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Prisoner of the Inquisition
Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege. Indulged by her parents, she is free to spend her days as she pleases, enjoying herself in the company of an eligible young nobleman, horse riding, or leisurely studying the arts.
Saulo, son of a family reduced by circumstances to begging, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and dealt with in the most horrifying way. Hauled off to be a slave at sea and pursued by pirates he encounters the ambitious mariner explorer, Christopher Columbus. Throughout his hardships Saulo is determined to survive - for he has sworn vengeance on the magistrate and his family.
As Zarita's life also undergoes harsh changes the formidable and frightening Inquisition arrives in the area, bringing menacing shadows of suspicion with acts of cruel brutality - and ultimately, amid the intrigues of the court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in the splendid Moorish city of Grenada, betrayal and revenge...
Saulo, son of a family reduced by circumstances to begging, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and dealt with in the most horrifying way. Hauled off to be a slave at sea and pursued by pirates he encounters the ambitious mariner explorer, Christopher Columbus. Throughout his hardships Saulo is determined to survive - for he has sworn vengeance on the magistrate and his family.
As Zarita's life also undergoes harsh changes the formidable and frightening Inquisition arrives in the area, bringing menacing shadows of suspicion with acts of cruel brutality - and ultimately, amid the intrigues of the court of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand in the splendid Moorish city of Grenada, betrayal and revenge...
307 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2010
13 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Theresa Breslin
90 books96 followersTheresa Breslin is a Scottish author of over 50 books, known for her contributions to children's and young adult literature. She won the Carnegie Medal in 1994 for Whispers in the Graveyard, which tells the story of a dyslexic boy overcoming personal struggles. Born and raised in Kirkintilloch, Scotland, she started writing as a teenager and later worked as a librarian before becoming a full-time author.
Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.
Her works often explore historical and social themes, as seen in Divided City (2005), which addresses sectarianism in Glasgow, and The Medici Seal (2006), a historical novel featuring Leonardo da Vinci. Her book Prisoner of the Inquisition (2010) was shortlisted for another Carnegie Medal.
Breslin has received numerous accolades, including the Scottish Book Trust's Outstanding Achievement Award and an Honorary Fellowship from the Association for Scottish Literary Studies. In 2019, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 19, 2011
I really enjoyed this one. I reccomend it to anyone that is a fan of the genre, it was a good book. I like how the narration was told from two totally different people, from totally different backrounds. A good read, I read it in a couple of days.
July 17, 2010
~review written for the Guardian 2010 Young Critics award~
The Prisoner Of The Inquisition is a powerful historical fiction novel. It tells the remarkable adventures of Zarita and Saulo, switching between their narratives as the chapters change.
Within the first few pages the action begins. Zarita has made a strong claim that she was assaulted. When she discovers the consequences, she regrets it all. Meanwhile, the Holy Inquisition is arriving any day—and it seems like Zarita’s family have something to hide.
Zarita is tossed into a world of religious confusion, clashing relationships, and first love. She exits to a nunnery, feeling confused and unloved.
As this is happening, Saulo is having adventures on the wild sea. He works hard, determined to earn some money before returning to Las Conchas to avenge his father’s death. Sailing the ocean, Saulo is more or less oblivious to the political havoc in Spain.
When, by a mysterious turn of events, Saulo and Zarita meet at the Queen’s palace, they fall in love against the background of political and religious upheaval.
Revenge ensues.
Finally, tragedy strikes and bravery emanates.
I found this book beautiful and touching. The characters leapt off the page and I was lost in the beautifully written prose
The Prisoner Of The Inquisition is a powerful historical fiction novel. It tells the remarkable adventures of Zarita and Saulo, switching between their narratives as the chapters change.
Within the first few pages the action begins. Zarita has made a strong claim that she was assaulted. When she discovers the consequences, she regrets it all. Meanwhile, the Holy Inquisition is arriving any day—and it seems like Zarita’s family have something to hide.
Zarita is tossed into a world of religious confusion, clashing relationships, and first love. She exits to a nunnery, feeling confused and unloved.
As this is happening, Saulo is having adventures on the wild sea. He works hard, determined to earn some money before returning to Las Conchas to avenge his father’s death. Sailing the ocean, Saulo is more or less oblivious to the political havoc in Spain.
When, by a mysterious turn of events, Saulo and Zarita meet at the Queen’s palace, they fall in love against the background of political and religious upheaval.
Revenge ensues.
Finally, tragedy strikes and bravery emanates.
I found this book beautiful and touching. The characters leapt off the page and I was lost in the beautifully written prose
September 20, 2010
Prisoner of the Inquisition confirms my suspicions that Theresa Breslin is a superb writer of historical young adult fiction. She weaves a tale that has you hanging on the characters’ every word, every pause for thought. Breslin has a gift to make you feel like you lived in times gone past. It is quite remarkable. Thankfully, I live in the twenty-first century and not in fifteenth century Spain though because the atrocities that Breslin describes are unbearably dark.
Zarita is young naive girl at the beginning of the story. Her head is turned by the handsome nobleman Ramon Salazar. She rushes to the church to pray for her mother who is experiencing a difficult childbirth. Whilst she is in the church, she is approached by a beggar. The poor man’s wife is slowly dying and he has no money to buy medicine or feed his child. The man reaches out to Zarita. In her shock and embarrassment she cries that he touched her. Ramon Salazar who was waiting outside the church chases down the beggar man and with the help of two soldiers drags him to the home of the magistrate (Zarita’s father). He condemns the beggar to death and the man is hanged. Unbeknown to everyone the scene has unfolded before the eyes of the beggar man’s son – Saulo. In his anger he steps forth and challenges the magistrate. The magistrate condemns him to death too but Zarita begs for his life and the magistrate spares him. He orders the soldiers to give him over as a slave on a boat and thus Saulo begins a hard life at sea.
Saulo spends his days planning his revenge on the magistrate and his family. He knows that his father never harmed the girl (Zarita) and he will have his vengeance. Aboard the ship he finds comfort from one of the free man who row for the Captain Cosimo. Lomas helps to keep Saulo safe from the less honourable men who sail with them. Saulo also bonds with the Captain and finds out that he has a natural aptitude for sailing. Meanwhile, back in the Spanish town where Zarita lives the inquisition have arrived and are only too happy to seek out heretics and the devil’s work.
As the novel builds both Zarita and Saulo have to confront their mistakes, their guilt and their losses. The story is told from their alternating points of view and as the reader you feel affection for both characters. The plot is well-crafted and expertly paced with tension rising as the purposes of the inquisition come to light. The setting of fifteenth century Spain and life on board a trading ship are vividly described and compelling.
