The Girl From Lisbon

by Guiora Barak

She was the wealthiest woman in Europe.

But only few knew the secret she was hiding.

She was a normal little girl, daughter of the King of Portugal’s personal physician, and for many years she was convinced that she, just like all the people in her immediate surroundings, was a Catholic.

Until one day, on her twelfth birthday, Doña Gracia was led down to the basement of their home by her mother where the family’s deepest secret was revealed to her—"We are Jews.”

Doña Gracia did not remain indifferent to this shocking news and little by little, she began to investigate and become familiar with her Jewish roots.

The Little Girl from Lisbon Is the wonderful story of Doña Gracia, one of the greatest women Europe has known, about her personal struggle in a world controlled by men, her escape from the persecution of the Inquisition, and all the nobility who coveted her wealth, while turning into a leader who was truly admired and followed by her people.

Genres: Historical Fiction

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2020

Reviews

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doña Gracia Mendes – an impressive Renaissance figure!

Israeli author Guiora Barak offers his debut novel THE GIRL FOR LiSBON, a story enhanced by his service in the diplomatic corps as well as his experience as a tour guide for the Israeli Geographical Society: his depth of knowledge about other countries’ histories and their cultures is impressive.

The author illuminates his recounting of the life of Doña Gracia Mendes with lyrical prose and an admirable eye and ear for drama. His story dances onto the opening page – “Gracia! Gracia!” The voice of the maid calling her name woke the child from her sleep. Instead of protesting, she at up quickly, eager to start the day. I’m twelve today! We’ll be going to church for my confirmation ceremony. She rushed to the window overlooking the river…This was a very special day, and she had been training for it for months…’ And the joy of the day is piqued by Gracia’s mother’s revelation of a secret - Gracia is a Jew.

The true history is from the 16th century Portugal during the reign of King João III, and the story that follows is distilled: Doña Gracia Mendes was a normal little girl, daughter of the King of Portugal’s personal physician, and for many years she was convinced that she, just like all the people in her immediate surroundings, was a Catholic. Until one day, on her twelfth birthday, Doña Gracia was led down to the basement of their home by her mother where the family’s deepest secret was revealed to her—"We are Jews.” Doña Gracia did not remain indifferent to this shocking news and little by little, she began to investigate and become familiar with her Jewish roots. Doña Gracia was one of the greatest women Europe has known, and the story relates her personal struggle in a world controlled by men, her escape from the persecution of the Inquisition, and all the nobility who coveted her wealth, while turning into a leader who was truly admired and followed by her people. She directed thousands of other people to assist whenever possible, using her vast financial resources, in order to save her Jewish brethren in trouble, wherever they might be.

Not only is this one fine historical novel, but also is a tribute to a brave and powerful 16th century woman who made a difference, not only social and financial matters, but also in the realm of religious freedom. Highly recommended.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book provides a fascinating and comprehensive history of Jewish life primarily in 16th century Portugal but also insights into Jewish life during that time period in Spain, other European countries, Turkey and the Middle East. The historical documentation is the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one. The romance at the center of the history is among the most absurd I’ve ever read. It is unbelievable that caring and proper upper middle class parents in a strict Catholic society would give their teenage daughter free license to practically live with a man twice her age. A straight history of the times would have been much more powerful.

[Rebecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very interesting story, but save yourself and read a history book. The book is a challenge to read; the editorial errors are distracting, the author is inconsistent on point of view as well as genre (reads as historical fiction, folds into make-believe with no apparent contribution to the book and for those seeking an interesting historical read is a painful part to get through). Furthermore, the story outlined lacks structure as it ends abruptly leaving the reader to do follow up research on why certain aspects were important.

[Cheri Poulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned so much about the Jewish population in Spain and Portugal

This book was very enlightening on the topic of the Jewish population in Spain and Portugal.. Their lifestyle, religion and the antisemitism in place during the medieval times was astonishing. I had no idea about the persecution they experienced and my heart goes out to them. The Mariano’s suffered so much as well, just trying to keep their religion going. Gracia was a brave woman of her times and did much to assist her people.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Judaism & christianity in Portugal

A most interesting read for me after spending last winter in Portugal. And alot of that time walking the coastline and beaches from NAZARE and south of Lisbon. The Muslim and Spanish Portuguese influences, Architecture and Artwork around Lisboa were particularly of interest for me. I relived alot of Lisboa through this wonderful read of the fascinating Dona Gracia.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dona Gracia Mendes was an interesting and inspiring woman, and especially amazing for that time in history. This historical story was very informative and captured my interest from the beginning; but, it seems Guiora Barak's deadline must have caught him. I found it frustrating that the story stopped before the wedding and Dona Gracia's accomplishments were paraphrased in one last chapter. Emphasis : never underestimate the importance of the final proof read.

[linda katz · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love history and are interested in Jewish history
In Spain and Portugal in 16th century, this is a great read overseen by a love story based on historical facts.

[Elizabeth Jozsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up this nook to read on my recent trip to Portugal. This book had potential but was just so hard to read. The story is interesting enough but the narrative read like a history book. It felt like forced conversation and didn’t flow naturally. It also ended abruptly, without really coming to a good end point. Overall, super disappointed.

[Bonnie Gibson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fascinating subject deserving of a more complex treatment. Some nuance might have been lost in translation. The courtship of a Francisco and Gracia did not ring historically true—hard to believe that 16th century noble parents would allow their 17-year old daughter to spend so much time with her 32-year old fiancé.

[Peta · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little bit slow but very informative.