What do you think?
Rate this book
The Poetry of Secrets
Perfect for fans of Ruta Sepetys and Elizabeth Wein, this lyrical portrait of hidden identities and forbidden love is set against the harrowing backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition.
"An epic, poetic journey. Brimming with romance and historical detail." -- Ruta Sepetys, New York Times Bestselling Author of Salt to the Sea
Isabel Perez carries secrets with her every day.
As a young woman in 1481, Trujillo, Spain, she should be overjoyed that the alguacil of the city wants to marry her, especially since she and her family are conversos -- Jews forced to convert to Catholicism -- leaving them low in the hierarchy of the new Spanish order. Yet she longs to pursue an independent life filled with poetry and a partner of her own Diego Altamirano, a young nobleman whose family would never let him court someone with tainted blood like hers.
But Isabel's biggest secret is Though the Perezes claim to be New Christians, they still practice Judaism in the refuge of their own home. When the Spanish Inquisition reaches her small town determined to punish such judaizers, Isabel finds herself in more danger than she could ever have imagined. Amid the threat of discovery, she and Diego will have to fight for their lives in a quest to truly be free.
A timeless love story about identity, religious intolerance, and female empowerment, The Poetry of Secrets will sweep readers away with its lush lyricism and themes that continue to resonate today.
"An epic, poetic journey. Brimming with romance and historical detail." -- Ruta Sepetys, New York Times Bestselling Author of Salt to the Sea
Isabel Perez carries secrets with her every day.
As a young woman in 1481, Trujillo, Spain, she should be overjoyed that the alguacil of the city wants to marry her, especially since she and her family are conversos -- Jews forced to convert to Catholicism -- leaving them low in the hierarchy of the new Spanish order. Yet she longs to pursue an independent life filled with poetry and a partner of her own Diego Altamirano, a young nobleman whose family would never let him court someone with tainted blood like hers.
But Isabel's biggest secret is Though the Perezes claim to be New Christians, they still practice Judaism in the refuge of their own home. When the Spanish Inquisition reaches her small town determined to punish such judaizers, Isabel finds herself in more danger than she could ever have imagined. Amid the threat of discovery, she and Diego will have to fight for their lives in a quest to truly be free.
A timeless love story about identity, religious intolerance, and female empowerment, The Poetry of Secrets will sweep readers away with its lush lyricism and themes that continue to resonate today.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
22 people are currently reading
1474 people want to read
About the author
Cambria Gordon
7 books29 followersCambria Gordon is the author of The Poetry of Secrets (Scholastic, 2021). She is the co-author of The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming, winner of the national Green Earth Book Award. She has written for the Los Angeles Times Magazine, Boys' Life, Parent Guide News, and The Jewish Journal of Los Angeles. Her one-act play, Within Reach, was produced by Jewish Women's Theatre. She lived in Spain for a year, but spends most of her time in Los Angeles with her husband and youngest son while being as near as possible to her two adult children without annoying them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 20, 2021
One of my favorite books of the year! I am in emotional heaven. This is such a wonderfully evocative and poignant recount of such a dark period in human history. It’s heart-breaking, it’s romantic, and it’s so very very exciting. Filled with intricate and beautiful characters, historical intrigue, and a thrilling forbidden romance. Gordon has brought history to life amongst these pages. I LOVED Isabel. I felt so much for her struggles, her dreams and desires. It was like I knew her and throughout the book I desperately wished for all of her secret wishes to come true. The writing and research in this book was so phenomenal. I know it will stick with me and these characters will be in my heart for a very long time.
December 28, 2020
Review forthcoming for the book tour ;)
January 6, 2021
2.5 stars
January 29, 2021
@KidLitExchange
Thank you to @Scholasticinc for sharing an advance copy of The Poetry of Secrets by Cambria Gordon with the #KidLitExchange Network. This YA historical fiction novel will be published on 2/2/21. All opinions are my own.
