Author: Mitchell James Kaplan
Format: Paperback
Published: Other Press; May 2010
Pages: 320
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade: F
Source: Author
Synopsis: Kaplan, a screenwriter, sets his debut novel in 15-century Spain, amid the Inquisition, the attempt to unify the kingdoms of Spain under Christian rule, and the voyage of Christopher Columbus to what the seaman expects will be the Indies. The action centers on the historical figure of Luis de Santángel, chancellor to the king of Aragon and a converso, a Jewish convert to Christianity at a time when the Inquisition sought to repress judaizing. Santángel is friend and financier of Columbus, surviving parent of young Gabriel, and more curious than is prudent about his Jewish heritage. While he learns about Judaism in clandestine meetings, a parallel story unfolds, centering on Judith Migdal, a beautiful Jewish woman who learns to become a silversmith in Granada, located in the last part of Spain under Muslim rule. Santángel's attraction to Judith grows, even as the Inquisition closes in and the prospect of another world to the West tantalizes.
My Take: I think I might be in a reading funk. This is the third book in fairly rapid succession I've read that I can't click with. I don't know what's wrong with me. I'd been having such a great streak there for so long. Maybe it was just bound to happen eventually!
I'll keep this one short because I know I am in the minority here. Last week, after working lots of long hours I wanted an historical fiction book that could take me away to a long ago place and I could escape reality for a little while. Instead what I found was a convoluted story, which I am sure was very well researched, of religious conflict and conquerers. I enjoyed the story of Judith, a Jewish woman having to pull herself up by her own bootstraps at a time when I am sure this was difficult for most women but it was hard for me to be as invested in the rest of the characters.
Suffice it to say, I think this was a case of wrong place, wrong time for me. I'll save this one and perhaps pick it up again down the road.
In the meantime, please check out these reviews from others who loved this book much more:
Caribousmom
The Maiden's Court
Medieval Bookworm
Cover Lust: It is a perfect cover to evoke the time period!
It is such a shame you didn't connect with this one! I hope it works better for you if you decide to give it another try in the future.
ReplyDeleteYou weren't in a funk...this was a terrible book. I have a story to tell!
ReplyDeleteIt happens to the bet of us. Maybe it just was not the book for you
ReplyDeleteMelissa - I'm emailing you now!
ReplyDeleteSorry this didn't work for you. I hope you get out of your reading funk soon.
ReplyDeleteLeah, thank you so much for reading and covering BY FIRE, BY WATER. I wish it had been a better experience for you, but I am appreciative of the time and effort you took. Thank you also for linking to three reviews with a different point of view. Mitchell
ReplyDeleteI am sorry this book didn't click for you. This book was on my wishlist for a long time, but I lost interest in it due to the mixed reviews.
ReplyDeleteMitchell - thank you for understanding that this book didn't quite work for me at this time.
ReplyDeleteHey, it happens. Yaneverknow, sometimes you'll find yourself thinking about this one longer than you expect? Best of reading fun on the next book!
ReplyDelete