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The Chronicles of Christoval Alvarez #1
The Secret World of Christoval Alvarez
It is the year 1586. England is awash with traitors, plotting to assassinate the Queen and bring about a foreign invasion. The young physician Christoval Alvarez, a refugee from the horrors of the Portuguese Inquisition, is coerced into becoming a code-breaker and agent in Sir Francis Walsingham’s secret service. In the race to thwart the plot, who will triumph – the ruthless conspirators or the equally ruthless State?
283 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2014
293 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
About the author
Ann Swinfen
46 books217 followersAnn Swinfen spent her childhood partly in England and partly on the east coast of America. She read Classics and Mathematics at Oxford, where she married a fellow undergraduate, the historian David Swinfen. While bringing up their five children and studying for an MSc in Mathematics and a BA and PhD in English Literature, she had a variety of jobs, including university lecturer, translator, freelance journalist and software designer.
She served for nine years on the governing council of the Open University and for five years worked as a manager and editor in the technical author division of an international computer company, but gave up her full-time job to concentrate on her writing, while continuing part-time university teaching. In 1995 she founded Dundee Book Events, a voluntary organisation promoting books and authors to the general public.
Her first three novels, The Anniversary, The Travellers, and A Running Tide, all with a contemporary setting but also an historical resonance, were published by Random House, with translations into Dutch and German. Her fourth novel, The Testament of Mariam, marked something of a departure. Set in the first century, it recounts, from an unusual perspective, one of the most famous and yet ambiguous stories in human history. At the same time it explores life under a foreign occupying force, in lands still torn by conflict to this day. Her latest novel, Flood, is set in the fenlands of East Anglia during the seventeenth century, where the local people fought desperately to save their land from greedy and unscrupulous speculators.
She now lives on the northeast coast of Scotland, with her husband (formerly vice-principal of the University of Dundee), a cocker spaniel and two Maine Coon cats.
She served for nine years on the governing council of the Open University and for five years worked as a manager and editor in the technical author division of an international computer company, but gave up her full-time job to concentrate on her writing, while continuing part-time university teaching. In 1995 she founded Dundee Book Events, a voluntary organisation promoting books and authors to the general public.
Her first three novels, The Anniversary, The Travellers, and A Running Tide, all with a contemporary setting but also an historical resonance, were published by Random House, with translations into Dutch and German. Her fourth novel, The Testament of Mariam, marked something of a departure. Set in the first century, it recounts, from an unusual perspective, one of the most famous and yet ambiguous stories in human history. At the same time it explores life under a foreign occupying force, in lands still torn by conflict to this day. Her latest novel, Flood, is set in the fenlands of East Anglia during the seventeenth century, where the local people fought desperately to save their land from greedy and unscrupulous speculators.
She now lives on the northeast coast of Scotland, with her husband (formerly vice-principal of the University of Dundee), a cocker spaniel and two Maine Coon cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 15, 2015
Christoval Alvarez, an immigrant to England from Portugal and a "New Christian" forced to convert from Judaism to escape the Inquisition, already juggles the expectations of opposing cultural worlds. He wants nothing more than to become a learned physician like his father, but his gift for mathematics attracts the attention of Sir Francis Walsingham's code-breaking operation. Mary Queen of Scots, although under house arrest, has been in treasonous communication with agents in France who would like nothing better than to replace Protestant Elizabeth with another Catholic queen. Walsingham's men have discovered the route these communications take, but the messages are often not only in code but in French or Spanish.
Christoval's abilities give him the background he needs to decipher the coded messages, and his past experience of the Spanish invasion of Portugal—during which he lost his mother and siblings—ensures that he has motivation to help. He agrees, even though the work takes him away from the hospital.
Besides, Christoval has a deeper secret, known to a man he distrusts, that prevents him from refusing Walsingham's demands, no matter the threat they pose to health, life, or happiness.
A thoroughly enjoyable series, with a compelling main character of surprising complexity, given that Christoval is only sixteen at the beginning of the book. And some of the writing is just beautiful, as in this passage from chapter 3:
“From where I was sitting I could see my grandfather’s prize stallion down in the water meadow below. He was a creature of air and fire, of Arab breeding, scarcely seeming to touch the ground when he flew across the meadow in the sheer joy of living. But he was still now, his head up and his ears pricked forward as if he were listening to something only he could hear. His off fore was lifted slightly, with the tip of the hoof just brushing the ground. I fixed my eyes on him, his solid muscles shivering slightly under the gleaming chestnut coat, the whole, ecstatic shape of him outlined against the soft green of the meadow.”
I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Full disclosure: I interviewed the author for New Books in Historical Fiction and have developed a social-media-style friendship with her as a result, but I bought these books in the regular way, and the review (like all my reviews) expresses my honest opinion.
Christoval's abilities give him the background he needs to decipher the coded messages, and his past experience of the Spanish invasion of Portugal—during which he lost his mother and siblings—ensures that he has motivation to help. He agrees, even though the work takes him away from the hospital.
Besides, Christoval has a deeper secret, known to a man he distrusts, that prevents him from refusing Walsingham's demands, no matter the threat they pose to health, life, or happiness.
A thoroughly enjoyable series, with a compelling main character of surprising complexity, given that Christoval is only sixteen at the beginning of the book. And some of the writing is just beautiful, as in this passage from chapter 3:
“From where I was sitting I could see my grandfather’s prize stallion down in the water meadow below. He was a creature of air and fire, of Arab breeding, scarcely seeming to touch the ground when he flew across the meadow in the sheer joy of living. But he was still now, his head up and his ears pricked forward as if he were listening to something only he could hear. His off fore was lifted slightly, with the tip of the hoof just brushing the ground. I fixed my eyes on him, his solid muscles shivering slightly under the gleaming chestnut coat, the whole, ecstatic shape of him outlined against the soft green of the meadow.”
I look forward to reading the other books in the series.
Full disclosure: I interviewed the author for New Books in Historical Fiction and have developed a social-media-style friendship with her as a result, but I bought these books in the regular way, and the review (like all my reviews) expresses my honest opinion.
May 13, 2016
I have to say, this novel came out totally different than I was expecting...in a very good way! One doesn't often see a story centering around the mysterious and slightly disconcerting spy network of Sir Francis Walsingham, so I was curious about this shadow world. Our protagonist, Christoval Alvarez, possesses enough secrets and talent to pave the way for any aspiring spymaster, if so desired. But Christoval, nicknamed Kit, really prefers the medical practice and is drawn unwillingly into Walsingham’s service.
This story takes place during the trying times when the catholic Mary Queen of Scots plots to be freed from prison and take her place at the head of a religious movement against Queen Elizabeth. The fears of the English were very real, and Walsingham shows us a surprisingly human side when he attempts to justify the tactics of Elizabeth’s spy network. He paints the horrors of France’s St. Bartholomew Day’s Massacre and demonstrates a sincere conviction that the same fate threatens England. His passion convinces Kit to stay with the program despite the ethical dilemma of entrapping the conspirators—some of whom seem undeserving of their fate. At least on the surface, that is. And this juxtaposition of seeming vs. reality runs throughout the book, making for a lively exploration of the concept “the end justifies the means”. The immediate plot against the Queen is conclusively foiled, but Kit continues to fret, feeling threatened and fearing exposure. I suspect the second volume will drag us even deeper into this curious would of contradictions, and give poor Kit more stuff to worry about.
This story takes place during the trying times when the catholic Mary Queen of Scots plots to be freed from prison and take her place at the head of a religious movement against Queen Elizabeth. The fears of the English were very real, and Walsingham shows us a surprisingly human side when he attempts to justify the tactics of Elizabeth’s spy network. He paints the horrors of France’s St. Bartholomew Day’s Massacre and demonstrates a sincere conviction that the same fate threatens England. His passion convinces Kit to stay with the program despite the ethical dilemma of entrapping the conspirators—some of whom seem undeserving of their fate. At least on the surface, that is. And this juxtaposition of seeming vs. reality runs throughout the book, making for a lively exploration of the concept “the end justifies the means”. The immediate plot against the Queen is conclusively foiled, but Kit continues to fret, feeling threatened and fearing exposure. I suspect the second volume will drag us even deeper into this curious would of contradictions, and give poor Kit more stuff to worry about.
July 11, 2022
A good tale, sometimes a bit lengthy on descriptions and there were too many scenes of people looking for each other or traveling, but all in all I enjoyed it and was engaged by the characters. I wish there was more explanation into why and how Kit had to disguise herself, since it sometimes seemed hard to believe that people don't recognize her for what she really is. So, in short, minor complaints but a historical fiction novel worth reading nonetheless.
February 1, 2016
Reviewed for the Historical Novel Association Indie Reviews
This is a Tudor book with a difference. The main focus is on a young Portuguese immigrant, Christoval, known as Kit, a skilled but junior doctor at Bart’s Hospital during the reign of Elizabeth I. Kit happens also to have been mathematically trained in youth back in Portugal, and this talent comes to the attention of Sir Francis Walsingham, ever looking out for people to recruit as code breakers.
Issues of secrecy and truth run throughout the book. Kit’s own family has both religious and personal secrets they strive to keep hidden, and Walsingham’s world is a very murky one as he works to protect Queen Elizabeth from both real and imagined threats. Finding the moral high ground in all this is not easy. Being a doctor at Bart’s may be hard and emotionally wearying, but Kit finds the issues are very clear-cut in the hospital.
The part of London where much of the book is set, the locations and movements, have a pleasing sense of confidence and familiarity about them. But as well as the streets of London, Kit’s work with Walsingham involves journeys down to the Cinque Ports area of the south coast, and north to Staffordshire.
There is a clear sense in this novel that Kit’s story will continue further. The level of background information is greater than strictly necessary for this particular story, and the narrative spreads over a broad canvas, only parts of which are as yet filled in. Although this particular work is complete in itself, there is plenty of open space for later development.
This is a Tudor book with a difference. The main focus is on a young Portuguese immigrant, Christoval, known as Kit, a skilled but junior doctor at Bart’s Hospital during the reign of Elizabeth I. Kit happens also to have been mathematically trained in youth back in Portugal, and this talent comes to the attention of Sir Francis Walsingham, ever looking out for people to recruit as code breakers.
Issues of secrecy and truth run throughout the book. Kit’s own family has both religious and personal secrets they strive to keep hidden, and Walsingham’s world is a very murky one as he works to protect Queen Elizabeth from both real and imagined threats. Finding the moral high ground in all this is not easy. Being a doctor at Bart’s may be hard and emotionally wearying, but Kit finds the issues are very clear-cut in the hospital.
The part of London where much of the book is set, the locations and movements, have a pleasing sense of confidence and familiarity about them. But as well as the streets of London, Kit’s work with Walsingham involves journeys down to the Cinque Ports area of the south coast, and north to Staffordshire.
There is a clear sense in this novel that Kit’s story will continue further. The level of background information is greater than strictly necessary for this particular story, and the narrative spreads over a broad canvas, only parts of which are as yet filled in. Although this particular work is complete in itself, there is plenty of open space for later development.
September 30, 2022
Good story with some interesting detail about Portuguese refugees coming to England, life as a physician at that time and how political communications were encrypted, and it has a sympathetic lead character Kit (Christoval of the title). Lost 2 stars due to a fairly simple story and not enough contextual detail, Ann Swinfen’s ‘The Bookseller’s Tale’ and its successors were better, and I tend to compare all historical novels with Shardlake which is much better at this. However it was good enough that I shall probably read the rest of the trilogy in due course
April 18, 2024
Nice light fun mystery featuring some of my new Tudor friends.
May 3, 2016
As a fan of historical fiction and all things Elizabethan, this series is my new addiction. I am plowing through this series at a rapid rate.
Our heroine is a Marano who escaped to England from the Inquisition that descended upon Portugal when it was conquered by the Spanish. Having disguised herself as a boy as part of the escape, she continues the disguise so that she can assist her father as a physician in St. Barts hospital. (Much is made of her father's training in the advanced Arabic medical arts compared to the more backward English school).
As a result of her skills as a mathematician, she comes to the attention of Sir Francis Walsingham. Against her will she is employed first as a code breaker and later as an agent. All this becomes an excuse to place her in the middle of major events in Elizabethan England: the Babbington plot, the Spanish Armada and the failed invasion of Portugal.
Christoval/Katerina is an engaging heroine and her tenuous situation as a women disguised as a boy and a secret (if ambivalent) Jew gives the series some added tension beyond the adventures. The story of her life and escape from Portugal is slowly and satisfyingly revealed over the course of several books. An ongoing friendship with a boy actor provides a mirror to her own gender bending existence as well as an unrequited love interest.
Tudor England was an ugly, dirty place to live and her life often seems on the edge of disaster. Yet, she manages to muddle through and you root for her every step of the way.
Our heroine is a Marano who escaped to England from the Inquisition that descended upon Portugal when it was conquered by the Spanish. Having disguised herself as a boy as part of the escape, she continues the disguise so that she can assist her father as a physician in St. Barts hospital. (Much is made of her father's training in the advanced Arabic medical arts compared to the more backward English school).
As a result of her skills as a mathematician, she comes to the attention of Sir Francis Walsingham. Against her will she is employed first as a code breaker and later as an agent. All this becomes an excuse to place her in the middle of major events in Elizabethan England: the Babbington plot, the Spanish Armada and the failed invasion of Portugal.
Christoval/Katerina is an engaging heroine and her tenuous situation as a women disguised as a boy and a secret (if ambivalent) Jew gives the series some added tension beyond the adventures. The story of her life and escape from Portugal is slowly and satisfyingly revealed over the course of several books. An ongoing friendship with a boy actor provides a mirror to her own gender bending existence as well as an unrequited love interest.
Tudor England was an ugly, dirty place to live and her life often seems on the edge of disaster. Yet, she manages to muddle through and you root for her every step of the way.
July 19, 2020
Christoval Alvarez is a young Portugese immigrant, living in London and helping out her father as a physician in St Bartholomew's Hospital. She and her father have escaped the Spanish inquisition, but at a terrible prize. Her real name is Caterina, but she poses as a boy, because for a girl the world would be a far more dangerous place in the year 1586. And as a woman she could never assist her father as a dokter. Having had some training in mathematics, she comes to the attention of famous Sir Francis Walsingham, spymaster for the Queen. She is asbest to work as a code reader and a spy to thwart a plot to help the Scottish Queen Mary to the throne.
This book is a historical cloak and dagger story filled with adventure and suspense. It's the sort of book i loved reading when is was a teenager. Especially because it has a brave and smart heroine as it's main character. I still love this kind of story, as it is a very enjoyable vacationread. The historical details add a bit extra. Christoval, or Kit as she's called, is an interesting person. Conflicted, because of her past, because of her wish to follow a proper education which is a path blocked for women. Still, she's a little to good to be true ;)
I am curious about the other books in the series. That will have to wait, since i am on holiday and without books for the moment...
This book is a historical cloak and dagger story filled with adventure and suspense. It's the sort of book i loved reading when is was a teenager. Especially because it has a brave and smart heroine as it's main character. I still love this kind of story, as it is a very enjoyable vacationread. The historical details add a bit extra. Christoval, or Kit as she's called, is an interesting person. Conflicted, because of her past, because of her wish to follow a proper education which is a path blocked for women. Still, she's a little to good to be true ;)
I am curious about the other books in the series. That will have to wait, since i am on holiday and without books for the moment...
August 21, 2014
Open the book and trval back to Enland in the year 1586. If you know a bit of English history then I do not need to talk about the rivalry between Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth spiced with plots to assassinate Queen Elizabeth. Then you also heard about the Queen's spymaster Sir Francis Walsingham.
Even Walsingham plays a major role in the book author Ann Swinfen tells the story of sixteen year old Christoval Alvarez, a talented musician, mathematician and junior physician who escaped the Spanish Inquisition in Portugal.
It is a pleasure to follow the sympathic and engaging Christoval who needs to keep a secret which is most important for his future.
Ann Swinfen composed a wonderful mix of historical details, the role which plays Christoval within the historical events and the engrossing life of Christoval.
The story does not end with a cliffhanger.
I'm very happy that there will be more books starring Christoval Alvarez and that I own copies of The Enterprise of England and The Portuguese Affair
Even Walsingham plays a major role in the book author Ann Swinfen tells the story of sixteen year old Christoval Alvarez, a talented musician, mathematician and junior physician who escaped the Spanish Inquisition in Portugal.
It is a pleasure to follow the sympathic and engaging Christoval who needs to keep a secret which is most important for his future.
Ann Swinfen composed a wonderful mix of historical details, the role which plays Christoval within the historical events and the engrossing life of Christoval.
The story does not end with a cliffhanger.
I'm very happy that there will be more books starring Christoval Alvarez and that I own copies of The Enterprise of England and The Portuguese Affair
March 4, 2018
Christoval Alvarez is one of many Portuguese who have fled the horrors of the Inquisition. Since coming to England, he has spent his days aiding his physician father in the hospital and honing his skills in mathematics and music. When his gifted mind comes to the attention of Queen Elizabeth's spymaster Francis Walsingham, however, Kit is offered a different kind of occupation. With one of Walsingham's circle holding Kit's deepest secret and threatening to betray it should she not comply, he has little choice but to allow himself to be drawn deeper and deeper into this world of spies, secrets and conspiracies. He soon finds himself drafted into assisting Walsingham's codebreaker at first, with more dangerous tasks gradually being thrust upon him.
Espionage stories set in Elizabethan times are always promising, and Ann Swinfen delivers an expertly plotted story in a perfectly rendered and richly atmospheric setting. Kit is an engaging, clever protagonist who is easy to like and fun to follow. A great series opener - looking forward to reading more!
Espionage stories set in Elizabethan times are always promising, and Ann Swinfen delivers an expertly plotted story in a perfectly rendered and richly atmospheric setting. Kit is an engaging, clever protagonist who is easy to like and fun to follow. A great series opener - looking forward to reading more!
December 9, 2016
First 3/4 is entertaining
My first big issue with this book is that it was not thoroughly proofread. Subject/verb agreement issues, as well as just plain 'typos' were a frustration. As far as character development and story line, it was apparent that much thought and planning had been involved. The last fourth of the book introduced so many extraneous characters with simplistic (seriously no drama, danger, or action involving the heroine) that I just skipped page after page until the contrived cliffhanger at the end. I had enjoyed Swifen's Oxford bookmaker books and was hoping for more of the same. Sadly, this was not the case.
My first big issue with this book is that it was not thoroughly proofread. Subject/verb agreement issues, as well as just plain 'typos' were a frustration. As far as character development and story line, it was apparent that much thought and planning had been involved. The last fourth of the book introduced so many extraneous characters with simplistic (seriously no drama, danger, or action involving the heroine) that I just skipped page after page until the contrived cliffhanger at the end. I had enjoyed Swifen's Oxford bookmaker books and was hoping for more of the same. Sadly, this was not the case.
August 22, 2016
We are proud to announce that THE SECRET WORLD OF CHRISTOVAL ALVAREZ by Ann Swinfen is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
May 19, 2018
It is so hard to say anything about this book as I wanted to love this novel so much. Ultimately I had to give it 3 stars, but it is one of those rare cases when my heart is bleeding I had to do so.
I suspect one of the reasons for my disappointment is my expectations based on the blurbs, goodreads shelves, and the fact that Ann Swinfen does have a mystery series (which now I am hesitant to start). I was expecting a historical mystery, and this book is simply a well written, quite thorough historic fiction about one of the assassination attempts against Queen Elizabeth I. Because of my assumptions I kept waiting for a (cozy type) crime to happen, or a bit later, when I realized I was probably wrong in my presumptions, at least some kind of exciting spy story to unfold. Neither of those happened. Instead, I got a very (very!) detailed report on the quasi everyday life in London streets, the story being centered around a hospital, a theater, and the workings of the Queen's spymasters. As for the latter, the reader does not get any thrilling investigations, or a classic spy adventure at all, just the everyday, down-to-earth dealings of a halfly secret government office in the 16th century England. All this is nice and dandy, but alas, I am absolutely not interested in history (by itself), nor in historic fiction (without a mystery). In fact, I caught myself completely tuned out for long minutes, and when I suddenly returned to pay attention, I never had to go back in the story as I never missed anything (except for long, and extremely detailed historic reports). So sadly, I could not wait to finish this book.
Though Swinfen writes very well, and if you are interested in historic topics even a little bit, this could be a really fascinating novel, there are some annoying features in the book. First, the gender question of Christoval. I am not giving out too much as we learn it right at the beginning. It is completely implausible that this charade could go on unnoticed during his (her) interaction with the master spy of the era and other collegues of his (her) in the hospital, not to speak of their own family friends.
Then there is the tension building. Throughout the whole book, time to time, Swinfen builds up tension that is supposed to lead, in a normal case, some kind of solution. In this book these tension blurbs simply evaporate from one moment to another. They merely disappear leaving behind quite a frustration in the reader. 'That was it? That's why I had to become so worked up? Oh, brother.' (See the events when Kit goes to an enemy house to become a tutor while spying on them. Or when s/he acts as a carrier boy among the assassins. Or Christoval's never-again appearing Nemezis, one of the very few who learns her true gender, and who is spotted everywhere where he should not be, and about whom everyone thinks he is a traitor, still, nothing seems to happen to him, and we are left not knowing anything more about his fate).
That said, it can be an enjoyable book to read if you are not looking for a historic mystery, just pure history. The audiobook has a superb narration too. As for me... I am probably not the right audience.
I suspect one of the reasons for my disappointment is my expectations based on the blurbs, goodreads shelves, and the fact that Ann Swinfen does have a mystery series (which now I am hesitant to start). I was expecting a historical mystery, and this book is simply a well written, quite thorough historic fiction about one of the assassination attempts against Queen Elizabeth I. Because of my assumptions I kept waiting for a (cozy type) crime to happen, or a bit later, when I realized I was probably wrong in my presumptions, at least some kind of exciting spy story to unfold. Neither of those happened. Instead, I got a very (very!) detailed report on the quasi everyday life in London streets, the story being centered around a hospital, a theater, and the workings of the Queen's spymasters. As for the latter, the reader does not get any thrilling investigations, or a classic spy adventure at all, just the everyday, down-to-earth dealings of a halfly secret government office in the 16th century England. All this is nice and dandy, but alas, I am absolutely not interested in history (by itself), nor in historic fiction (without a mystery). In fact, I caught myself completely tuned out for long minutes, and when I suddenly returned to pay attention, I never had to go back in the story as I never missed anything (except for long, and extremely detailed historic reports). So sadly, I could not wait to finish this book.
Though Swinfen writes very well, and if you are interested in historic topics even a little bit, this could be a really fascinating novel, there are some annoying features in the book. First, the gender question of Christoval. I am not giving out too much as we learn it right at the beginning. It is completely implausible that this charade could go on unnoticed during his (her) interaction with the master spy of the era and other collegues of his (her) in the hospital, not to speak of their own family friends.
Then there is the tension building. Throughout the whole book, time to time, Swinfen builds up tension that is supposed to lead, in a normal case, some kind of solution. In this book these tension blurbs simply evaporate from one moment to another. They merely disappear leaving behind quite a frustration in the reader. 'That was it? That's why I had to become so worked up? Oh, brother.' (See the events when Kit goes to an enemy house to become a tutor while spying on them. Or when s/he acts as a carrier boy among the assassins. Or Christoval's never-again appearing Nemezis, one of the very few who learns her true gender, and who is spotted everywhere where he should not be, and about whom everyone thinks he is a traitor, still, nothing seems to happen to him, and we are left not knowing anything more about his fate).
That said, it can be an enjoyable book to read if you are not looking for a historic mystery, just pure history. The audiobook has a superb narration too. As for me... I am probably not the right audience.
January 4, 2024
Sixteen year old Christoval Alvarez escaped the horrors of the Portuguese Inquisition and is in training to become a physician. Due to a talent for mathematics and code-breaking – as well a secret that must be kept- Christoval is coerced into working with Sir Francis Walsingham and his spies to thwart a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I. The conspirators plan to place Mary Queen of Scots on the throne, in addition to imposing Catholicism on England.
[SPOILER ALERT]
I had some complaints regarding the plot, some of which include:
• Christoval works in extremely close contact with many people in Sir Francis’ network of spies, but none of them suspect the 16YO of being a female.
• Knowing how incredibly dangerous it would be for Christoval’s secret to be known – the fact that she’s a young woman - her father does very little to discourage her service for Sir Francis. She walks across London alone at night to return home after code-breaking, journeys hundreds of miles on her own on errands for Sir Francis, and deals directly with ruthless men on both sides of the conspiracy. Having apparently lost his wife and other children in the Portuguese Inquisition, I would think her father might be more protective.
• Christoval repeatedly tells Sir Francis and others that her passion and desire lie in the field of medicine and that she’s not happy working with them, but they convince her through guilt and patriotism to continue, despite her conflicted emotions that the conspirators are less determined and ruthless that she was first led to believe.
• If Christoval is such a valuable asset as a code-breaker and spy, why is no care taken to secure her safety, even given the fact that Sir Francis and his team believe she’s a boy? Walking the streets at night alone to get home and journey solo far afield from London would seem to be risky for someone of that age, boy or girl.
• Why isn’t Christoval compensated for the services she’s performing? Considering she’s already known to be conflicted and that she and her father live in poverty, wouldn’t that make her ripe for being turned as a double agent? A lot of faith was placed on this poor, over-worked youth – who wasn’t even born in England -- staying true to their cause.
Like Christoval, I too was conflicted over who the bad guys really were at times. I find the political machinations a little dry and was constantly irritated by how much responsibility was placed on young Christoval’s shoulders with little to no reward and hardly a care for her safety. And I truly wish I hadn’t read the treatment of the first round of prisoners during their executions.
While I didn’t much enjoy this story and won’t be going forward in the series, I very much like Swinfen’s Oxford Medieval Mysteries series and look forward to reading more of those.
[SPOILER ALERT]
I had some complaints regarding the plot, some of which include:
• Christoval works in extremely close contact with many people in Sir Francis’ network of spies, but none of them suspect the 16YO of being a female.
• Knowing how incredibly dangerous it would be for Christoval’s secret to be known – the fact that she’s a young woman - her father does very little to discourage her service for Sir Francis. She walks across London alone at night to return home after code-breaking, journeys hundreds of miles on her own on errands for Sir Francis, and deals directly with ruthless men on both sides of the conspiracy. Having apparently lost his wife and other children in the Portuguese Inquisition, I would think her father might be more protective.
• Christoval repeatedly tells Sir Francis and others that her passion and desire lie in the field of medicine and that she’s not happy working with them, but they convince her through guilt and patriotism to continue, despite her conflicted emotions that the conspirators are less determined and ruthless that she was first led to believe.
• If Christoval is such a valuable asset as a code-breaker and spy, why is no care taken to secure her safety, even given the fact that Sir Francis and his team believe she’s a boy? Walking the streets at night alone to get home and journey solo far afield from London would seem to be risky for someone of that age, boy or girl.
• Why isn’t Christoval compensated for the services she’s performing? Considering she’s already known to be conflicted and that she and her father live in poverty, wouldn’t that make her ripe for being turned as a double agent? A lot of faith was placed on this poor, over-worked youth – who wasn’t even born in England -- staying true to their cause.
Like Christoval, I too was conflicted over who the bad guys really were at times. I find the political machinations a little dry and was constantly irritated by how much responsibility was placed on young Christoval’s shoulders with little to no reward and hardly a care for her safety. And I truly wish I hadn’t read the treatment of the first round of prisoners during their executions.
While I didn’t much enjoy this story and won’t be going forward in the series, I very much like Swinfen’s Oxford Medieval Mysteries series and look forward to reading more of those.
May 17, 2019
I enjoyed this novel, and it succeeds on many levels. It is fun to read (my main criterion, actually), it deals with themes I care about, it has characters I enjoy knowing, and its well-rendered setting, besides lending the story additional realism, is an engaging source of information.
This is primarily an Elizabethan spy story with a young doctor drawn into the intrigue, which, come on, is good fun. The action is broken up by scenes of Christoval's life and work, which helps to ground the increasingly fantastic spy story. He has his own spoilery secrets which threaten to emerge, adding to the conflict and tension. As a character, Christoval is sympathetic and engaging, with a great backstory: his family is Jewish, from Portugal, forced to hide their religion and flee to England, and he has his own additional secrets. His skill as a doctor, a mathematician, and a musician is part of what makes his story fun--he gets to be awesome sometimes, which I love, watching him save lives and break codes. All within reason, though; He's still a teenager in a dangerous world, not a superhero, and the author does not forget that.
A number of interesting themes emerge through the course of the story. A central one is the place of religion in society. As one of the "hidden Jews," (referred to, uncomfortably, as Marranos, which is acknowledged as a slur but shows up in a casual way a number of times), Christoval is sympathetic to the Catholic conspirators who are forced to hide their religious beliefs in Protestant England. How can a citizen be blamed, he wants to know, for adhering to a religion that was once obligatory? Especially when it passed out of favor, then back in, then back out once more? His ambivalence about bringing such people to justice makes him more believable and sympathetic. Other themes are: wealth disparity (inevitably); the oppression of women; tradition's primacy over new knowledge; and the violence inherent in the system. ;) Happily, these are allowed to surface in a natural way, adding welcome depth to the novel.
The setting is nicely developed with convincing detail. I found it educational, and can only hope and assume the information is accurate. :) How would I know?
I am glad to recommend this novel to other readers. Such quibbles as I have are swamped by my approval, and I can say it was a pleasure to read. I recommend that I go look for sequels.
This is primarily an Elizabethan spy story with a young doctor drawn into the intrigue, which, come on, is good fun. The action is broken up by scenes of Christoval's life and work, which helps to ground the increasingly fantastic spy story. He has his own spoilery secrets which threaten to emerge, adding to the conflict and tension. As a character, Christoval is sympathetic and engaging, with a great backstory: his family is Jewish, from Portugal, forced to hide their religion and flee to England, and he has his own additional secrets. His skill as a doctor, a mathematician, and a musician is part of what makes his story fun--he gets to be awesome sometimes, which I love, watching him save lives and break codes. All within reason, though; He's still a teenager in a dangerous world, not a superhero, and the author does not forget that.
A number of interesting themes emerge through the course of the story. A central one is the place of religion in society. As one of the "hidden Jews," (referred to, uncomfortably, as Marranos, which is acknowledged as a slur but shows up in a casual way a number of times), Christoval is sympathetic to the Catholic conspirators who are forced to hide their religious beliefs in Protestant England. How can a citizen be blamed, he wants to know, for adhering to a religion that was once obligatory? Especially when it passed out of favor, then back in, then back out once more? His ambivalence about bringing such people to justice makes him more believable and sympathetic. Other themes are: wealth disparity (inevitably); the oppression of women; tradition's primacy over new knowledge; and the violence inherent in the system. ;) Happily, these are allowed to surface in a natural way, adding welcome depth to the novel.
The setting is nicely developed with convincing detail. I found it educational, and can only hope and assume the information is accurate. :) How would I know?
I am glad to recommend this novel to other readers. Such quibbles as I have are swamped by my approval, and I can say it was a pleasure to read. I recommend that I go look for sequels.
January 3, 2019
First in a historical mystery/fiction series set in late 1500's London. The main character is an apprentice physician...with a secret. Or two. Sixteen-year-old Christoval "Kit" Alvarez relocated to England with his father, a renowned Portugese physician, a few years ago after The Spanish Inquisition (which almost everyone expected, by the way) ripped their family asunder. A promising physician's apprentice as well as a gifted mathematician, Kit's secret--that 'he' is actually a girl--could lead to charges of heresy and death. The fact that she is also Jewish would be moot at that point.
When her mathematics tutor's high praise leads her to the service of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen's spymaster, as a code breaker, Kit learns that there is someone outside the family who is aware of both her secrets and won't hesitate to use them to gain whatever he wishes.
Love this author's other series (Medieval Oxford) and this one has started off to be just as engaging.
When her mathematics tutor's high praise leads her to the service of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen's spymaster, as a code breaker, Kit learns that there is someone outside the family who is aware of both her secrets and won't hesitate to use them to gain whatever he wishes.
Love this author's other series (Medieval Oxford) and this one has started off to be just as engaging.
May 7, 2024
My whole life was a lie... but now I was play-acting again, this time as a servant boy, messenger for a renegade Catholic, who had entered the country illegally and was offering his services to the Scottish queen. Except he wasn’t. [p. 219]
London, 1590: Christoval Alvarez has lived in Duck Street, near St Barts Hospital, for some years, after fleeing the Inquisition in Portugal with his father: they have shared a life of secrets ever since. Jews have been banned from England for three hundred years, so Christoval -- Kit -- and his father attend church with the Christians: and the two share another secret which would surely doom them both.
A gifted physician, musician and mathematician, Kit is drawn into the web of spymaster Francis Walsingham, initially to assist with deciphering encrypted messages, but later to carry altered documents and entrap the players in what will eventually be known as the Babington plot. Kit is uneasy with the deceits involved, afraid of secret (possibly double) agent Robert Poley, and exhausted by Walsingham's demands: he'd rather be at the playhouse with his friend Simon.
Swinfen's descriptions of Tudor London are evocative, and her depiction of Kit's life has depth and credibility. There were a few typos ('pouring' over documents, 'leant' a hand, 'few if none') and I wasn't wholly convinced that, even in Tudor times, it would take more than an hour to walk from Tower Hill to Lombard Street -- or that it would be any quicker on horseback. But I can forgive these minor errors, for The Secret World of Christoval Alvarez was a gripping read, with some hefty moral issues and plenty of derring-do. I'll read more in this series.
Fulfils the ‘The word “secret” in the title’ rubric of the 52 books in 2024 challenge.
July 27, 2018
I like the author's Medieval series with the bookseller Nicholas Elyot. This seemed a great next choice, but while I enjoyed I was not immediately hooked like with the other series. Kit is a secret Porteguese Jew aka a Marrano living in Elizabeth's England. The child of a respected doctor who now works at a poor hospital instead of professor of medicine as in homeland is training under his experience. But when Kit comes to the attention of Walsingham there is no choice but to go to work as his code breaker. This centers on the Babington Plot. The big twist was okay, but kind of strange as it is unexplained how old friends are unaware or the reason why.
November 7, 2019
Really good piece of historical fiction and there are two more books to follow!
The story follows a teenager of Jewish extraction who has escaped from Portugal after it was invaded by the Spanish and their infamous Inquisition. Christoval is working at an hospital but has a talent for Mathematics and ends up being recruited to help out Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I's spymaster.
Other than being well-written, I think this book works well as the protagonist though young is not hopelessly naive but does give a new perspective as Walsingham's men work to unravel what we know as the Babbington plot. It gives a very human edge to a political situation.
The story follows a teenager of Jewish extraction who has escaped from Portugal after it was invaded by the Spanish and their infamous Inquisition. Christoval is working at an hospital but has a talent for Mathematics and ends up being recruited to help out Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth I's spymaster.
Other than being well-written, I think this book works well as the protagonist though young is not hopelessly naive but does give a new perspective as Walsingham's men work to unravel what we know as the Babbington plot. It gives a very human edge to a political situation.
December 13, 2019
Ann Swinfen did a fabulous job of writing the Oxford bookseller series, so I had high expectations for the Christoval Alvarez series and the first book, The Secret World of... did not disappoint. I was glad, however, that I was familiar with some of the historical intrigue that surrounded QE I and Sir Francis Walsingham. There were a lot of details and characters in this one and knowing a little of the history helped. But in the midst of all the intrigue, the author has given us very human characters and Christoval, especially, is a character who feels and grows as the story progresses, giving what promises to be another wonderful series. (Eight more books!)
November 18, 2017
This book did not go quite as fast for me as the mystery series of hers that I read. It is more historical with many characters to keep straight and sometimes didactic as needed explain it all. But that did the main character and her family is certainly compelling. I do like books to read at night to go to sleep - or for the middle of the night to put me back to sleep. This one required a bit too much brain power for that. I am really happy to have discovered this author. I wish our libraries carried her works (I learned about her through amazon prime)
November 11, 2021
It's not often that a book surprises me, but this one did. My mom told me that these books were even better than the Oxford Mysteries, and she was right! I'm well into the second of this series and I'm enjoying the adventures of the main character immensely. I truly feel the day-to-day life of Elizabethan London when I read Ann's clear descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of that time. A sign of a good story is one that stays with you throughout the day until you can jump back into its pages again at night.
June 2, 2017
Well written
This book is especially good due to the dialogue and staying true to historical fact. I don't want to say too much as I do not want to give away the plot. But I will add it is extremely interesting, intriguing and well worth the read to those interested in historical fiction, and those who enjoy English history and politics of the 16th century. Definite high marks to this author as I begin the second book in this series.
This book is especially good due to the dialogue and staying true to historical fact. I don't want to say too much as I do not want to give away the plot. But I will add it is extremely interesting, intriguing and well worth the read to those interested in historical fiction, and those who enjoy English history and politics of the 16th century. Definite high marks to this author as I begin the second book in this series.
March 20, 2018
As with all Ann Swindon books, this was meticulously researched and full of historical events, explained by means of a semi-fictional story. The base story is the last conspiracy to put Mary Queen of Scots on the English throne, return England to Catholicism, and persecute Protestants. The espionage involved in halting the conspiracy is complex. I learned a lot but I didn't enjoy the Alvarez books nearly as much as the Monk physician. Lots more,politics and not so much cultural history.
September 21, 2019
Though I enjoyed the book I had some difficulty in working out its intended readership. Is it a YA novel? But then there are some fairly gruesome descriptions too. Nevertheless, unlike many of the historical thrillers and mysteries that abound at the moment, this has the feel of authenticity. The descriptions of illness and poverty ring true and with its depictions of a measles epidemic make me despair of the idiocy of the anti-vaccers today. The central conceit, which I shan't reveal is interesting, as are the workings of St. Bart's. (I feel foolish at not realising why nurses are referred to as 'sister'.) The conspiracy machinations at the end are unnecessarily complicated though and the last few chapters drag a little but don't spoil a thoroughly engrossing read.
November 14, 2019
This is a tricky one to review, for me there is lots to like and some parts are very sad or sickening, it’s probably very realistic for the period. There is a lot going on in this book with people moving around all over the place. I like Christoval’s character and her friend Simon, a relationship that is obviously taking its own course and one to watch as the series moves forward. Christoval is very talented and has been brought up well, I only want good things to happen for her. There are do many characters that sometimes I struggle to identify with them but I guess all is good if you get the main characters down strongly. You certainly get a good feel for what London must have been like in the 16th century.
The introduction to early document code transcription techniques was an interesting aside leading to the tampering of the same which you know Christoval just hates, don’t we all. The description of the execution process for a treasonable offence is particularly gruesome late into the story so I hope you don’t let it affect you too much.
The introduction to early document code transcription techniques was an interesting aside leading to the tampering of the same which you know Christoval just hates, don’t we all. The description of the execution process for a treasonable offence is particularly gruesome late into the story so I hope you don’t let it affect you too much.
September 1, 2024
So many secrets!
What I like best about this novel is the history mixed into it. It's fascinating to me how people lived then, what medical practice was like, the hospital, the theater, the politics, the tragedies, the food, and more. Much of the story is about a suspected plot to kill the queen of England. There is some confusion as to who is good and who is evil. Even Christoval carries secrets better hidden.
What I like best about this novel is the history mixed into it. It's fascinating to me how people lived then, what medical practice was like, the hospital, the theater, the politics, the tragedies, the food, and more. Much of the story is about a suspected plot to kill the queen of England. There is some confusion as to who is good and who is evil. Even Christoval carries secrets better hidden.
July 1, 2017
I really enjoyed the secret of Kit's adventurous life
This was a adventurous book with many turns. I loved the plot and the life of Kit. The horse Hector was a great idea with such a grim job that Kit had to do.I also loved the other characters such as Simon and Andrew plus the others. Could not put it down a great adventure.
This was a adventurous book with many turns. I loved the plot and the life of Kit. The horse Hector was a great idea with such a grim job that Kit had to do.I also loved the other characters such as Simon and Andrew plus the others. Could not put it down a great adventure.
September 6, 2017
Excellent! This author knows how to weave an historical tale. This one does stretch credulity a little, but she manages it and I enjoyed the story very much. It is set in an exciting historical period - Elizabethan England - and the historical facts are all accurate. I suspect the sequel will have some predictable twists, but I may well be mistaken! I shall look forward to finding out.
December 9, 2017
I have enjoyed all of this authors books that i have read so far and this first book in a series is another great addition to the list. Once again this is full of authentic atmosphere so you feel you could almost be there, and great characters that you enjoy reading about. I am looking forward to continuing the series!
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