It is 1481 and the Inquisition has reached Trujillo, Spain. Isabel Perez and her family are conversos, Jews forced to convert to Catholicism. They have been baptized and attend church, but secretly carrying on their Jewish traditions at home which is now more dangerous than ever. In an attempt to secure their safety, Isabel's father arranges for her to marry the alguacil of the city. The alguacil is much older than Isabel and ugly both inside and out. To complicate matters further, Isabel has fallen in love with Diego Altamirano, a young nobleman whose family would never let him court Isabel. Isabel begins sneaking out to meet Diego, but soon her sister becomes suspicious, her parents are questioned by the Holy Office, and a mysterious man, most likely a spy, is keeping watch outside her home. Soon, Isabel finds herself in more danger than she could have ever imagined.
The Poetry of Secrets is a beautifully written and lyrical historical fiction novel. One of my favorite things about it is that it introduces YA readers to a time period that kind of gets glossed over in history classes in the U.S. education system. I found the historical aspects of the novel absolutely fascinating. It is incredibly well-researched. The story and conflicts are intricate and captivating. I love the integration of poetry. One of Isabel's dreams is to become a poet and poetry is woven throughout the novel. I also enjoyed that the novel alternates between Isabel and Diego's perspectives. The majority of the book is written through Isabel's eyes, but the moments we get from Diego give a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal divides of the time period. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to share it with others.
Thank you to @Scholasticinc for sharing an advance copy of The Poetry of Secrets by Cambria Gordon with the #KidLitExchange Network. This YA historical fiction novel will be published on 2/2/21. All opinions are my own.
It is 1481 and the Inquisition has reached Trujillo, Spain. Isabel Perez and her family are conversos, Jews forced to convert to Catholicism. They have been baptized and attend church, but secretly carrying on their Jewish traditions at home which is now more dangerous than ever. In an attempt to secure their safety, Isabel's father arranges for her to marry the alguacil of the city. The alguacil is much older than Isabel and ugly both inside and out. To complicate matters further, Isabel has fallen in love with Diego Altamirano, a young nobleman whose family would never let him court Isabel. Isabel begins sneaking out to meet Diego, but soon her sister becomes suspicious, her parents are questioned by the Holy Office, and a mysterious man, most likely a spy, is keeping watch outside her home. Soon, Isabel finds herself in more danger than she could have ever imagined.
The Poetry of Secrets is a beautifully written and lyrical historical fiction novel. One of my favorite things about it is that it introduces YA readers to a time period that kind of gets glossed over in history classes in the U.S. education system. I found the historical aspects of the novel absolutely fascinating. It is incredibly well-researched. The story and conflicts are intricate and captivating. I love the integration of poetry. One of Isabel's dreams is to become a poet and poetry is woven throughout the novel. I also enjoyed that the novel alternates between Isabel and Diego's perspectives. The majority of the book is written through Isabel's eyes, but the moments we get from Diego give a deeper understanding of the cultural and societal divides of the time period. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to share it with others.
March 19, 2021
No one expects the Spainish Inquisition!
Tasteless jokes aside, this was a satisfying historical fiction novel - and my standards are very high, so that says something. It did a very good job at creating the atmosphere of Medieval Spain, and the religious discourse was beautiful. I think it would've done better without the romance, and I much preffered reading about Eva's religious developement. The historical language was executed with tact and elegancy, and I liked that it didn't water down historical values.
My main issue with this book were some annoying pieces of historical inaccuracy. While I can't speak for all of it, as Medieval Spain is not a major area of knowledge for me, there were some things that irked me. First off, in most eras and countries, women were allowed to write - maybe not always be published, but they were still allowed to write and it was not looked down upon. The best example I can think of in classical literature discussing views of on women and writing is The Crab-Flower Club, which is set in mid-1700s China (you should be reading it anyway, it's glorious). The second issue is that I hate to see the return of the 'sewing = sexist' trope. Yes, embroidery was very much a women's pasttime, but it wasn't the oppresive hobby it is always depicted to be. First off, women were allowed in many activities considered 'manly', such as hunting, while many men were tailors. I even know of a fair few paintings from the exact era in Spainish history of men cutting fabric. In fact, this novel even features a male tailor - so why it has to show sewing as a symbol of oppresion, I do not know.
