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Voyage of Strangers
The year is 1493, and young Jewish sailor Diego Mendoza has returned from Columbus’s triumphant first voyage with tales of lush landscapes, rivers running with gold, and welcoming locals. But back home in Spain, Diego finds the Inquisition at its terrifying peak, and he must protect his spirited sister, Rachel, from betrayal and death. Disguising herself as a boy, Rachel sneaks onto Columbus’s second expedition, bound for the new lands they call the Indies. As the Spaniards build their first settlements and search for gold, Diego and Rachel fall in love with the place, people, and customs. Still forced to hide their religious faith and Rachel’s true identity, the brother and sister witness the Spaniards’ devastation of the island in their haste to harvest riches.
This unflinching look at Columbus’s exploration and its terrible cost to the native Taino people introduces two valiant young people who struggle against the inevitable destruction of paradise.
Revised This edition of Voyage of Strangers includes editorial revisions.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2013
146 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Zelvin
54 books21 followersElizabeth Zelvin is the author/editor of the groundbreaking 2019 anthology ME TOO SHORT STORIES. Liz is the author of the Bruce Kohler Mysteries and the Mendoza Family Saga. Her short stories have been nominated three times each for the Agatha and Derringer Awards. Liz's short stories are mostly mystery & crime, historical, or both, but sometimes have an urban fantasy element. In her "other hats," Liz is a New York City psychotherapist who practices online and a singer-songwriter whose album of original songs is OUTRAGEOUS OLDER WOMAN. Besides her fiction, she's published two books of poetry and a professional book on gender and addictions.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
October 20, 2016
Kindle Edition with Audible Narration
Wonderful, greatly done historical adventure. I empathized with the characters. The brother-sister relationship was well done and Rachel/Raquel reminds me of my own sister. I shudder at what Christians of the time perpetrated during this time period in the story, the Spanish Inquisition. Good description of the persecution without gratuitousness. Why can we not be accepting like the Taino?
Wonderful, greatly done historical adventure. I empathized with the characters. The brother-sister relationship was well done and Rachel/Raquel reminds me of my own sister. I shudder at what Christians of the time perpetrated during this time period in the story, the Spanish Inquisition. Good description of the persecution without gratuitousness. Why can we not be accepting like the Taino?
Such great research. If you read or listen to Voyage of Strangers, do so all the way - the Historical Timeline and Afterword. And I really think you should read this book. I enjoyed it thoroughly and hope you will too.
December 30, 2020
I put off reading this book so long, I suppose I wasn't thinking it would be nearly as good as it turned out. I really appreciated the author's portrayal of a wide portion of society in both Spain and the Caribbean. Most of the novel is centered around Columbus's second voyage to the Americas and told from the perspective of Diego, a Jewish sailor who must hide his faith for fear of the Inquisition. In Spain, Diego sees members of his own faith exiled, forced to convert, and executed at the hands of inquisitors. In the Caribbean, Diego witnesses yet more brutality - the enslavement, rape, and murder of natives in the name of God and Spanish supremacy. This novel packs a lot into its pages and I almost felt it should have been much longer. Overall, I like this book and, for all the despair it contained, the ending left me with a degree of happiness for the characters.
November 29, 2020
Surprising
I was not expecting to be drawn in to this story of two Jews escaping Inquisitorial.Spain and journeying with Colombia to Dominica. Its historical detail were interesting as was the use of the Judaism of the two protagonists. In the end this was a simple story that was almost unbelievably positive in the light of the tragic circumstances all around them.
It is profoundly sad and embarrassing to read again accounts of what has been done by those who call themselves Christians in history and the work of the Spaniards in the Indies is no exception.
I was not expecting to be drawn in to this story of two Jews escaping Inquisitorial.Spain and journeying with Colombia to Dominica. Its historical detail were interesting as was the use of the Judaism of the two protagonists. In the end this was a simple story that was almost unbelievably positive in the light of the tragic circumstances all around them.
It is profoundly sad and embarrassing to read again accounts of what has been done by those who call themselves Christians in history and the work of the Spaniards in the Indies is no exception.
May 21, 2017
This story was to hard to read. i could only read for 10 minutes before I got bored. The start before the islands was alot more interesting.
August 31, 2017
Love historical fiction! This one didn't disappoint!
October 30, 2017
Very interesting
It was very interesting. It's sad the natives were treated that way. Christians can be some of the most cruel people.
It was very interesting. It's sad the natives were treated that way. Christians can be some of the most cruel people.
December 17, 2017
Okay book.
Interesting story providing insight into attitudes of Columbus's time. Mildly engaging. Ending was just a little too tidy for my liking.
Interesting story providing insight into attitudes of Columbus's time. Mildly engaging. Ending was just a little too tidy for my liking.
July 16, 2018
Great book!
Disturbing to read about the cruelty of the Spanish, but a necessary reminder to us all. Nicely written novel based on unfortunate facts.
Disturbing to read about the cruelty of the Spanish, but a necessary reminder to us all. Nicely written novel based on unfortunate facts.
February 26, 2017
Different
This book, although rich in historical timelines, is written from the viewpoint of a young Jewish man who was a scribe to Columbus on his voyage where he "discovers" territories for Spain. The subjugation and genocide of the native inhabitants perpetrated under his command and by his authority are related. The basic theme is the Jewish sailor who must hide his faith from the Christians and the so-called Christians who plunder, rape, enslave and kill anyone not Christian. The plot is rather unbelievable except for the atrocities perpetrated by Christians upon gypsies, Jews and native people. I wholeheartedly understand the lust for gold and believe the corruption and genocide and that history has been corrupted for centuries related to Columbus. I just found the basic plot to be much too simplistic. I have no recommendations.
This book, although rich in historical timelines, is written from the viewpoint of a young Jewish man who was a scribe to Columbus on his voyage where he "discovers" territories for Spain. The subjugation and genocide of the native inhabitants perpetrated under his command and by his authority are related. The basic theme is the Jewish sailor who must hide his faith from the Christians and the so-called Christians who plunder, rape, enslave and kill anyone not Christian. The plot is rather unbelievable except for the atrocities perpetrated by Christians upon gypsies, Jews and native people. I wholeheartedly understand the lust for gold and believe the corruption and genocide and that history has been corrupted for centuries related to Columbus. I just found the basic plot to be much too simplistic. I have no recommendations.
June 26, 2014
VOYAGE OF STRANGERSby Elizabeth Zelvin
From www.goodreads.com
What really happened when Columbus discovered America. Diego Mendoza, a young Marrano sailor with Columbus, returns from the voyage of discovery to find that his sister Rachel is in danger from the Inquisition as a secret Jew. After failing to find safety in Spain, they sail with Admiral Columbus on the second voyage to Hispaniola, where they must struggle with divided loyalties as the Spaniards' greed for gold and conquest clashes with the local Taino people's way of life. Both Diego and Rachel find courage, love, and heartache as they come of age in a doomed paradise. Sequel to Zelvin's Agatha-nominated mystery, "The Green Cross."
Leona's Review:
Voyage of Strangers by Elizabeth Zelvin
This book is based on the sailings of Christopher Columbus and the sailings to the Americas. The book is in first person by Diego so we see one viewpoint of what happened.
The main characters are a brother and sister, Diego and Rachel Mendoza. They are Jewish and from Spain during the time of the Inquisition. Diego especially seems to have a hatred for Christians because most are cruel in their actions. Because they are Jewish, they keep it a secret from all except Columbus. Diego sailed with Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas and convinced Columbus to take his sister as a cabin boy on the second voyage to the Americas so she could leave Spain.
Lots of history but I found a dark novel based on fact and fiction. I was not aware in all my readings of the slavery from the Islands in the Caribbean. The book had a lot of light moments and love is also part of the book. I learned a lot the area, food, hardships and cruelty to the local people. As readers we see, with the eyes of Diego, customs and ways of life of the Taino Indians. I also learned more about the Jewish people and some of their customs.
The author has done her research. She has included a dateline of events which begins with the prologue December 24, 1492 and ends February 24,1495 with chapter 36. The list of characters include 28 people known to history and 38 fictional characters including Rosa, the mule, and Baxtalo, the dog. I like maps and would have liked to have seen one included in the book. I have been to most of the places so I could picture them and the route. Little tidbits of information were useful to read like using a lemon to clean teeth and help prevent teeth rot.
There is an Afterword which is about the book and the facts and fiction of the novel.
She has a list of acknowledgements of people who have helped her in this writing.
The Green Cross was the first book Elizabeth Zelvin wrote about Columbus so I will also have to read that one. This book can be read without reading the Green Cross first.
I downloaded this book from amazon.com.
I give it a 4 star rating because of the history and research by the author.
Elizabeth Zelvin may be reached at www.elizabethzelvin.com.
