At Vitoria: A City’s Medieval Promise between Christians and Sephardic Jews

by Marcia Riman Selz

How could a medieval Jewish cemetery cause so much debate? At Vitoria transports the reader from 1950s Bayonne, France back to medieval Spain and weaves a story of success, love, terror, tragedy, shame, and honor. The historical and cultural details make for an evocative narrative that draw the reader in and provide an engaging sense of realism. At Vitoria introduces the reader to the CREVAGOS, a Jewish family that copes with adversity and trauma in the midst of joy and daily needs, while living under the shadow of the Spanish Inquisition. Hard work, intelligence and clever spirit create a family of survivors. At Vitoria is also the story of how, in 1492 when Jews are expelled from Spain, the Christians of Vitoria, grateful to Jewish physicians for saving lives, take an oath to preserve the Jewish cemetery. Almost 500 years later, this promise draws raw emotions from both Christians and Jews. At Vitoria is a heart wrenching, but ultimately heart-warming read, with a life-affirming message. It is sure to cause smiles, tears, and renewed pride in humanity.

Genres: World History, Jewish

266 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2018

Reviews

[Marika Charalambous]

I've read it, but I can't comment on it, since my review on the site where I wrote it was not published. Only listing it here to keep track of my read books this year.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1453 and Vidal Cervago, a Jewish shoes merchant is making his way to his home in Vitoria, a town in the Basque area of Spain. He has heard of terrible things happening to Jews all over the Iberian Peninsula so he will be happy to reach his destination. In Vitoria, Jews and Catholics have lived happily alongside each other for hundreds of years.
Over the next several decades, on his travels, Vidal bears witness to many things as the Jews are persecuted by the Catholics. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella are determined that Spain will be a completely Catholic country and in 1482, they make Tomàs de Torque Inquisitor General with the aim of unifying Spain, “under our one true catholic religion.” He is a man of great power who answers only to the king.
For years Vidal has been trying to persuade his family to leave Vitoria for somewhere safer and in 1492 it is time to act. By order of the “Jewish Expulsion Act” they must either, convert to Catholicism, leave their home or die. It is time to leave.
The Spanish Inquisition is a period of history that I had heard of but knew nothing about so I found it incredibly interesting. However, by the very nature of the subject matter it can be difficult to read at times. That said, the author deals with that subject matter in a compassionate way.
The writing is skilled and the story flows beautifully. Whilst the pace is not rapid in the way that a thriller might be, it moves along quickly and I found the book difficult to put down. All of the characters are well developed and rounded and the reader becomes invested in them and their future. Also, the author describes the Jewish way of life in great detail and depth. From the almost ritualistic nature of the preparation of food to the ceremonies surrounding birth and death, it is all there for the reader to experience.
I think what makes this book even more special is the fact that the events depicted in the book actually occurred and even now, over five hundred years later, the ramifications of those events are still being felt in Vitoria by both Catholic and Jewish communities.

[Marcia Fine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marcia Riman Selz's novel At Vitoria: A City's Medieval Promise Between Christians and Jews shines a light on an area I am familiar with because I've written two novels about the Inquisition. I know the history; however, when an author takes the historical facts and crafts characters who make that history come alive, it's a five star book! Selz explores the details of the Jewish community in Basque country, a part of northern Spain they were hoping the Evil Queen would forget to include in her expulsion. Beautifully written, the author takes us on the journey with the Crevago family—doctors who save many lives, exquisite shoe makers who endear themselves to many and strong women who are bound in their roles. The author captures the pain of displacement so I felt I was in the room when decisions were made. Certain scenes will remain with me. I couldn't put this book down. With a glossary, bibliography and questions for reading groups this is a good book club choice. Brava!

[Kajori · Rating 5 out of 5]

“At Vitoria: A City's Medieval Promise between Christians and Sephardic Jews” by Maria Riman Selz presents to us a heart-touching story. Primarily focusing on the Crevago family, she portrays the horrific condition of the Jew in Spain during the Middle Ages. When Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II ordered the expulsion or conversion of all Jews in their realm, Crevagos had to leave their beloved city, Vitoria. Unlike elsewhere in the country, the Basque Christians of Vitoria respected the Jews for coming to their aid during the Plague and the recent illness that was killing them off. Before leaving, the Jews and Christians made a sacred oath that was kept for over 500 years. Post WWII, the descendants began to rethink the importance of upholding the promise. “At Vitoria: A City's Medieval Promise between Christians and Sephardic Jews” is a must-read for anyone remotely interested in history. This is one book that will make you both cry and laugh. I highly recommend it.

[Vini Sk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story begins in the 1950s and brings us back to the 14th century. The Crevago family, who lived in the fourteenth century, is the main subject. The plot mostly follows Vidal Crevago, one of the Crevago brothers. We learn about Jewish traditions and how hard life was for Jews in ancient days.

I just know that life was difficult for Jews in the past; I don't know the whole story of what happened to them. However, this book exposed me to the entire history. Each member of the close-knit Crevago family has their own job and responsibilities, and they all live in harmony. The reading of the family scenes was calming. But we were also able to see the ways in which Jews were sentenced to torture simply for being Jewish. It was simultaneously heartbreaking and furious.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very hard for me to put down! Very well-written and well researched. It has left me wanting to research more into the Spanish Inquisition. If fact, I looked up some info while I was reading. Very interesting but horrible time in our history. The persecution that the Jews went through in this time period and by the hands of Ferdinand and Isabella was appalling.
I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading about history especially church and Jewish history.
I received this book from goodreads giveaways. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bringing History Alive

Once a researcher, always a researcher. The detail of the 15 century is impressive. While the book reads and flows as a novel, it provides a wonderful opportunity to get under the skin and into the hearts of the characters. I learned a lot and enjoyed every minute reading it. Thanks Ms. Selz for your obsession and for sharing the story with us.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging historical novel. A lot of research went into the writer's telling of the Inquisition and of the Jews in this town, Vitória, and the pact that the locals made to protect the Jewish cemetery. I'd like to visit one day.

[Rio Summers · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was fully entranced by this story. The author skillfully captures a lesser-known chapter of Spanish and Jewish history, immersing us in the personal journey of Vidal, a Jewish shoemaker, and his community, as they grapple with the harrowing trials of the Spanish Inquisition.
Seamlessly weaving together the tapestry of historic tragedy and the hope of human kindness, the writing style is pacy and each page seemed to turn itself as I sank deeper into the mesmerising saga of a displaced community navigating the treacherous waters of political extremism—a theme that resonates profoundly with our modern world today.

If you're a fan of historical fiction, a student of European history, or a reader hungry for a compelling novel, this is such a good read irrespective of your cultural background.