Finally, I am just super annoyed that this book mistook Michelangelo for being older than Leonardo da Vinci. If you're going to mention these icons, please, get the timeline right. It hurts my soul not to.
Despite the rant, I really enjoyed this story, and any looking for a good Jewish historical fiction that is not about WWII will enjoy this, or any looking for a proper historical fiction that doesn't feel the need to dumb history down for its audience.
Content Warnings Antisemitism, child marriage, violence/burning, attempted rape, mentions of prostution, torture (somewhat graphic - inc waterboarding). I would say 16+ at minimum due to the nature of the content and explicitness.
Tasteless jokes aside, this was a satisfying historical fiction novel - and my standards are very high, so that says something. It did a very good job at creating the atmosphere of Medieval Spain, and the religious discourse was beautiful. I think it would've done better without the romance, and I much preffered reading about Eva's religious developement. The historical language was executed with tact and elegancy, and I liked that it didn't water down historical values.
My main issue with this book were some annoying pieces of historical inaccuracy. While I can't speak for all of it, as Medieval Spain is not a major area of knowledge for me, there were some things that irked me. First off, in most eras and countries, women were allowed to write - maybe not always be published, but they were still allowed to write and it was not looked down upon. The best example I can think of in classical literature discussing views of on women and writing is The Crab-Flower Club, which is set in mid-1700s China (you should be reading it anyway, it's glorious). The second issue is that I hate to see the return of the 'sewing = sexist' trope. Yes, embroidery was very much a women's pasttime, but it wasn't the oppresive hobby it is always depicted to be. First off, women were allowed in many activities considered 'manly', such as hunting, while many men were tailors. I even know of a fair few paintings from the exact era in Spainish history of men cutting fabric. In fact, this novel even features a male tailor - so why it has to show sewing as a symbol of oppresion, I do not know.
Finally, I am just super annoyed that this book mistook Michelangelo for being older than Leonardo da Vinci. If you're going to mention these icons, please, get the timeline right. It hurts my soul not to.
Despite the rant, I really enjoyed this story, and any looking for a good Jewish historical fiction that is not about WWII will enjoy this, or any looking for a proper historical fiction that doesn't feel the need to dumb history down for its audience.
Content Warnings Antisemitism, child marriage, violence/burning, attempted rape, mentions of prostution, torture (somewhat graphic - inc waterboarding). I would say 16+ at minimum due to the nature of the content and explicitness.
February 4, 2021
Set in 1481 Spain at the height of the Spanish Inquisition, this book is written for 12 year-olds (grade 7) and up. It's a love story, a tale of friendship and disappointment, and fiction set in Trujillo as Torquemada leads the church toward intolerance. This period in Spain is full of intolerance particularly against Jewish converts to Christianity who are still practicing Jewish rituals and rites. It's also a period of persecution of Muslims who have converted. Scenes of the Auto-de-fe and torture are graphic and recounted more than once.
"The Poetry of Secrets" is falls squarely in the fiction camp.
The story's basic outline is fine, although the author stretches the reader's belief that teenage girls would have the freedom of the city without supervision. She also skirts over the fact the Jews weren't able to travel freely or easily to most places in Europe or throughout the Mediterranean basin.
I'm giving this a 3.5 for anachronism and historic imprecision. While the author states in the afterword that she moved the date for Easter Massacre in Rossio Square in Lisbon (Portugal) from 1508 to 1482. In addition, she has a character early suggest they could escape to the New World. Unfortunately, the New World wasn't "discovered" until 1492, 11 years after the book was set. It's one thing to adjust a timeline, it's another to be historically incorrect. From then on, I questioned the author's grasp of Jewish history.