Leona Olson
www.mnleona.blogspot.com
May 13, 2014
Three events of great importance occurred in Spain in 1492. First, the armies of Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Granada and flushed the Muslims from Europe. Then the monarchs signed the Edict of Expulsion, intended to rid Spain of its Jews. And finally, a band of intrepid men set sail with Columbus to seek a new trade route to the orient.
It’s against this background of events Zelvin has set her entertaining and historically accurate Diego Mendoza stories.
All of the men with Columbus had reason for trepidation, though it was tempered with hope of riches and honors. Mendoza has additional reason for worry—he’s a Jew, a fact known only to Columbus. Though Jews had been tolerated—even respected—in the past, they were now the target of the Inquisition. Even those who had converted to Christianity found themselves at risk of torture, exile or even death.
The author told the events of the first voyage in two previously published short stories. Voyages of Strangers begins on Dec. 24, 1492 when the Santa Maria wrecked on shoals on the coast of Hispaniola.
Leaving a small garrison behind, Columbus and the main body (including Diego) return to Spain where the navigator is honored and begins preparations for the second voyage. While assisting in that process, Diego is also feverishly attempting to smuggle his teenaged sister Rachel out of Spain and reunited with their parents in Italy.
Rachel, a headstrong and intelligent girl, has ideas of her own. After some hairy episodes in Spain, Diego is just breathing a sigh of relief when he discovers she’s smuggled herself aboard his ship disguised as a boy. Columbus agrees to take her on as a scribe, thus keeping her safe as they once again cross the Atlantic. There’s some evidence Columbus came from a family of Conversos, Jews who converted, though he was in practice a devout Christian. Rather than rely on that speculation, Zelvin has him protect Diego and Rachel out of the goodness of his heart and because he was friends with their father.
As the Spaniards (and Columbus) become corrupted by the lust for wealth and power, Diego and Rachel find love among the native Taino, whose lot becomes as tenuous as that of the Jews at home, and find their own lives again in jeopardy.
An admirable work of fiction. I hope Zelvin will treat us to more of the adventures of Diego and Rachel in future.
It’s against this background of events Zelvin has set her entertaining and historically accurate Diego Mendoza stories.
All of the men with Columbus had reason for trepidation, though it was tempered with hope of riches and honors. Mendoza has additional reason for worry—he’s a Jew, a fact known only to Columbus. Though Jews had been tolerated—even respected—in the past, they were now the target of the Inquisition. Even those who had converted to Christianity found themselves at risk of torture, exile or even death.
The author told the events of the first voyage in two previously published short stories. Voyages of Strangers begins on Dec. 24, 1492 when the Santa Maria wrecked on shoals on the coast of Hispaniola.
Leaving a small garrison behind, Columbus and the main body (including Diego) return to Spain where the navigator is honored and begins preparations for the second voyage. While assisting in that process, Diego is also feverishly attempting to smuggle his teenaged sister Rachel out of Spain and reunited with their parents in Italy.
Rachel, a headstrong and intelligent girl, has ideas of her own. After some hairy episodes in Spain, Diego is just breathing a sigh of relief when he discovers she’s smuggled herself aboard his ship disguised as a boy. Columbus agrees to take her on as a scribe, thus keeping her safe as they once again cross the Atlantic. There’s some evidence Columbus came from a family of Conversos, Jews who converted, though he was in practice a devout Christian. Rather than rely on that speculation, Zelvin has him protect Diego and Rachel out of the goodness of his heart and because he was friends with their father.
As the Spaniards (and Columbus) become corrupted by the lust for wealth and power, Diego and Rachel find love among the native Taino, whose lot becomes as tenuous as that of the Jews at home, and find their own lives again in jeopardy.
An admirable work of fiction. I hope Zelvin will treat us to more of the adventures of Diego and Rachel in future.
November 20, 2014
Elizabeth Zevin’s YA offering, Voyage of Strangers, is essentially a problem novel. But, what problems!: the inquisition, the conquest and forced conversion of Caribbean natives, and slavery.
Set during the time of Columbus’ voyages to the “new” world, Voyage of Strangers tells the story of siblings Diego and Rachel and their Taino friend, Hutia, who Diego meets during Columbus’ first voyage. Diego and Rachel come from a family of recursos: Jews who publicly live as Christians, but who continue to practice their faith in private.
Diego returns from the first voyage determined to find a way to transfer his sister from their aunt’s house in Spain to Firenzi, Italy, where the rest of their family have gone to live. While in Spain, they witness the worst of the inquisition, both the daily slurs and lies of anti-Semitism and the burnings of Jews that serve as a form of pubic entertainment, as well as a reminder of the power of the Christian church.
