a "page turning adventure". Honestly I struggled to keep going several times because there just wasn't enough action. There wasn't much of an explanation of the religious factions or the cultural implications of the struggle.
It all seemed to come back to one woman who, other than being" beautiful ", which isn't much of a description, she wanders in and out of captivity, before finally being unrealistically brought back to reconnect with the man she'd almost once married.
This vague stroll through history brought very little to me in terms of enjoyment.
I did finish it but I know if there are subsequent episodes I'm going to have to take a hard pass.
Decent enough just nothing spectacular.
May 28, 2022
Very very special book,better then most.If you won’t a story that in the end puts all the pieces together,but you have to pay attention,this book is for you. If you have never been Spain this also is a great way to get to know it and one of the most beautiful places ever built by Moors.I had two and half late nighters,finishing this book,I’m exhausted but not disappointed.I have loved his other books too.
January 1, 2020
Wild ride!
This is a great book! -real reader who just finished it. I’m not a fan of stories about the Inquisition but this story had wild twists
Very well written! Silk Road is good too. I think I liked this book more though. It has such hope in it. And jealousy, love,betrayal,
Art and death! A real adventure!
This is a great book! -real reader who just finished it. I’m not a fan of stories about the Inquisition but this story had wild twists
Very well written! Silk Road is good too. I think I liked this book more though. It has such hope in it. And jealousy, love,betrayal,
Art and death! A real adventure!
October 13, 2024
Excellent story
CF's books should get available in a school curriculum with a heading 'Read, Learn and Inwardly digest' full of history and an excellent glossary afterwards.
Yes. It's fiction, but a lot of research goes into each story. I loved how Diego fought his way through all the animosity that came his way, and (spoiler alert) all ends well!
CF's books should get available in a school curriculum with a heading 'Read, Learn and Inwardly digest' full of history and an excellent glossary afterwards.
Yes. It's fiction, but a lot of research goes into each story. I loved how Diego fought his way through all the animosity that came his way, and (spoiler alert) all ends well!
April 1, 2025
I like these quick stories by Colin Falconer. They review what i knew and didn’t know about the period in the book and the stories are always hard to put down. They aren’t scholarly histories but considering the amount n of history that is available to learn , they are a good summary of what happened in different Countries at different times . I hope to learn about India next.
June 28, 2025
Not for the faint of heart
This narrative makes the Mongols seem like punk teenagers. So much evil has been done under the guise of Christianity. Readers need internal fortitude to appreciate this era of history. Religiously speaking from the POV of an agnostic, Islam’s ancient tenets offer as much enlightenment as Buddhism.
This narrative makes the Mongols seem like punk teenagers. So much evil has been done under the guise of Christianity. Readers need internal fortitude to appreciate this era of history. Religiously speaking from the POV of an agnostic, Islam’s ancient tenets offer as much enlightenment as Buddhism.
November 6, 2025
🧡Tato kniha mě strašně příjemně překvapila!! Přestože stála jenom dvacet korun, už mi ležela domů nějakou dobu a tak jsem se do ní pustila. První věc, co mě překvapila, je její hodnocení. Skoro 4,5 hvězdičky nemívají ani nějaké top propagované knihy.
🧡Diego byl strašně talentovaný malíř, ale kvůli svým nedostatkům si nevěřil a pochyboval o sobě. Kvůli tomu byl na mě až moc negativní a to mě občas fakt štvalo. Hlavně ze začátku jak byl hnusný na Meniciu. Ta byla strašná boss bitch a úplně nejvíc main character😎 A vůbec nebyla zaslepená svojí krásou a spíš se soustředila na to, jaký je člověk uvnitř.
🧡Kniha mi do půlky přišla strašně nezajímavá a potom se tam konečně něco stalo a bylo toho dost najednou!😂
Soo za málo peněz bylo hodně muziky, sama od sebe bych si to nepřečetla/nekoupila za normální cenu, takže za to jsem ráda😜
🧡Diego byl strašně talentovaný malíř, ale kvůli svým nedostatkům si nevěřil a pochyboval o sobě. Kvůli tomu byl na mě až moc negativní a to mě občas fakt štvalo. Hlavně ze začátku jak byl hnusný na Meniciu. Ta byla strašná boss bitch a úplně nejvíc main character😎 A vůbec nebyla zaslepená svojí krásou a spíš se soustředila na to, jaký je člověk uvnitř.
🧡Kniha mi do půlky přišla strašně nezajímavá a potom se tam konečně něco stalo a bylo toho dost najednou!😂
Soo za málo peněz bylo hodně muziky, sama od sebe bych si to nepřečetla/nekoupila za normální cenu, takže za to jsem ráda😜
September 30, 2021
Another great read
Colin Falconer is a great story teller and writer. He develops his characters into believable entities and delivers a well told plot. I definitely recommend this book.
Colin Falconer is a great story teller and writer. He develops his characters into believable entities and delivers a well told plot. I definitely recommend this book.
November 2, 2021
A gritty love story between two unlikely people during the dangerous era of the Spanish Inquisition. I’m a huge Colin Falconer fan … he brings history and the characters alive through his descriptive narrative… he tells a fascinating story and keeps you enthralled to the final page!
October 27, 2024
Converso
Have read a lot of medieval historical fiction, but nothing about Spain until now, and nothing quite like this. Really enjoyed this book; I think because of the soul of the protagonist.
Have read a lot of medieval historical fiction, but nothing about Spain until now, and nothing quite like this. Really enjoyed this book; I think because of the soul of the protagonist.
November 28, 2017
A Great love.
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
I loved this story, I recommend everyone to read this book. I look forward to reading more of her books. Kattie.
March 8, 2018
I didn't think that I would like this novel - too much sadness and violence. But it was great, authentic and a great story - has sparked an interest in this period of me. An enjoyable easy read.
December 19, 2019
Great title
A good reminder to those who do not believe in the separation of church and state of the excesses of religious persecution and intolerance.
A good reminder to those who do not believe in the separation of church and state of the excesses of religious persecution and intolerance.
May 19, 2020
A Great Love
Colin Falconer has written another great historical novel, it was difficult to lay this down. I loved Diego's wit and Mencia's strength and courage.
Colin Falconer has written another great historical novel, it was difficult to lay this down. I loved Diego's wit and Mencia's strength and courage.
July 30, 2020
This time The bad ones died The good ones survived I enjoyed this one
December 3, 2020
Highly recommended
April 24, 2021
Beautiful
A love story? A story of war? Friendship? Deceit? Wonderfully written. I highly recommend this book to all who love history and romance.
A love story? A story of war? Friendship? Deceit? Wonderfully written. I highly recommend this book to all who love history and romance.
September 15, 2024
Brilliant
How Mr Falconer can go from book to book and make the characters all interesting is amazing to me.
Well done sir.
How Mr Falconer can go from book to book and make the characters all interesting is amazing to me.
Well done sir.
September 22, 2024
Predictable.
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