The list of "further reading" is useful for readers who want to learn more about the period.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
"The Poetry of Secrets" is falls squarely in the fiction camp.
The story's basic outline is fine, although the author stretches the reader's belief that teenage girls would have the freedom of the city without supervision. She also skirts over the fact the Jews weren't able to travel freely or easily to most places in Europe or throughout the Mediterranean basin.
I'm giving this a 3.5 for anachronism and historic imprecision. While the author states in the afterword that she moved the date for Easter Massacre in Rossio Square in Lisbon (Portugal) from 1508 to 1482. In addition, she has a character early suggest they could escape to the New World. Unfortunately, the New World wasn't "discovered" until 1492, 11 years after the book was set. It's one thing to adjust a timeline, it's another to be historically incorrect. From then on, I questioned the author's grasp of Jewish history.
The list of "further reading" is useful for readers who want to learn more about the period.
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
February 2, 2021
Poetry of Secrets was so thought provoking and I loved it! It was such an emotional rollercoaster and there was such a good discussion on faith.
It follows the story of Isabel, a young woman from a family of conversos, Jews forced to convert to Catholicism. Isabel was such a relatable character and I really enjoyed her growth. I loved the character depth in this story, especially the family dynamics. There was a lot of growth throughout the novel and it had a very consistent pace.
Cambria Gordon did an amazing job bringing this important piece of history to life. You can tell that there was a lot of research put in to this book and it really paid off!
The only thing I would note is that it took me a while to get into the story and at times there were info dumps, but once I got into the story, I could not put it down!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking to learn more about the Spanish Inquisition. If you’re looking for a story of hidden identities, forbidden romance, and set in a historical background, this book is for you!
Thank you so much to the Book Terminal for including me on this tour and providing me with an arc to review! All thoughts are my own and my review is honest and unbiased.
It follows the story of Isabel, a young woman from a family of conversos, Jews forced to convert to Catholicism. Isabel was such a relatable character and I really enjoyed her growth. I loved the character depth in this story, especially the family dynamics. There was a lot of growth throughout the novel and it had a very consistent pace.
Cambria Gordon did an amazing job bringing this important piece of history to life. You can tell that there was a lot of research put in to this book and it really paid off!
The only thing I would note is that it took me a while to get into the story and at times there were info dumps, but once I got into the story, I could not put it down!
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking to learn more about the Spanish Inquisition. If you’re looking for a story of hidden identities, forbidden romance, and set in a historical background, this book is for you!
Thank you so much to the Book Terminal for including me on this tour and providing me with an arc to review! All thoughts are my own and my review is honest and unbiased.
December 27, 2022
A forbidden romance, a secret religion and artistic ambition breathe life into the simmering tensions of the Spanish Inquisition in this YA novel.
Isabel's father has outlined her future: marry a wealthy, older man to gain security, while leaving behind the Jewish faith her family secretly practices. But when a Spanish Inquisitor comes to town, Isabel's intended husband takes a leading role in the proceedings, increasing her dislike of him. Meanwhile, Isabel meets a fascinating, young nobleman who dreams of being a painter, the perfect companion to her dreams of being a Jewish poetess. Isabel can't seem to stop herself from sneaking out to meet him, despite the danger it brings to her family.
Isabel's a champion of many things: women's right to an education, her Jewish faith and her right to find happiness. Despite the many challenges thrown her way, she fights to find a way to save both her family and her love. She's a fun feisty heroine. While I didn't connect with these characters as much as some others, the setting captivated me. The author breathes life a little-known time period and social structure.
A fascinating peek into Inquisition-era Spain and the persecution various people faced.
Isabel's father has outlined her future: marry a wealthy, older man to gain security, while leaving behind the Jewish faith her family secretly practices. But when a Spanish Inquisitor comes to town, Isabel's intended husband takes a leading role in the proceedings, increasing her dislike of him. Meanwhile, Isabel meets a fascinating, young nobleman who dreams of being a painter, the perfect companion to her dreams of being a Jewish poetess. Isabel can't seem to stop herself from sneaking out to meet him, despite the danger it brings to her family.
Isabel's a champion of many things: women's right to an education, her Jewish faith and her right to find happiness. Despite the many challenges thrown her way, she fights to find a way to save both her family and her love. She's a fun feisty heroine. While I didn't connect with these characters as much as some others, the setting captivated me. The author breathes life a little-known time period and social structure.
A fascinating peek into Inquisition-era Spain and the persecution various people faced.
January 17, 2022
The cover is exquisite and drew me in first, but I soon found myself experiencing the Spanish Inquisition though the eyes of sixteen-year-old Isabel (Eva). Her family members are conversos--people who converted to the Catholic faith, but secretly still practice their Jewish customs.
The other secret is Isabel's desire to be with Diego, from an aristocratic Catholic family, but who desires to be an artist, even though she's betrothed to an "old Christian" man, a community leader who can help protect her family from the inquisitors.
I've read how conversos were rooted out by their family and friends for not lighting fires on the Sabbath, etc., but this story gives goes beyond, and gives details about the actual trauma of enduring the Inquisition.
While I appreciated that the author shows the religious fervor of the Christians and the conversos in the story, I wonder how students will react to this information.
In our various travels all around Spain, we've seen the imprint various cultures have made on this beautiful and mystical country. This book transported me back in time to when these cultures were clashing.
The other secret is Isabel's desire to be with Diego, from an aristocratic Catholic family, but who desires to be an artist, even though she's betrothed to an "old Christian" man, a community leader who can help protect her family from the inquisitors.
I've read how conversos were rooted out by their family and friends for not lighting fires on the Sabbath, etc., but this story gives goes beyond, and gives details about the actual trauma of enduring the Inquisition.
While I appreciated that the author shows the religious fervor of the Christians and the conversos in the story, I wonder how students will react to this information.
In our various travels all around Spain, we've seen the imprint various cultures have made on this beautiful and mystical country. This book transported me back in time to when these cultures were clashing.
May 6, 2024
Cambria Gordon has succeeded in a most difficult endeavor of historical fiction: making the characters relatable within the reality of a time in which the author did not live. It is a painstaking process to gather the literature, walk the pavements, and eat the foods that lend authenticity to the story and the voice. The Poetry of Secrets is an excellent example of this being done successfully and creatively.
I'm also pleased that Poetry offers readers a slice of great Sephardic and Mizrachi literature that is grossly underrepresented in bookstores, classrooms, and libraries. While every year on Tisha B'av Jews are reminded that there is an uninterrupted narrative of persecution throughout history, rarely are those narratives of brown and Black Jews in places like Portugal, Spain, Iraq, or Ethiopia included in print, film, or drama. Speaking of film...I'd love to see Poetry on the big screen. Beauty Queen of Jerusalem was a rare glimpse into Sephardic life. Perhaps its success portends well for literature like Poetry of Secrets.
I'm also pleased that Poetry offers readers a slice of great Sephardic and Mizrachi literature that is grossly underrepresented in bookstores, classrooms, and libraries. While every year on Tisha B'av Jews are reminded that there is an uninterrupted narrative of persecution throughout history, rarely are those narratives of brown and Black Jews in places like Portugal, Spain, Iraq, or Ethiopia included in print, film, or drama. Speaking of film...I'd love to see Poetry on the big screen. Beauty Queen of Jerusalem was a rare glimpse into Sephardic life. Perhaps its success portends well for literature like Poetry of Secrets.
March 21, 2021
The Poetry of Secrets
The best books are the ones that make you forget you're reading and just sweep you up for the ride. I didn't know much about the Spanish Inquisition, and what I did know, was really bleak. What makes this story special is experiencing 1492 Spain through the eyes of 16 year-old Isabel who is an impulsive, creative, curious character and one who has secrets that could cost her her life. The stakes are high. The drama is intense. The love story is romantic. The conflicts at home and the danger outside her family's front door drive Isabel to take huge risks to help others and to find her one true love. This story is satisfying and interesting. More than that, it reminds the reader that being "the other" in any society comes at a high price.
The best books are the ones that make you forget you're reading and just sweep you up for the ride. I didn't know much about the Spanish Inquisition, and what I did know, was really bleak. What makes this story special is experiencing 1492 Spain through the eyes of 16 year-old Isabel who is an impulsive, creative, curious character and one who has secrets that could cost her her life. The stakes are high. The drama is intense. The love story is romantic. The conflicts at home and the danger outside her family's front door drive Isabel to take huge risks to help others and to find her one true love. This story is satisfying and interesting. More than that, it reminds the reader that being "the other" in any society comes at a high price.
January 31, 2021
The Poetry of Secrets is lyrical historical romance, that was beautifully written and a pleasure to read. I loved reading Isabel's journey, and that the author chose to write about a time period not commonly seen in the YA genre. I can’t imagine how much research went into this novel but it definitely paid off!
Although it was beautifully written and the story interesting, it did take me a few chapters to get truly interested in the story but I am glad I stuck with it. That being said, I do think those who enjoy a good historical book will find this one compelling and unique. Having a feminist poet as the main character was definitely what drew me in and I think many who pick this one up will find themselves swept up as I did.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Book Terminal Tours, & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Although it was beautifully written and the story interesting, it did take me a few chapters to get truly interested in the story but I am glad I stuck with it. That being said, I do think those who enjoy a good historical book will find this one compelling and unique. Having a feminist poet as the main character was definitely what drew me in and I think many who pick this one up will find themselves swept up as I did.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Book Terminal Tours, & the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
November 22, 2025DNF
Opens in 1481 with the main charger sitting on a bench writing poetry. An older couple comes by to comment on how terrible it is that she can write. However, it’s just over the top cruel. The older woman has “swollen nostrils” “unlike Isabel, she smelled foul.” And it’s just annoying that there is the old two typical “ shouldn’t you be at home being a female“ with an angry loud retort of “well, this young lady thinks there’s more to life than embroidery gossipy and chewing búcaro!“
And then, literally within two sentences a “handsome stranger” walks past in the main character, leaves the older couple and runs after the stranger, already instantly in love with him.
Just literally too much for me as this all takes places within like literally first five paragraphs of the book.
Opens in 1481 with the main charger sitting on a bench writing poetry. An older couple comes by to comment on how terrible it is that she can write. However, it’s just over the top cruel. The older woman has “swollen nostrils” “unlike Isabel, she smelled foul.” And it’s just annoying that there is the old two typical “ shouldn’t you be at home being a female“ with an angry loud retort of “well, this young lady thinks there’s more to life than embroidery gossipy and chewing búcaro!“
And then, literally within two sentences a “handsome stranger” walks past in the main character, leaves the older couple and runs after the stranger, already instantly in love with him.
Just literally too much for me as this all takes places within like literally first five paragraphs of the book.
April 1, 2021
A beautiful and personal way to learn about the Spanish Inquisition, a period that is often glossed over in history lessons. As a librarian, this is a story I definitely want on my shelves. Isabel Perez's passion for education and poetry and art and...Diego...clashes with her love for her family and her desire to protect them, as still-practicing Jews during a time when it was it was forbidden. A budding romance with details tame enough for young teens, keeps readers turning the page, while well-researched details of the era make the world feel tangible. Highly recommended for both teens and adults.
August 26, 2021
Secrets also play a role in “The Poetry of Secrets” by Cambria Gordon (Scholastic Press). Isabel Perez’s family secret is revealed by the second chapter: while her family acts Christian in public, they still practice their Judaism, although only in secret. The novel begins before the expulsion of the Jews from Spain. However, the Inquisition is already punishing New Christians for Judaizing – for not eating pork, for lighting candles on Friday night, for not working on Saturdays or for practicing any Jewish ritual.
https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
https://www.thereportergroup.org/past...
February 2, 2021
It's a thought provoking book with emotional rollercoaster involving various religious elements. The story revolves around Isabel , a young women from a family of conversos , Jews forced to convert to Catholicism. Story is explained in detail. Character development is great. Fast paced. Lucid writing style. Overall liked the book!! Recommended to the fans of Ruta Sepetys and Elizabeth Wein and also who loves reading a book with
hidden identities and forbidden love.
hidden identities and forbidden love.
February 11, 2022
I’m watching Call the Midwives and Sister Monica Jones speaks in poetic verse. It is beautiful to hear. So when Eva writes, the language of the words paint pictures, written and spoken. I admire that, it’s a talent I do not have. And just how long did the Spanish Inquisition last? Wow! I thought a decade, maybe. What a surprise, 300 + years!!! And I’ll never understand religious persecution. But I do believe God wins.
July 18, 2021
Took me a long time to get into the book, but by the end I was hooked. Self harm, religious persecution, torture, destiny vs free will, identity, self acceptance, family, romance. . .
I like how it was brought forward through time at the end.
According to the author's note dates have been fudged to help the story.
I like how it was brought forward through time at the end.
According to the author's note dates have been fudged to help the story.
January 21, 2022
I think it's pretty unrealistic that the Cohen boy would have given her a Talmud to carry away given that 1) women aren't meant to study the Talmud and 2) that particular Talmud belongs to whole community. I also have a hard time believing that a bunch of thugs would have attacked the Count's only son without fearing serious reprisals.
July 31, 2023
A Richly Rendered Experience
I’ve read many novels that take place during the Spanish Inquisition told from the perspective of Conversos. This one is impressive and definitely among the best. Cambria Gordon masterfully weaves a journey that serves up an excellent balance of history, suspense, philosophy, romance, and setting.
I’ve read many novels that take place during the Spanish Inquisition told from the perspective of Conversos. This one is impressive and definitely among the best. Cambria Gordon masterfully weaves a journey that serves up an excellent balance of history, suspense, philosophy, romance, and setting.
June 30, 2025
It was so fascinating and heartbreaking to read about the Inquisition through the eyes and experience of a 16 year old girl. It opened my eyes to the horrors of it all but also the incredible resilience of the Jewish people. It’s books like these that are so incredibly important to read because, “history is bound to repeat itself unless we learn from our mistakes.”
March 4, 2021
Really great for adults, and kids. The writing is so beautiful - not only does the author make you want know Isabel and Diego, it makes you want to travel to Trujillo and learn more about this time. Tragic and uplifting at the same time....that’s true writing talent!
May 1, 2021
Really enjoyed this historical fiction novel even though it was a young adult novel. I was fairly ignorant of the Spanish Inquisition and how it affected the Jewish community. I learned how Conversos (Crypos Jews, New Christians, Marranos) hid their Jewish identity and the fear they experienced.
June 9, 2025
An interesting angle to tell the story of the Spanish Inquisition from. I was not a huge fan of the various narration snippets throughout the book. To me, it created a more fractured reading experience. However, I did appreciate the historical research and detail woven through the tale.
June 21, 2025
i honestly forgot which day i finished this book…i’ve got to get updating my goodreads more regularly lol. anyways 3.75 stars, a breath of fresh air in historical fiction for something NOT to be set in the 20th century.
February 27, 2021
This is an historical journey with heart from the perspective of a girl and boy with secrets and responsibilities beyond their years. Thank you Goodreads and Scholastic Press for the ARC.
March 16, 2021
This book was a wonderful mixture of history, travel, food, art and love. I would recommend it to all my friends!
May 2, 2021
An excellent tale of devotion and perseverance through history.
Read
July 11, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Self harm
Alcohol consumption
Physical injuries
Torture
Knife violence
Immolation
Self harm
Alcohol consumption
Physical injuries
Torture
Knife violence
Immolation
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews