Expulsion: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition

by Sherry V. Ostroff

Basseva Seneor has choices, but none are good. She can choose baptism to save herself from the brutality of the Inquisition. But that means giving up the man she loves. Or she can leave her homeland and never see her family again. In medieval Spain, after the Edict of Expulsion was signed into law in March 1492, there were few options for a Jew.

As the daughter of a powerful man who wielded much influence with Ferdinand and Isabella, Basseva thought she was safe. But without warning, she is arrested, accused of a capital offense, and is thrust into a terrifying world of lies, bigotry, torture, and execution.

Expulsion is an historical novel about the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition, the injustice of the Edict of Expulsion, and one woman's brave attempt to survive them both.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Spain, Fiction

253 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2022

About the author

Sherry V. Ostroff earned a Bachelor's in education from Temple University and a Master's in history from Millersville University. She taught all levels: elementary, secondary and college. Ostroff happily devotes time to her writing, her family, and traveling around the world. She lives with her high school sweetheart in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

The author's first book is THE LUCKY ONE. It is based on her mother's memoir detailing her frightening escape from Eastern Europe in the 1920's. It is available as an e-book and paperback. THE LUCKY ONE placed in the top 20 Indie Book category for 2017.
Her second book, CALEDONIA, the winner of 3 awards including finalist in the Chanticleer International Awards, is an historical novel about two women living 300 years apart but are bound by mysterious circumstances. Set in Scotland and Central America the story includes romance, adventure, and mystery.
MANNAHATTA, the Sequel, continues the story of these two strong women is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree and a Shelf Unbound 2021 Top 100 Notable.
EXPULSION, an historical novel of the Spanish Inquisition and the Expulsion of 1492 s is the winner of the B.R.A.G. Medallion and Literary Titan Five Star.
THE WALL AT THE SUGAR FACTORY, finalist in the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards, is the author's latest book: MIdwest Book Reviews, "...a thought-provoking, powerful novel of survival and social change...." Reader's Favorite, "...an exceptional book, an amazing story...."
A fifth historical novel is in the works - REMEMBER ME NOT.
Ostroff offers PowerPoint programs (in-person or zoom) for each of her books. She also meets/zooms with book clubs.
Visit the author's website at sherryvostroff.com.

Reviews

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some families can trace their lineage to the Iberian Peninsula as far back as 70 CE. To say that Jews have solid roots in that part of the world is putting it mildly. During the 10th and 11th centuries, the so-called Golden Age saw the Jewish community flourish, even after the Muslim invasions. Philosophers, intellectuals, artists, and poets thrived in this—mostly—tolerant culture. When the caliphate began to dissolve, the situation for the Jews became precarious. The Berbers gained control when, in 1090, a sect of puritan Muslims invaded the land. This group was followed by the Almohads, an even more puritanical faction. Under their rule, Jews left the territory in search of freedom. They fled to the Christian kingdoms; however under the Catholic Church, Jews were barely tolerated. Their minimal protection was mostly for the services they provided. They were a necessary evil, in the eyes of the Catholic majority. The Massacre of 1391 was a harsh warning of what was to come. The Reconquista set out to purify the land of Moors and Jews alike and to unify the Christian kingdoms once and for all. The Alhambra Decree in 1492—the very year that Cristóbal Colón set out to the New World—required that the entire Jewish community convert or leave the land. The limpieza de sangre (the blood cleansing), which the monarchs of Spain sponsored and endorsed, saw approximately 200,000 people expelled from their homeland and a staggering number of innocents tortured or burned at the stake. Isabella and Ferdinand’s reign of terror saw the end to the Golden Age.

Author Sherry Ostroff brings us the story of Basseva Seneor, a pampered girl at the cusp of womanhood. She is the product of a well-established and prosperous home—a loving home. Her family have lived in Spain for generations. Her father’s career at court has risen to heights unheard of in England, France, or Germany—for a Jew. Basseva is promised in marriage; and lucky for her, she is happy with her father’s choice. Her life seems idyllic, her future is secured…that is, until the wrath and ignorance of those in power seek to destroy her family and community at large. In the name of their savior, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand allow the Inquisition to unfold; and just like that, centuries of culture, beauty, and wisdom are washed away in Jewish blood. Tolerance and fellowship are reduced to ashes with the sanctioned auto-da-fé. It is here, at the center of inexplicable evil, that Basseva is tested. It is here, when Basseva truly becomes a woman. Only her courage—and her will to live—shall prove her true mettle.

The author’s brilliant research into the subject matter, along with her commendable skills for prose, provides readers with a story that explodes with imagery and ambience. "Expulsion" speaks to a defining moment not only in Judaic history, but for the world at large. Ostroff relates a brutal, yet poignant narrative; one that is rich in traditions and culture—one that must be told.

[Kyra Robinov · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's such a pleasure to read about history in a way that is informative and enjoyable at the same time. And when you have such a masterful storyteller, it's easy to lose yourself in the story and hate for it to end. Once again, Ostroff transports the reader to a fascinating time and place, bringing history alive through the eyes of the book’s courageous and relatable heroine. I can't wait for her next book!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spanish Inquisition is in full force, with life becoming more difficult for those not of the Catholic faith. Basseva, her sister, father, and the rest of her loved ones are a proud Jewish family, trying their best to live their life and hold on to their faith. Everything is going well until the Edict of Expulsion was signed into law.

Expulsion: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition tells the tale of a Jewish family who grapple with converting to Catholicism. They are initially resistant, but when a loved one’s life is at risk, what choice do you have?

Author Sherry V. Ostroff has delivered a gut-wrenching look into the horrors that took place during the Spanish Inquisition. While this is a mostly fictional account, the author gives readers a peak into this turbulent moment in history. By focusing on Basseva and her immediate family, rather than the historical event, readers get an intimate look at what it may have been like for those actually experiencing such tragedy.

The novel starts with the mention of a woman’s scream, so you are on the edge of your seat from the very beginning. When the story shifts into what seems more like a domestic tale, it feels like the worst is over. By focusing on Basseva’s upcoming wedding to Samuel and the rest of her family, the reader is lulled into a sense of relief, until Basseva is taken by the Inquisition. This reveals a larger plot that had been brewing behind the scenes all along.

Expulsion: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition is a riveting period piece that details the horrors of the Spanish Inquisition through a personal lens. If you’re a reader who enjoys well researched historical fiction novels then you’ll certainly enjoy Sherry V. Ostroff’s novel. But even if historical fiction isn’t your forte, you’ll easily find yourself drawn in by the compelling characters and their emotionally-resonant journeys. Expulsion is a spellbinding and sophisticat

[Merrilyn Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXPULSION: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition by Sherry V Ostroff

I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) in exchange for an honest review of Sherry Otroff's latest novel, Expulsion.

I knew nothing about the Spanish Inquisition before reading Explusion. The author has written in such a descriptive style that I was transported to the time and place and would have been able to recognised the characters and the location.
The book discusses the conflicts which arise when religions clash and one seeks to take power and eliminate another. In this case the Catholic Church trying to eliminate members of the Jewish community, even those Jewish members who had previously had favour with the monarchy.
Friends and colleagues are in a fight for survival and are turned against each other in the attempt to survive the attrocities perpetrated by those in power.
As the Jews are forced to flee for their survival, their property is sold for a pittance and they seek to restablish without the trappings of their previous life.
I can highly recommend Expulsion as a must read historical novel that is so well written. Facts from that period are woven into the story of the characters.
Five stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel! The author has masterfully embedded historical events and characters in a story showing the repercussions of the Spanish Inquisition atrocities on psychological and religious levels affecting two Jewish families.
Expulsion (leave Spain and your wealth), or conversion to Catholicism (and keep your privileges)? Inquisitors won't hesitate to torture your (young and wealthy) daughter/son to help you decide... I found very interesting to psychologically follow these two families in their decision making. Decisions which will bear consequences to the future generations of Jewish communities throughout the world. An emotional history lesson I learned/read in two goes!
Highly recommended!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't remember much about the Spanish Inquisition from school, but knowing how much research the author does to write her books, I am truly amazed how the Jewish people were treated. The expulsion of the Jews is an atrocity. This story revolves around the character, Besseva Seneor. Her life was good before the edict, the Expulsion of all the Jews in Spain, but now she and her family must make a choice to convert or lose everything. Powerful story.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Aleasha Coburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did not disappoint. I received An ACR copy of the book and I was immediately drawn into the story and could not put it down. I felt the frustration, pain, and fear that the lead character had. It is a good book that when you read the word you envision them in your mind like you are a personal witness to the story!

[Kim Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellant historical fiction book.

[Maryanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of Sherry's advanced readers I had the good fortune to read this book already!! Just like Sherry's 2 other historical novels, I enjoyed this very much! The story has good strong characters and a good storyline. Sherry's description of Inquisition interrogations was bone chilling to say the least!!! The story grabbed me and wouldn't let go until the very last word!

I highly recommend this book.......I think everyone will enjoy it!! 😊

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basseva is promised in marriage, she is happy with her father’s choice. Her life is idyllic, her future is secure. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand allow the Inquisition to unfold; and just like that, centuries of culture, beauty, and wisdom are washed away in Jewish blood. Amazing book.

[Heidi Slowinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The much anticipated new release from Sherry V. Ostroff is here! And it is everything I hoped it would be.

Ostroff sets her newest historical fiction work at a perilous time in Jewish history, the Spanish Inquisition. Like her previous works, this story is impeccably well-researched. Ostroff subtly historical details, adding intricacies to the writing, painting a vivid picture of the time period.

True to Ostroff’s past historical heroines, Basseva is a strong-willed, forward thinking young woman who was raised in an influential family. As a result, she enjoyed freedoms other members of the Jewish community did not in the kingdom of Ferdinand and Isabella. But as pressures increase in the Christian court, Basseva is faced with difficult choices.

Ostroff does a wonderful job of exploring the difficulties of maintaining religious belief and ritual practice at an incredibly dangerous time in Jewish history. You’re not going to want to miss this story.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Moving Yet Different Story

I very much enjoyed this book. However, I never expected the ending being what it was from reading previous books about Jews and the Spanish Inquisition. I loved it!

My only "gripes", though minor and not things affecting the story itself were two things referenced. My first gripe is with describing a stew with beans for the Sabbath - this, I know it reference and it would never be found in a Sephardic Jew's home. My second gripe is the mention of Kol Nidrei - the reason for this is that the prayer was written roughly during the time of this story and was not part of the Yom Kippur liturgy. However, given this is historical fiction with a wide audience, these gripes are very minor. And as I said, these things don't affect the story one bit

I highly recommend this book for its fresh take on Jews during the Spanish Inquisition - a story that a person usually doesn't hear!

[Yamuna]

I was given an ARC of Expulsion: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition by Sherry V Ostroff in exchange for an honest review. Here it is!

It is difficult to ‘like’ a book that is about the poor treatment of a group of people just because they are Jewish - but like the book, I did.

It was detailed enough to make me feel like I was there, while at the same time not being so graphic that I didn’t want to keep reading. The descriptions of the people - rich, poor, in business, in the kitchen, in the marketplace seemed to make them jump out of the pages and say hello. I felt like I got to walk around the house and the market, as well as the prison and I could ’see it’ in my mind’s eye.

The characters were engaging and the story was believable. I found myself not wanting to stop reading because I needed to know what happened next. I enjoyed this book very much and I hope you will, too.

[Eliana Tobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply well researched and moving story filled with drama and tension. Expulsion brings to life experiences of those who lived in Spain during the time when the New World was 'discovered'. The novel chronicles the catastrophic events and horrific violence that befell the Jewish population even when they had been living in the country for centuries and contributed much to Spanish society. Ostroff vividly portrays the many difficult challenges characters face and the choices they are forced to make, to save themselves. The book is politically pertinent today and readers will be left thinking about the difficult moral choices people have to make when they are facing situations where their governments are creating utter mayhem.

[Susan Weintrob · Rating 5 out of 5]

In mixing fiction and fact, Sherry Ostroff gives us the breadth and the details of the Spanish Inquisition, the fear, the betrayals, the mercilessness and the ruthlessness of the agents of the Catholic Church and the monarchy. She also gives us the beauty and happiness of the lives Jews had enjoyed in Spain for more than 1,000 years.
The Expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 had its roots in the defeat of the Moors and the total Christianization of Spain and its ripples lasted 500 years. Sherry’s focus on the months before the expulsion reveal the tension, the disruption, the fear and the horror. You will be drawn into the fabric of history of this era, fraught with danger, impossible decisions and heartbreak.

[Ruby 18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another riveting book by author Sherry V. Ostroff. This latest book takes the reader back to the time of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. She masterfully integrates the history of the Spanish Inquisition with a story about two Jewish families with strong characters, their different decisions and how they fared before, during and after the Edict of Expulsion. The story is based on real life historical events which were extensively researched by the author, including sections of the book that are difficult to read but necessary that it be included as part of history. Expulsion gives readers a sense of what it must have been and felt like being Jewish or a Converso during those horrific times. Well Researched History of the Spanish Inquisition and the Edict of Expulsion. An excellent read.

[Angela Bigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling novel kept me turning the pages past my bedtime. Expulsion is a blend of the true historical events of the Spanish Inquisition and well-crafted characters/scenes that come to life on the page. It was easy to become immersed in this book. I felt I was walking alongside the main character, Basseva, as she navigated the incredible challenges she, her family, and Jewish people faced.

Sherry Ostroff brings thorough research to the subject, honoring the truth of this revolting time in our world history. I am thankful to be more informed and look forward to more work from her.

[Janet McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

The Spanish Inquisition was a plan to rid the country of Jews. The strong central character of the story is a Jew promised to another Jew. They are to be married in a short time. Both fathers are highly respected in the community and even the king and queen. They are pushed to convert to Christianity which they do not want to do. The daughter is arrested and sent to the horrible jail.

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in 1492 and is based on real people. Learned about the Spanish Inquisition and how the Jews have been on the move since OT times. The "Church" was the cause of a lot of suffering, maybe it is today too. The quote in the Epilogue... the Jews are welcome when a ruler wants an educated merchant class to improve the country's wealth. But after that is accomplished the rulers become ignorance and greedly and the Jews are forced to leave.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that EXPULSION: A Novel of the Spanish Inquisition has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.

[Kearstin Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audio

The Spanish Inquisition was in full affect and people were forced to covert religions.

One girl acted on the way of Jews and was sent to a cell where she withered and when she got out was extremely ill and weak.

Force, pain, and overcoming all encompass this book

I enjoyed it very much

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I put off reading this book for over a year. It was well-written, and you can tell well researched as well. For anyone interested in stories about The Spanish Inquisition I recommend this book.

[Ann Stolinsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ostroff's beautiful prose brought the Spanish Inquisition to life for me. I highly recommend this novel.