Prisoner of the Inquisition explores themes that relate to the heart of what it is to be human: beliefs, anger, forgiveness, compassion, love. It was a novel that swept me away into its historical period and enveloped me in the need for the characters to find atonement. I loved it!
Zarita is young naive girl at the beginning of the story. Her head is turned by the handsome nobleman Ramon Salazar. She rushes to the church to pray for her mother who is experiencing a difficult childbirth. Whilst she is in the church, she is approached by a beggar. The poor man’s wife is slowly dying and he has no money to buy medicine or feed his child. The man reaches out to Zarita. In her shock and embarrassment she cries that he touched her. Ramon Salazar who was waiting outside the church chases down the beggar man and with the help of two soldiers drags him to the home of the magistrate (Zarita’s father). He condemns the beggar to death and the man is hanged. Unbeknown to everyone the scene has unfolded before the eyes of the beggar man’s son – Saulo. In his anger he steps forth and challenges the magistrate. The magistrate condemns him to death too but Zarita begs for his life and the magistrate spares him. He orders the soldiers to give him over as a slave on a boat and thus Saulo begins a hard life at sea.
Saulo spends his days planning his revenge on the magistrate and his family. He knows that his father never harmed the girl (Zarita) and he will have his vengeance. Aboard the ship he finds comfort from one of the free man who row for the Captain Cosimo. Lomas helps to keep Saulo safe from the less honourable men who sail with them. Saulo also bonds with the Captain and finds out that he has a natural aptitude for sailing. Meanwhile, back in the Spanish town where Zarita lives the inquisition have arrived and are only too happy to seek out heretics and the devil’s work.
As the novel builds both Zarita and Saulo have to confront their mistakes, their guilt and their losses. The story is told from their alternating points of view and as the reader you feel affection for both characters. The plot is well-crafted and expertly paced with tension rising as the purposes of the inquisition come to light. The setting of fifteenth century Spain and life on board a trading ship are vividly described and compelling.
Prisoner of the Inquisition explores themes that relate to the heart of what it is to be human: beliefs, anger, forgiveness, compassion, love. It was a novel that swept me away into its historical period and enveloped me in the need for the characters to find atonement. I loved it!
March 22, 2025
Not memorable but I think enjoyable?
August 7, 2018
Actual rating- 3.5 ⭐
Lovely little historical fiction book.
Deffinately recommend as a quick, good paced read.
Got me out of my reading slump ❤
Lovely little historical fiction book.
Deffinately recommend as a quick, good paced read.
Got me out of my reading slump ❤
August 20, 2011
I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!! i was gripped by the amazing plot and the life of zarita ans saulo!!!! it was so sad which made the book very realistic as it was set in the time of the Spanish inquisition. I love historical fiction and this book had just the right balance or fact and fiction. i am defo going to read more from this author!!!! The ending did not disappoint and i was blown away it was so unpredictable but also very sad :(
March 28, 2016
Esperava mais, muito mais.
Romance histórico, século XV, Inquisição espanhola – todos os condimentos para ser um bom livro, mas fica muito aquém das expectativas.
Gostei da forma como nos são contadas as histórias das 2 personagens principais.
Da inquisição espanhola temos pouco e bastante superficial.
Há algumas reviravoltas na metade final do livro que acabam por torná-lo uma “história de amor” bastante açucarada.
Romance histórico, século XV, Inquisição espanhola – todos os condimentos para ser um bom livro, mas fica muito aquém das expectativas.
Gostei da forma como nos são contadas as histórias das 2 personagens principais.
Da inquisição espanhola temos pouco e bastante superficial.
Há algumas reviravoltas na metade final do livro que acabam por torná-lo uma “história de amor” bastante açucarada.
October 21, 2016
Surprisingly, I really loved this book, and have read it twice. The first time, I read it within an afternoon, and got a shock to see it was dark outside by the time I finished reading. The story is well formed, and once I started reading and got into it, I became absorbed into the old 1940's Spain setting. I'm not one for religious type novels, but this book captured the passion of Spanish life, the hardships during the inquisition, and twists towards the ending.
April 20, 2019
As a book written for younger readers, it is a good book. However I honestly would have preferred to have just read Zarita’s story.
In addition I feel that the story telling bordered on melodramatic, I don’t think that every chapter didn’t need to end with cliffhangers in the way they did.
In addition I feel that the story telling bordered on melodramatic, I don’t think that every chapter didn’t need to end with cliffhangers in the way they did.
January 30, 2020
3.5/5
It wasn’t until the last 100 or so pages that I started to enjoy this book although I believe that I could of benefited from being maybe 50 or so pages longer. Important details were overlooked or completely forgotten about while other facts were dragged out.
It wasn’t until the last 100 or so pages that I started to enjoy this book although I believe that I could of benefited from being maybe 50 or so pages longer. Important details were overlooked or completely forgotten about while other facts were dragged out.
April 26, 2025
I wish I’d read this when I was a tween/teen, which is the intended audience—it doesn’t translate amazingly for an adult reader. But I did appreciate a solid historical fiction book. Hated bouncing between two characters each chapter (in general I hate that)
February 1, 2018
almost five stars. enjoyed the fast pace and development of the characters. wish it was made longer.
September 8, 2023
I had too much expectations for it and it was THAT good but it was cool, very unexpected tbh but I like it, something to forget about morality and just enjoy it without any judgements yk
January 4, 2025
one of my most cherished books, an amazing story and HISTORICALLY ACCURATE AS WELL?!?! loved the tension and the vibes and just everything. certainly worth a reread.
August 3, 2025
3.5
"-He estado en la proa de una barco, Zarita. Uno siente el poder de la naturaleza al coronar las olas.
Se me acercó por detrás, con los labios en mi oreja.
-Las velas se hinchan en tu cabeza. El espinazo del barco se arquea al chocar con el oleaje. Y estás vivo, va contigo, te permite guiarlo, pero tiene alma propia.
Me acarició la columna vertebral y dejó unos instantes la mano en la curva inferior.
-Como una mujer cuando un hombre le hace el amor."
Este es el momento más spicy de todo el libro pero merecía la pena compartirlo porque *chefkiss*
Vengo varios días después a editar (agregar) mi reseña porque no he dejado de pensar que si algún día fuera a viajar en el tiempo a 1492, me colgarían de la horca y después quemarían mi cadáver en la hoguera... Al revés no creo que funcione(? ES QUE USAN LA BIBLIA COMO FUENTE FIABLE Y VÁLIDA PARA TRAZAR RUTAS MARÍTIMAS, SEÑOR JUEZ! CASI MATO A CRIS INTESTINO GRUESO EN MEDIO DE MI LECTURA.
Y por favor ni hablemos de la Inquisición. Manga de psicópatas.
"-He estado en la proa de una barco, Zarita. Uno siente el poder de la naturaleza al coronar las olas.
Se me acercó por detrás, con los labios en mi oreja.
-Las velas se hinchan en tu cabeza. El espinazo del barco se arquea al chocar con el oleaje. Y estás vivo, va contigo, te permite guiarlo, pero tiene alma propia.
Me acarició la columna vertebral y dejó unos instantes la mano en la curva inferior.
-Como una mujer cuando un hombre le hace el amor."
Este es el momento más spicy de todo el libro pero merecía la pena compartirlo porque *chefkiss*
Vengo varios días después a editar (agregar) mi reseña porque no he dejado de pensar que si algún día fuera a viajar en el tiempo a 1492, me colgarían de la horca y después quemarían mi cadáver en la hoguera... Al revés no creo que funcione(? ES QUE USAN LA BIBLIA COMO FUENTE FIABLE Y VÁLIDA PARA TRAZAR RUTAS MARÍTIMAS, SEÑOR JUEZ! CASI MATO A CRIS INTESTINO GRUESO EN MEDIO DE MI LECTURA.
Y por favor ni hablemos de la Inquisición. Manga de psicópatas.
April 7, 2015
This is a dual narrative book that tells the story from two completely different perspectives. Firstly there is Zarita, a young woman from a privileged background, and secondly Saulo, from a desperately poor family. The perspectives only really come together at the end, during the dramatic conclusion. I won’t spoil it by giving details, but suffice to say that the two are forced to view things from the other’s perspective, and come to a mutual understanding.
The whole story is set against the backdrop of the Spanish inquisition, and it does not shy away from the grisly reality of that, although it is not overly graphic. Breslin is successful in getting across the fear and paranoia the inquisition brought about as well as a sense of helplessness. Along with the despair felt be those affected by the officers of the inquisition, is the despair of all those forced to watch the sentences being carried out. Citizens are prepared to do anything to get attention away from themselves, often informing on others. This book coveys all of this emotion and the reader becomes invested in the characters and the outcome.
There is a side plot about Christopher Columbus and his mission to prove that the world is round and not flat. He wants to prove that you can sail all around the world. He is labelled a blasphemer, and those with the knowledge he his after, commune in secret. The inquisition is a threat to these men. Saulo becomes good friends with Columbus, and learns a great deal from him. As Saulo learns about navigation and charts with Columbus, he grows and matures as a person.
Zarita also grows and matures as a person under the tutelage of her aunt, who has founded an order of nuns. This order is progressive for the times, and tolerant of others faiths. Nuns study educational texts from the east, and have learnt many things. The inquisition is appalled, and only the letter from Queen Isabella herself saves the nuns.
I view the whole book as a metaphor for progress in the form of knowledge and tolerance. Columbus represents knowledge that the priests of the inquisition were inadvertently suppressing. Focusing on the narrow prescriptive world that they dictated would mean that many things would not be discovered, and knowledge would not be advanced. The priests feared that they would loose their place of power and control, and thus tried to stop this type of progress. Similarly, the nuns used their knowledge to aid others, and when forced to stop, those in desperate need were left without that help. Zarita causes hardship to Saulo, and the death of his father out of ignorance, and the way she has been taught to behave. She is later appalled by her own actions. Saulo is angry and desperate, and not looking beyond himself. When the two of them begin to talk and look at things through each others eyes, their relationship becomes positive, bringing friendship and even love.
In short, the inquisition represents narrow intolerant thinking, and this gets in the way of knowledge, trust, respect, tolerance, and genuine understanding. When the inquisition is winning, all these values suffer, halt, or disappear completely. When the characters are free to act outside of the inquisition’s influence, all these values abound, and progress is made. Negative outcomes are seen to arise from inquisition thinking, and positive outcomes from independent thought and action. At no point does Breslin indicate that being Catholic is bad, in fact the opposite is true. It is only the inquisition that engenders that negativity.
This book is very clever, and the setting of the story in such a troubled period in history gives the characters plenty of scope. Breslin has produced well-rounded characters that have human fears and foibles, making them all the more appealing. I wanted to find out what happened to these two young people, and I was swept away on the tide of their journey. I was hooked right from the prologue, a short one page entry that has a woman being burnt at the stake. It is a very dramatic opening, and hooks the reader in. There is no way that I could put the book down and not find out what happened in the end.
December 13, 2023
The year is 1490; the place, a port town in Andalucía, southern Spain. Zarita lives a privileged life as the daughter of a magistrate. Saulo lives in poverty. His mother is ill and his father begs for money. When Saulo’s father approaches Zarita for aid, he is captured, brought before the magistrate and summarily hanged. His death is witnessed by Zarita and Saulo, and their responses to this event shape their futures.
When Saulo is identified as the beggar’s son, he is sold into slavery on a galley boat. Under the captain’s tutelage he learns the rudiments of navigation. Surviving an attack by pirates, a freed Saulo is befriended by Christopher Columbus. He continues his education in map reading and is inspired by Columbus’s visions of discovery.
Zarita, like Saulo, is dealing with the death of a parent. Her mother dies in childbirth and her father quickly remarries. These events are overtaken by the arrival of the Holy Inquisition in her small town. Fear and suspicion crowd in on the population. Trials, punishments and an execution follow.
Zarita and Saulo finally meet in Granada, following that city’s surrender to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. They discover their connection and confront their prejudices.
Prisoner of the Inquisition is written in short chapters, alternately narrated by Zarita and Saulo. Award-winning Scottish author Theresa Breslin’s skill is evident. (She has written over 50 books and is a winner of the Carnegie Medal.) Her narrative device effectively maintains the novel’s suspense until the two voices come together in the denouement.
A brief introduction provides background notes on Isabella and Ferdinand, the scope of the Inquisition and the ambitions of Columbus. A map of late 15th century Spain is included although, given the frequent references to maps and voyages in the novel, a map of the ‘known world’ at that time would also have been useful.
Breslin’s website provides teachers’ notes for the book: https://www.theresabreslin.com/books/...
My copy of this book was provided by the Western Australian journal Fiction Focus: New Books for Teenagers. A version of my review was published in Fiction Focus 24(3) 2010.
When Saulo is identified as the beggar’s son, he is sold into slavery on a galley boat. Under the captain’s tutelage he learns the rudiments of navigation. Surviving an attack by pirates, a freed Saulo is befriended by Christopher Columbus. He continues his education in map reading and is inspired by Columbus’s visions of discovery.
Zarita, like Saulo, is dealing with the death of a parent. Her mother dies in childbirth and her father quickly remarries. These events are overtaken by the arrival of the Holy Inquisition in her small town. Fear and suspicion crowd in on the population. Trials, punishments and an execution follow.
Zarita and Saulo finally meet in Granada, following that city’s surrender to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. They discover their connection and confront their prejudices.
Prisoner of the Inquisition is written in short chapters, alternately narrated by Zarita and Saulo. Award-winning Scottish author Theresa Breslin’s skill is evident. (She has written over 50 books and is a winner of the Carnegie Medal.) Her narrative device effectively maintains the novel’s suspense until the two voices come together in the denouement.
A brief introduction provides background notes on Isabella and Ferdinand, the scope of the Inquisition and the ambitions of Columbus. A map of late 15th century Spain is included although, given the frequent references to maps and voyages in the novel, a map of the ‘known world’ at that time would also have been useful.
Breslin’s website provides teachers’ notes for the book: https://www.theresabreslin.com/books/...
My copy of this book was provided by the Western Australian journal Fiction Focus: New Books for Teenagers. A version of my review was published in Fiction Focus 24(3) 2010.
September 3, 2011
The Blurb;
The flames began to rise around her...
Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege.
Saulo, son of a beggar, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and brutally dealt with. Hauled off to be a slave at sea, he swears vengeance on the magistrate and his family.
The cruel agents of the inquisition arrive in Zarita’s town bringing suspicion, terror and death. Then, amid the intrigues of the royal court, Zarita and Saulo meet once more, to face final acts of betrayl and revenge.
My opinion;
I borrowed this book from one of my local libraries for both the blurb and the cover... mainly the cover. However, when I began reading this tale, it was a lot, lot darker than I suspected. And I have to say, so very powerful! The writing style and theme seems similar yet so very different to that of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
The story follows the characters of Zarita and Saulo in Spain around the time of 1496, combining history and imagination, the novel proves to be something extraordinary! These two characters lives are detailed to us from their points of views separately in different chapters – an innovative idea and very well written. It is inevitable that these two characters lives must cross, this first happens right at the beginning at the book. It is very easy to love the character of Saulo as, even though he has been forced to sea, the captain of the ship he is on eventually brings out his characteristics, and after a terrible start in life, being only of sixteen, a happiness is presented towards the character. However, back in Spain, the impacts of the Inquisition on the day to day lives of the people living there begins to show in a terrible way with such brutal consequences from actions that can only be described as harmless. With her father being a strong representative for the town she lives in, Zarita is in direct firing line of these cruel human beings, the most evil being Father Besian - A priest in charge of the Inquisition. The destruction this man brings with him is both horrifying and terrifying. This destruction doesn’t seem to effect Zarita whilst he is there, but her stepmother who is plagued with jealousy over the girl seems to have other things planned for the young lady.
Eventually Zarita is forced out of her house to live with her aunt at her convent by her stepmother, events take place – some involving the inquisition - and soon enough, Saulo is reunited with this girl in an unsuspected circumstance but doesn’t know who she is. When they meet, Saulo is determined to find the girl that caused his fathers death but soon becomes distracted by Zarita and romance blossoms, but sadly, this doesn’t last long through another nasty turn of events.
The end of this book is what surprised me the most, heroic acts take place at this point and it seems the love shared between these two characters has a chance at blooming again, but what will happen to Zarita?
I honestly think this is one of the best books I have read, absolutely fantastic and so well written. The author has clearly paid such attention to detail that it is word perfect presenting emotions that are unimaginable before reading this book and an ending that is just as shocking as the beginning. I would definitely give this book a five out of five. It is simply fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone for the emotional rollercoaster portrayed throughout!
The flames began to rise around her...
Zarita, only daughter of the town magistrate, lives a life of wealth and privilege.
Saulo, son of a beggar, witnesses his father wrongfully arrested and brutally dealt with. Hauled off to be a slave at sea, he swears vengeance on the magistrate and his family.
The cruel agents of the inquisition arrive in Zarita’s town bringing suspicion, terror and death. Then, amid the intrigues of the royal court, Zarita and Saulo meet once more, to face final acts of betrayl and revenge.
My opinion;
I borrowed this book from one of my local libraries for both the blurb and the cover... mainly the cover. However, when I began reading this tale, it was a lot, lot darker than I suspected. And I have to say, so very powerful! The writing style and theme seems similar yet so very different to that of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.
The story follows the characters of Zarita and Saulo in Spain around the time of 1496, combining history and imagination, the novel proves to be something extraordinary! These two characters lives are detailed to us from their points of views separately in different chapters – an innovative idea and very well written. It is inevitable that these two characters lives must cross, this first happens right at the beginning at the book. It is very easy to love the character of Saulo as, even though he has been forced to sea, the captain of the ship he is on eventually brings out his characteristics, and after a terrible start in life, being only of sixteen, a happiness is presented towards the character. However, back in Spain, the impacts of the Inquisition on the day to day lives of the people living there begins to show in a terrible way with such brutal consequences from actions that can only be described as harmless. With her father being a strong representative for the town she lives in, Zarita is in direct firing line of these cruel human beings, the most evil being Father Besian - A priest in charge of the Inquisition. The destruction this man brings with him is both horrifying and terrifying. This destruction doesn’t seem to effect Zarita whilst he is there, but her stepmother who is plagued with jealousy over the girl seems to have other things planned for the young lady.
Eventually Zarita is forced out of her house to live with her aunt at her convent by her stepmother, events take place – some involving the inquisition - and soon enough, Saulo is reunited with this girl in an unsuspected circumstance but doesn’t know who she is. When they meet, Saulo is determined to find the girl that caused his fathers death but soon becomes distracted by Zarita and romance blossoms, but sadly, this doesn’t last long through another nasty turn of events.
The end of this book is what surprised me the most, heroic acts take place at this point and it seems the love shared between these two characters has a chance at blooming again, but what will happen to Zarita?
I honestly think this is one of the best books I have read, absolutely fantastic and so well written. The author has clearly paid such attention to detail that it is word perfect presenting emotions that are unimaginable before reading this book and an ending that is just as shocking as the beginning. I would definitely give this book a five out of five. It is simply fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone for the emotional rollercoaster portrayed throughout!
September 24, 2011
I don't usually order books from England before they are even available in the U.S., but when I read about Prisoner of the Inquisition in an article about England's prestigious Carnegie Award I couldn't help myself. Prisoner was short-listed for this year's Carnegie and won the Carnegie Shadowing Award (books chosen by young people who shadow the official judges and is written by a well-known author of historical fiction in her native Great Britain, Theresa Breslin.
One of my favorite historical fiction titles from back in my own teen days was Samuel Shellabarger's swashbuckling Captain from Castile, (adapted into a famous film with Tyrone Power), also set in the dark days of the Spanish Inquisition. Scottish author Theresa Breslin's young adult novel focuses on some of the same themes of adventure, romance, revenge, and abuse of power by the church that I relished so many years ago in Shellabarger's novel. In alternating chapters we meet two teenaged characters: Zarita, the thoughtless, spoiled, only daughter of the wealthy town magistrate, and Saulo, son of a beggar. Their lives intersect when Saulo's father, needing money to save his sick wife and hungry son, begs at the church where Zarita is praying, grasping her hand in desperation. Saulo's father is soon cruelly executed for daring to assault Zarita, despite her pleas that the man does not deserve to die. Saulo himself barely escapes the executioner's rope, and swears revenge on Zarita and her family.
Their stories are then told in parallel; Saulo is thrown into the harsh life of a galley slave, where through his wits, he is able to learn some navigation, is pursued by pirates, and eventually becomes acquainted with Christopher Colombus, a confident sailor from Genoa who hopes to gain patronage from the Spanish monarchs to explore an alternate route to the Indies. Zarita, on the other hand, has troubles of her own. The Inquisition has come to her town, and with it fear, suspicion, and cruelty. No one is immune from the Inquisitor's tactics, even Zarita's aunt, a nun, a simple-minded relative, and Zarita herself. Soon Zarita and Saulo's lives will intertwine again, in a way neither of them could ever have suspected. Can they escape the dangers of the Inquisition?
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel about one of the darkest periods in Spanish history, although I found the transformation of Zarita's character from a self-absorbed young girl who thinks nothing of a poor beggar in the church to a kind, sensitive young woman a bit difficult to believe. Some of the other characters in the book, including Zarita's young step-mother, are also somewhat one-dimensional, but the novel effectively captures the spirit of the period and is well worth reading. I hope it will soon be released to an American audience.
One of my favorite historical fiction titles from back in my own teen days was Samuel Shellabarger's swashbuckling Captain from Castile, (adapted into a famous film with Tyrone Power), also set in the dark days of the Spanish Inquisition. Scottish author Theresa Breslin's young adult novel focuses on some of the same themes of adventure, romance, revenge, and abuse of power by the church that I relished so many years ago in Shellabarger's novel. In alternating chapters we meet two teenaged characters: Zarita, the thoughtless, spoiled, only daughter of the wealthy town magistrate, and Saulo, son of a beggar. Their lives intersect when Saulo's father, needing money to save his sick wife and hungry son, begs at the church where Zarita is praying, grasping her hand in desperation. Saulo's father is soon cruelly executed for daring to assault Zarita, despite her pleas that the man does not deserve to die. Saulo himself barely escapes the executioner's rope, and swears revenge on Zarita and her family.
Their stories are then told in parallel; Saulo is thrown into the harsh life of a galley slave, where through his wits, he is able to learn some navigation, is pursued by pirates, and eventually becomes acquainted with Christopher Colombus, a confident sailor from Genoa who hopes to gain patronage from the Spanish monarchs to explore an alternate route to the Indies. Zarita, on the other hand, has troubles of her own. The Inquisition has come to her town, and with it fear, suspicion, and cruelty. No one is immune from the Inquisitor's tactics, even Zarita's aunt, a nun, a simple-minded relative, and Zarita herself. Soon Zarita and Saulo's lives will intertwine again, in a way neither of them could ever have suspected. Can they escape the dangers of the Inquisition?
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel about one of the darkest periods in Spanish history, although I found the transformation of Zarita's character from a self-absorbed young girl who thinks nothing of a poor beggar in the church to a kind, sensitive young woman a bit difficult to believe. Some of the other characters in the book, including Zarita's young step-mother, are also somewhat one-dimensional, but the novel effectively captures the spirit of the period and is well worth reading. I hope it will soon be released to an American audience.
June 22, 2011
Here's a book that completely took me by surprise. I've said for years that historical fiction just isn't my sort of thing and then Prisoner of the Inquisition by Theresa Breslin comes along and I'm absolutely blown over by how much I adored this story, these characters and the absolutely fascinating historical setting. I really need to rethink my stance on historical fiction from now on. Also? I need to pick up more books by Theresa Breslin because I have been won over by her style of writing.
Prisoner of the Inquisition takes place during the Spanish Inquisition, around the time that Christopher Colombus is gathering funds in order to make his famous trip overseas. While not only making Christopher Colombus a minor character, which was quite cool in itself, I also learned an incredible amount of the politics and some of the reasons and goals of Isabella and her justifications of the Inquisition. All of the historical aspects of the novel felt like a natural progression of the story and it didn't feel heavy or forced at all. I was learning without realising it, which I think takes great skill.
We have a dual narrative here from both Zarita, the wealthy daughter of the magistrate and from Saulo, the son of a poor family in town. Zarita and Saulo first cross paths when Zarita falsely accuses Saulo's father of assault and as a consequence, Saulo's father is hung and Saulo sent off to become a slave on a ship. It all happens very quickly and immediately Zarita realises the grave error she has just committed that has cost someone his life. This event changes and shapes both Zarita's and Saulo's life.
Alternating between their two stories, Saulo describes what life as a slave aboard a ship is like. The hard work, the poor treatment and a life of nothing but drudgery in his future. However he is quite fortunate to be taken under the wing of the captain and is able to learn more about shipping and constellations and exploration. Saulo's whole experience was absolutely fascinating and I found myself eager to get back to it.
Zarita, on the other hand, is really struggling at home. With the loss of her mother, her whole world is thrown into turmoil as the inquisition sweeps into her town and she has this really tenuous relationship with her father and his new wife. There's so much at play in this book - it deals with growing up and becoming your own person, atoning for the mistakes in the past, forgiveness, family and love. I loved every minute of this book and can highly recommend it!
Prisoner of the Inquisition takes place during the Spanish Inquisition, around the time that Christopher Colombus is gathering funds in order to make his famous trip overseas. While not only making Christopher Colombus a minor character, which was quite cool in itself, I also learned an incredible amount of the politics and some of the reasons and goals of Isabella and her justifications of the Inquisition. All of the historical aspects of the novel felt like a natural progression of the story and it didn't feel heavy or forced at all. I was learning without realising it, which I think takes great skill.
We have a dual narrative here from both Zarita, the wealthy daughter of the magistrate and from Saulo, the son of a poor family in town. Zarita and Saulo first cross paths when Zarita falsely accuses Saulo's father of assault and as a consequence, Saulo's father is hung and Saulo sent off to become a slave on a ship. It all happens very quickly and immediately Zarita realises the grave error she has just committed that has cost someone his life. This event changes and shapes both Zarita's and Saulo's life.
Alternating between their two stories, Saulo describes what life as a slave aboard a ship is like. The hard work, the poor treatment and a life of nothing but drudgery in his future. However he is quite fortunate to be taken under the wing of the captain and is able to learn more about shipping and constellations and exploration. Saulo's whole experience was absolutely fascinating and I found myself eager to get back to it.
Zarita, on the other hand, is really struggling at home. With the loss of her mother, her whole world is thrown into turmoil as the inquisition sweeps into her town and she has this really tenuous relationship with her father and his new wife. There's so much at play in this book - it deals with growing up and becoming your own person, atoning for the mistakes in the past, forgiveness, family and love. I loved every minute of this book and can highly recommend it!
March 12, 2013
Ah, Prisoner of Inquisition, you say? Well, funny, how like many other books I'm not gonna trash or start arguing on this one, since the book wasn't bad at all. It was actually good. But why the 3 stars...?
I like historical books. They give me an adventure set in the past, where'd I'd like to discover a lot of stuff. And so, when it comes to the drama and romance, I enjoy it.
Oh, look, I found a nice picture..
[image error]
Hey, nice cover ya got there...
Not the same girl though xD
Anyways, I understood the book . I was getting the idea of what was going on and the characters were coming to life.
So what went wrong?
Lets see.
Dun dun dun....
The Ending and the beginning:
''She begged for a cross to hold.
They would not give her one.''
At least you got the idea how it started and ended, lets move on..
''Her screams lessened, to be replaced with worse- a croaking agonized babbling.''
Woah, I like that.
And then finally: ''The stink of burning flesh lingered in the square for hours afterwards.''
There, it ended.
And so with that, it also started the book.
Now, I may ask this one question:
Who the HELL was dying in there?!
Of course, when a book starts like this, you have no clue who was dying. But then the story slowly shows its way.
Well guess what, even in the end, I had no clue who was dying there.
Zarika, survived or died? Was it her aunt? What happened? Was it a happy ending or a sad one?
Zarika or Aunt?
Zarika or Aunt???
Then it showed the epilogue of Zarika imagining her future.
Which made it half clear and half confusing. I mean, did the author make it like one of those sadistic deaths? In which one of the MC dies and still, there's a happy story shown for the MC which makes it even sadder, because the happy story never came true...
Or was it her aunt? Why show no mercy to a nun? Why, even after reading the whole book, did I not understand what happened?
Seriously, the whole book was going great until the ending. 'Sigh'
And more, I thought this would be a story about a beautiful girl dressed in red held captive and waiting for someone to save her. But yah, somewhere in the end, the book did bring my thought. Strange.
But yah, overall, it was Ok.
I'd give it a 3 if only the ending didn't suck me up with questions.
-Sudichka ~_~
I like historical books. They give me an adventure set in the past, where'd I'd like to discover a lot of stuff. And so, when it comes to the drama and romance, I enjoy it.
Oh, look, I found a nice picture..
[image error]
Hey, nice cover ya got there...
Not the same girl though xD
Anyways, I understood the book . I was getting the idea of what was going on and the characters were coming to life.
So what went wrong?
Lets see.
Dun dun dun....
The Ending and the beginning:
''She begged for a cross to hold.
They would not give her one.''
At least you got the idea how it started and ended, lets move on..
''Her screams lessened, to be replaced with worse- a croaking agonized babbling.''
Woah, I like that.
And then finally: ''The stink of burning flesh lingered in the square for hours afterwards.''
There, it ended.
And so with that, it also started the book.
Now, I may ask this one question:
Who the HELL was dying in there?!
Of course, when a book starts like this, you have no clue who was dying. But then the story slowly shows its way.
Well guess what, even in the end, I had no clue who was dying there.
Zarika, survived or died? Was it her aunt? What happened? Was it a happy ending or a sad one?
Zarika or Aunt?
Zarika or Aunt???
Then it showed the epilogue of Zarika imagining her future.
Which made it half clear and half confusing. I mean, did the author make it like one of those sadistic deaths? In which one of the MC dies and still, there's a happy story shown for the MC which makes it even sadder, because the happy story never came true...
Or was it her aunt? Why show no mercy to a nun? Why, even after reading the whole book, did I not understand what happened?
Seriously, the whole book was going great until the ending. 'Sigh'
And more, I thought this would be a story about a beautiful girl dressed in red held captive and waiting for someone to save her. But yah, somewhere in the end, the book did bring my thought. Strange.
But yah, overall, it was Ok.
I'd give it a 3 if only the ending didn't suck me up with questions.
-Sudichka ~_~
July 19, 2011
Set in 1490 Prisoner of the Inquisition tells the story of Zarita, the daughter of a rich magistrate and Saulo, the son of a beggar. Set in a time where anyone who opposes the Catholic Church (and even some who don't) will be tried for heresy and could end up burnt at the stake author Theresa Breslin has done a fantastic job of capturing the fear and confusion of the people who live in Zarita's home town. This is a story full of betrayal, hate and revenge but also of love and survival and I was captivated from the first page.
The story starts with Zarita visiting a church to pray for her mother who is going through a difficult child birth. When she is approached by a beggar she calls for help and the circumstances lead to the beggar being hanged by her father the magistrate. Saulo is the son of that beggar and when he tries to help his father he ends up being sent away to live on a slave ship, he blames Zarita's father for everything and is determined that one day he will return and take his revenge. While Saulo is learning to survive on the slave ship and plotting his return life isn't easy for Zarita. As the Spanish Inquisition sweeps through the town it brings terror in it's wake. People are so scared of being called a heretic that they will do anything to stay above suspicion, even reporting others for their supposed guilt creating an atmosphere full of distrust and torn loyalties.
The story is told in alternating chapters by Zarita and Saulo and I loved reading about both of their journeys. Both characters are well developed and go on a voyage of self discovery as they mature, they have each made mistakes along the way and have to find a way to deal with their guilt and grief. Alongside the character's emotional journeys the story gives a fascinating insight into life during the Spanish Inquisition. The torture of the accused is horrific to read about and gave me chills but I also enjoyed the more light hearted tale of Christopher Columbus as he tries to raise funds for his expedition across the ocean.
The Prisoner of the Inquisition is a beautifully written, wonderfully descriptive story and one I would highly recommend. It's the first book I've read by Theresa Breslin but it won't be the last and I'm looking forward to discovering her back list.
The story starts with Zarita visiting a church to pray for her mother who is going through a difficult child birth. When she is approached by a beggar she calls for help and the circumstances lead to the beggar being hanged by her father the magistrate. Saulo is the son of that beggar and when he tries to help his father he ends up being sent away to live on a slave ship, he blames Zarita's father for everything and is determined that one day he will return and take his revenge. While Saulo is learning to survive on the slave ship and plotting his return life isn't easy for Zarita. As the Spanish Inquisition sweeps through the town it brings terror in it's wake. People are so scared of being called a heretic that they will do anything to stay above suspicion, even reporting others for their supposed guilt creating an atmosphere full of distrust and torn loyalties.
The story is told in alternating chapters by Zarita and Saulo and I loved reading about both of their journeys. Both characters are well developed and go on a voyage of self discovery as they mature, they have each made mistakes along the way and have to find a way to deal with their guilt and grief. Alongside the character's emotional journeys the story gives a fascinating insight into life during the Spanish Inquisition. The torture of the accused is horrific to read about and gave me chills but I also enjoyed the more light hearted tale of Christopher Columbus as he tries to raise funds for his expedition across the ocean.
The Prisoner of the Inquisition is a beautifully written, wonderfully descriptive story and one I would highly recommend. It's the first book I've read by Theresa Breslin but it won't be the last and I'm looking forward to discovering her back list.
March 13, 2012
Guest Review by Beth
This novel took some time for me to get into but once I did, it was worth every minute. The characters felt real and believable. They were so beautifully written that even characters who initially seemed detestable (Zarita) turned out differently.
It’s not the kind of book or period I’d usually choose to read about so it was really interesting to be transported to a land and a time I knew nothing about. Its story switches between the narrative perspectives of Zarita and Saulo which I really enjoyed as it was possible to see how the one event in their past shapes all their actions in the future.
I much preferred Zarita’s side of the story to Saulo’s, mainly because I’m not really interested in swash-buckling sea-faring stuff whereas Zarita’s narrative was much more interesting, probably because it took more time for her character to bloom and develop. The characters were written really well and were easy to engage with, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
From a historical point of view some of the events covered are horrifying, with the burning of those convicted of heresy and the reliance on tittle-tattle and rumour to convict these people. The ending of the novel is extremely climactic and as the pace increases I didn’t even guess what was going to happen until it happened, which is clearly the mark of a good storyteller.
Having never read anything else from the period I found this novel really enlightening and enjoyable and I’d definitely give other works by this author a go, especially if they were similar in style.
This novel took some time for me to get into but once I did, it was worth every minute. The characters felt real and believable. They were so beautifully written that even characters who initially seemed detestable (Zarita) turned out differently.
It’s not the kind of book or period I’d usually choose to read about so it was really interesting to be transported to a land and a time I knew nothing about. Its story switches between the narrative perspectives of Zarita and Saulo which I really enjoyed as it was possible to see how the one event in their past shapes all their actions in the future.
I much preferred Zarita’s side of the story to Saulo’s, mainly because I’m not really interested in swash-buckling sea-faring stuff whereas Zarita’s narrative was much more interesting, probably because it took more time for her character to bloom and develop. The characters were written really well and were easy to engage with, which made it even more enjoyable to read.
From a historical point of view some of the events covered are horrifying, with the burning of those convicted of heresy and the reliance on tittle-tattle and rumour to convict these people. The ending of the novel is extremely climactic and as the pace increases I didn’t even guess what was going to happen until it happened, which is clearly the mark of a good storyteller.
Having never read anything else from the period I found this novel really enlightening and enjoyable and I’d definitely give other works by this author a go, especially if they were similar in style.
May 31, 2013
I love the author (The Nostradamus Prophecy was absolutely divine) so I picked up the book, however I was cautious about the title and story line. The Spanish Inquisition is a period I am not entirely familiar with so was afraid I might be lost among the history.
However, I found it was a pleasant read, quite short and managed to break my bad-book-streak. The Times had liked it and plenty of other reviewers as well so I was optimistic. It's wasn't bad but then again...it lacked a bit of a spark for me to truly love it. Maybe I wasn't fully connected with the story or characters?
Zarita and Saulo, as much as they were believable and realistic, I couldn't connect to either and wasn't pleased with their ultimately passionate romance. I'm rather logical so that intense attraction wasn't interesting to me. Beatriz was a good character though, wise yet wild. I thought Lorena was too much of a generic one, it seems like everything she does fits with the whole 'evil step-mother' thing, which I didn't appreciate.
However, I must appraise the author for her writing and plotlines. Never was there an instance where I was thinking "Where did that come from?" Everything was linked and realistic, no doubt.
So even though there were good things, there is something I couldn't put my finger on that made me give it only three out of five.
However, I found it was a pleasant read, quite short and managed to break my bad-book-streak. The Times had liked it and plenty of other reviewers as well so I was optimistic. It's wasn't bad but then again...it lacked a bit of a spark for me to truly love it. Maybe I wasn't fully connected with the story or characters?
Zarita and Saulo, as much as they were believable and realistic, I couldn't connect to either and wasn't pleased with their ultimately passionate romance. I'm rather logical so that intense attraction wasn't interesting to me. Beatriz was a good character though, wise yet wild. I thought Lorena was too much of a generic one, it seems like everything she does fits with the whole 'evil step-mother' thing, which I didn't appreciate.
However, I must appraise the author for her writing and plotlines. Never was there an instance where I was thinking "Where did that come from?" Everything was linked and realistic, no doubt.
So even though there were good things, there is something I couldn't put my finger on that made me give it only three out of five.
August 15, 2017
Complete review available: Prisoner of the Inquisition
No one suspects the Spanish Inquisition!
Only in this book, you definitely do (I mean, the title's a bit of a give away!)
Prisoner of the Inquisition was an enjoyable read, and extremely informative on a) who the Spanish Inquisition were, b) what the Spanish Inquisition did and c) how the Spanish Inquisition worked. And rather than just focus on the Inquisition, Breslin crafted a beautiful tale (told from two protagonists' perspectives) on how many lives (famous and ficitional) overlapped in the Hispanic backdrop of the novel. My main struggle was to get into the novel at the start, since I really couldn't connect with either of the characters from the off, but things picked up as the storyline progressed. I also found that whilst Saulo's character developed greatly through a realistic turn of events, Zartia's seemed to change without anything much happening, and as such her perspectives did drag on at times. Nevertheless, the novel was beautifully written with a stunning presentation of setting, both in terms of the environment and the time period.
No one suspects the Spanish Inquisition!
Only in this book, you definitely do (I mean, the title's a bit of a give away!)
Prisoner of the Inquisition was an enjoyable read, and extremely informative on a) who the Spanish Inquisition were, b) what the Spanish Inquisition did and c) how the Spanish Inquisition worked. And rather than just focus on the Inquisition, Breslin crafted a beautiful tale (told from two protagonists' perspectives) on how many lives (famous and ficitional) overlapped in the Hispanic backdrop of the novel. My main struggle was to get into the novel at the start, since I really couldn't connect with either of the characters from the off, but things picked up as the storyline progressed. I also found that whilst Saulo's character developed greatly through a realistic turn of events, Zartia's seemed to change without anything much happening, and as such her perspectives did drag on at times. Nevertheless, the novel was beautifully written with a stunning presentation of setting, both in terms of the environment and the time period.
April 13, 2011
Before I began this book I picked it up with sigh, for my friend had read and thoroughly hated it. It's not a good way to start a book. In contrast, I actually loved it.
This book is written in two parts, two perspectives. The first being a young, rich girl - unused to being touched by beggars. And so the book begins...
And I have to say I could find nothing wrong with it. As the two characters entwined the narrations did clash tempararilly, but the plot worked well and the ending fitted perfectly into the plot. I found both main characters easy to relate to and likeable, with clever perspectives.
I really enjoyed it - yes, the book was written in 1490, yes one of the characters is a bit of a snob, but it dodn't matter, because the book was well written and the plot carried you with it. The ending was excellent, but I have to say that the epilogue was a bit pathetc - I'm sorry, how can she show her face? Isn't it a bit stupid? I would of liked to see some children or something, but maybe there's a sequel?
Overall, it was good.
This book is written in two parts, two perspectives. The first being a young, rich girl - unused to being touched by beggars. And so the book begins...
And I have to say I could find nothing wrong with it. As the two characters entwined the narrations did clash tempararilly, but the plot worked well and the ending fitted perfectly into the plot. I found both main characters easy to relate to and likeable, with clever perspectives.
I really enjoyed it - yes, the book was written in 1490, yes one of the characters is a bit of a snob, but it dodn't matter, because the book was well written and the plot carried you with it. The ending was excellent, but I have to say that the epilogue was a bit pathetc - I'm sorry, how can she show her face? Isn't it a bit stupid? I would of liked to see some children or something, but maybe there's a sequel?
Overall, it was good.
Read
May 30, 2012This YA historical novel makes clear that when the Inquisition rules, everyone is a prisoner. The two alternating narrators are teenagers: Zarita, well-off daughter of a magistrate, indirectly causes the death of a beggar by her thoughtless revulsion at his approach, and Saulo, the beggar’s son, vows revenge, a vow that keeps him going when he is sold to serve in a galley. That means he’s at sea surviving while Zarita experiences the death of her newborn brother and mother and her father’s remarriage, then the arrival of the Inquisitors. It’s a compelling story with some historical improbabilities: there may have been intellectually curious nuns like Zarita’s aunt, and parents like Saulo’s who probably came from different religious traditions but never told him, and a boy like Saulo might have survived to sail with Christopher Columbus. Or not. As in her other books, Breslin brings out the dangers of religious intolerance and the choices young people must make. Nominated for both the 2010 Guardian and 2011 Carnegie awards.
April 11, 2012
I really liked this book. It was well written and an interesting read. The characters are likable and easy to relate to. Zarita's guilt, Saoul's anger. And then there's the Inquisition. I liked the idea of a group of religeous fanatics as villains. A lot of people think that Saoul's chapters are boring but I found them just as much interesting as Zarita's. The way he describes the sea made me want to hop onto the nearest ferrie.
However the romance and the ending weren't quite satisfactory. It takes exactly one day for Saoul and Zarita to fall in love with each other. One day and he's ready to break into prison for her. One Day!!! And I would've liked a bit more action as Saoul and Zarita escaped from the prison.Plus I expected a bit more emotion from Zarita. I mean, hello, her aunt just sacrificed her life for her!!!! And then Saoul just sails away to America promising Zarita he'll return. The End. As much as I know he perished the right next day in some violent sea storm.
However the romance and the ending weren't quite satisfactory. It takes exactly one day for Saoul and Zarita to fall in love with each other. One day and he's ready to break into prison for her. One Day!!! And I would've liked a bit more action as Saoul and Zarita escaped from the prison.Plus I expected a bit more emotion from Zarita. I mean, hello, her aunt just sacrificed her life for her!!!! And then Saoul just sails away to America promising Zarita he'll return. The End. As much as I know he perished the right next day in some violent sea storm.
November 2, 2011
I borrowed this book from my school library and after reading it over a couple of weeks I have to say it's pretty good. It was written in an unusual style in my opinion, not often coming across a duo narrative. I thought that Saulo was a very likeable character from the beginning. I'd probably have enjoyed more of Saulo's side of the story, although I did enjoy Zarita's part as well. Often I tried to rush through one chapter to see who was next. Perhaps if the book were divided into two parts; one for each character, it could have been a little longer. The ending was somewhat predictable by the time I reached the very last chapters.
Overall, it was a gripping story that I just wanted to keep reading more of. Would like read it again :)
Overall, it was a gripping story that I just wanted to keep reading more of. Would like read it again :)
May 22, 2011
This is a very engrossing look at Spain at the time of the Inquisition and when Christopher Columbus was petitioning King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to sponsor his journeys into the unknown Ocean Sea.
The stories of the two main characters meet, part, then come back together. The tale alternates between these two until their stories come together in the closing chapters. The pair are: Zarita, daughter of a wealthy magistrate, and Saulo, son of a poor beggar. One reviewer pronounced it "Unputdownable", and indeed it is. This is well-written historical fiction for teens. It is short-listed for the 2011 Carnegie Medal.
The stories of the two main characters meet, part, then come back together. The tale alternates between these two until their stories come together in the closing chapters. The pair are: Zarita, daughter of a wealthy magistrate, and Saulo, son of a poor beggar. One reviewer pronounced it "Unputdownable", and indeed it is. This is well-written historical fiction for teens. It is short-listed for the 2011 Carnegie Medal.
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