Rachel would prefer to remain with her brother and, managing to pass herself off as a boy, accompanies him on the next voyage. Once in the “Indies,” both witness the violence of the conquest, including rape, murder, torture, and forced labor. Rachel and Hutia fall in love, which is not just problematic, but life-threatening given their situations.
This book isn’t an easy read. It represents an admirable attempt to wrestle with the past in a way that is appropriate for young adult readers, but that doesn’t gloss over the violence and bigotry of the time. It’s the kind of volume that may lead readers on to other books, both fiction and non-fiction, and a richer understanding of our own hemisphere’s history.
Set during the time of Columbus’ voyages to the “new” world, Voyage of Strangers tells the story of siblings Diego and Rachel and their Taino friend, Hutia, who Diego meets during Columbus’ first voyage. Diego and Rachel come from a family of recursos: Jews who publicly live as Christians, but who continue to practice their faith in private.
Diego returns from the first voyage determined to find a way to transfer his sister from their aunt’s house in Spain to Firenzi, Italy, where the rest of their family have gone to live. While in Spain, they witness the worst of the inquisition, both the daily slurs and lies of anti-Semitism and the burnings of Jews that serve as a form of pubic entertainment, as well as a reminder of the power of the Christian church.
Rachel would prefer to remain with her brother and, managing to pass herself off as a boy, accompanies him on the next voyage. Once in the “Indies,” both witness the violence of the conquest, including rape, murder, torture, and forced labor. Rachel and Hutia fall in love, which is not just problematic, but life-threatening given their situations.
This book isn’t an easy read. It represents an admirable attempt to wrestle with the past in a way that is appropriate for young adult readers, but that doesn’t gloss over the violence and bigotry of the time. It’s the kind of volume that may lead readers on to other books, both fiction and non-fiction, and a richer understanding of our own hemisphere’s history.
August 13, 2014
In October of 1492, Cristopher Columbus set foot on a small island in the West Indies - yet another of those “a small step for man, a giant leap for mankind” moments, permanently changing the course of history. For Spain, Columbus’ discovery would lead to riches and a far-flung empire. For the natives of America, Columbus’ boot print in the damp sand of San Salvador heralded slavery and destruction.
Voyage with Strangers is narrated by a young Jewish man, Diego Mendoza, who has accompanied Columbus not only out of a desire to see the world and find gold, but also to flee the Inquisition. In some ways as much an outsider as the Taino natives, Diego brings reflection and morality to a story of plunder and rape, an entire people destroyed by the Spanish hunger for gold. When Diego accompanies Columbus on his second journey to the new continent, he is accompanied by his little sister, disguised as a page boy, and with Rachel Mendoza, the story gains an enchanting protagonist – courageous, outspoken and wise beyond her years.
Not only does Ms Zelvin present us with a captivating fictionalised depiction of the Spanish conquest of Hispaniola, she also paints a vibrant and well-researched picture of Spain – especially Andalucía – under the rule of their Most Catholic Majesties, Isabel and Fernando. The rich historical setting and the engaging Mendoza siblings combine with Ms Zelvin’s apparent writing skills into a most enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Voyage with Strangers is narrated by a young Jewish man, Diego Mendoza, who has accompanied Columbus not only out of a desire to see the world and find gold, but also to flee the Inquisition. In some ways as much an outsider as the Taino natives, Diego brings reflection and morality to a story of plunder and rape, an entire people destroyed by the Spanish hunger for gold. When Diego accompanies Columbus on his second journey to the new continent, he is accompanied by his little sister, disguised as a page boy, and with Rachel Mendoza, the story gains an enchanting protagonist – courageous, outspoken and wise beyond her years.
Not only does Ms Zelvin present us with a captivating fictionalised depiction of the Spanish conquest of Hispaniola, she also paints a vibrant and well-researched picture of Spain – especially Andalucía – under the rule of their Most Catholic Majesties, Isabel and Fernando. The rich historical setting and the engaging Mendoza siblings combine with Ms Zelvin’s apparent writing skills into a most enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
February 1, 2014
Ms. Zelvin's book is an interesting and very engaging story following the two main characters Rachel and Diego. The time frame transports us into the time of the Spanish inquisition and the discovery of "new" lands in the pacific. While very informative, the book is also a rather depressing read considering the unbelievable brutality with which the Taino, who inhabited the islands in question were treated, killed, enslaved, and their culture destroyed all for the sake of gold and power. A dark time of humanity indeed.
October 29, 2014
I received this book for free from Goodreads first reads program.
This was a really interesting book, the story blends historical fact and fiction to create a unique account of Columbus's journey. A lot of historical fact is used in the books and the events that involve real historical characters are recreated based on actual historical accounts and are documented in the back of the book. Overall the book offers a more modern look at the damage done in the discovery of the new world creating characters who have a compassionate eye towards the Taino people.
This was a really interesting book, the story blends historical fact and fiction to create a unique account of Columbus's journey. A lot of historical fact is used in the books and the events that involve real historical characters are recreated based on actual historical accounts and are documented in the back of the book. Overall the book offers a more modern look at the damage done in the discovery of the new world creating characters who have a compassionate eye towards the Taino people.
August 2, 2015
It was okay - an incredibly quick read at least.
It feels like the author did a lot of research and merely discussed historical events as they happened through the eyes of a pair of Jewish siblings who, in addition to the dangers of the expedition, faced the threat of the Inquisition and exposure. Otherwise, the plot was pretty thin and the portrayal the indigenous population felt two-dimensional. The abrupt ending, which left Hutia in servitude with some foolish notion of a happily-ever-after was horrible.
It feels like the author did a lot of research and merely discussed historical events as they happened through the eyes of a pair of Jewish siblings who, in addition to the dangers of the expedition, faced the threat of the Inquisition and exposure. Otherwise, the plot was pretty thin and the portrayal the indigenous population felt two-dimensional. The abrupt ending, which left Hutia in servitude with some foolish notion of a happily-ever-after was horrible.
March 27, 2014
What a great book! I absolutely loved this some what fictional, historical story of the explorers in the Caribbean and the Jews who were trying to escape from their homeland of Spain and it's horrific treatment of them. Bits of fact are interwoven into this story and you grow to love all of the characters. Highly recommend this book.
June 10, 2015
Follow Diego for a few years and readers will return to Spain after with Columbus after his first voyage to the West Indies, Spain under the Inquisition, the royal court, Columbus’ return to the West Indies, early colonies, and the collision with the native people. Diego is a caring, insightful companion as you voyage with strangers.
My free copy came through Goodreads First Reads.
My free copy came through Goodreads First Reads.
January 11, 2015
Interesting Saga of 15th Century Dominican Republic
Well-written story of young Jewish siblings at the time of expulsion from Spain, who seek to escape the Inquisition. With limited options, they travel with Columbus to the newly discovered paradise of the Dominican Republic. But heaven turns to hell when men attempt to reign supreme...
Well-written story of young Jewish siblings at the time of expulsion from Spain, who seek to escape the Inquisition. With limited options, they travel with Columbus to the newly discovered paradise of the Dominican Republic. But heaven turns to hell when men attempt to reign supreme...
August 2, 2014
The story felt a little scattered to me. I couldn't get through it. I didn't do much research but felt the history might not even be correct. I have some other books to read before I see if it's worth it to muddle through this one.
January 21, 2015
GoodReads giveaway winner.
Great book. The period of Columbus is not a font of historical novels for some reason, but there are so many places to go with it. Not entirely about Columbus, but a great historical novel nonetheless.
Great book. The period of Columbus is not a font of historical novels for some reason, but there are so many places to go with it. Not entirely about Columbus, but a great historical novel nonetheless.
April 10, 2016
Liked
Well written with an action flow that is almost impossible to resist, I, as a reader, am sucked into this bubbling rapids which throws the past and present and possibilities into a single waterfall mist floating above all.
Well written with an action flow that is almost impossible to resist, I, as a reader, am sucked into this bubbling rapids which throws the past and present and possibilities into a single waterfall mist floating above all.
February 21, 2014
Fascinating history. I did not think the story was as good as the history.
February 26, 2014
Interesting! but way too many details!
Read
November 27, 2014I attempted this book but could not get drawn in. I was bored beyond worth.
September 25, 2014
Not one of my favorite Stephanie Plum novels, but a pleasant little diversion.
October 15, 2014
A nice quick historical fiction. Would be so much better if it had more focus instead of being so scattered.
November 14, 2014
4 stars - might revise upward if she finishes the sequel. This book left the ending up in the air.
January 9, 2015
This is what I would call a unique story that gives us a look at a unique group of people and a brave main character.
December 6, 2015
can't get into it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews