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The Last Song
Spain had been one of the world’s most tolerant societies for eight hundred years, but that way of life was wiped out by the Inquisition. Isabel’s family feels safe from the terrors, torture, and burnings. After all, her father is a respected physician in the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. Isabel was raised as a Catholic and doesn’t know that her family’s Jewish roots may be a death sentence. When her father is arrested by Torquemada, the Grand Inquisitor, she makes a desperate plan to save his life – and her own.
Once again, master storyteller Eva Wiseman brings history to life in this riveting and tragic novel.
Once again, master storyteller Eva Wiseman brings history to life in this riveting and tragic novel.
225 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
20 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Eva Wiseman
12 books21 followersYoung adult fiction writer Eva Wiseman was born in Hungary and currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Eva possesses a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. She has worked as a journalist for the Winnipeg Free Press and the former Winnipeg Tribune, and has taught English Second Language and GED courses to immigrant women.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
April 10, 2012
The Last Song is one of those interesting ideas that doesn't live up to it's premise. I LOVE the idea of following a family secretly practicing Judaism during the Spanish Inquisition. I find it fascinating. The fear of the Inquisition, the conflict between loyalty to friends and church. But this book didn't really tackle any of those issues, at least not in a way that I found satisfactory.
The characters were all one note. Every Jewish person was wonderful, generous and good. On the other hand the Catholics were judgmental and cruel. (There was maybe one exception). Simplifying it like that is an injustice to everyone. No religious or people group deserves to be boiled down for convenient storytelling. I wanted this book to deal with the conflicted emotion on both the Jewish and the Catholic side of the Inquisition. I know it had to be more complicated than this book makes it.
I feel like when your dealing with a heavy topic like religion you have to write better then if you're writing, for example, about a high school prom. The characters have to shine and you have to be sensitive in your storytelling. The writing was unspectacular, at times even cheesy, which I would be more apt to forgive if it we're for the ambitious subject matter.
Isabel is not a believable main character. She goes from early in the book being like "Ewww Jewish people gross" to two pages later "Sure I'll dress as a boy and follow you to a Torah study session." There was no real struggle. She's spent her entire life as a faithful Catholic, praying to the Virgin Mary, going to mass, taking communion. Then someone tells her that her family is really Jewish. After one token "Oh no" she throws herself into Judaism without much question.
As a reader, her sudden change was hard to accept. I wanted the struggle, the questioning and the decision between two faiths. The questions are what makes religion interesting to read about. This book had a real opportunity to delve into the subject of faith. But it didn't deal with that all. Even though Judaism was a potential death sentence, Isabel just tagged along blindly. She didn't really make a choice, she just followed a cute boy to Torah lessons. (Yes really. Obviously that made me angry).
We need to have intelligent conversations about religion. Children need to be introduced to acceptance at a young age. We live in religiously hostile society. It's not just Christian versus Jews or Jews versus Muslim. In America, it's often denomination versus denomination. In my experience many parents fight these battles through their children.
That's why I want books like this to be better. Because discovering who you are and what you believe is important. Learning to accept people who are different is important. If you're going to go there you have to really go there. Telling a one sided surface-surfing story does a disservice to everyone. If the book isn't going to help it's probably going to hurt.
The characters were all one note. Every Jewish person was wonderful, generous and good. On the other hand the Catholics were judgmental and cruel. (There was maybe one exception). Simplifying it like that is an injustice to everyone. No religious or people group deserves to be boiled down for convenient storytelling. I wanted this book to deal with the conflicted emotion on both the Jewish and the Catholic side of the Inquisition. I know it had to be more complicated than this book makes it.
I feel like when your dealing with a heavy topic like religion you have to write better then if you're writing, for example, about a high school prom. The characters have to shine and you have to be sensitive in your storytelling. The writing was unspectacular, at times even cheesy, which I would be more apt to forgive if it we're for the ambitious subject matter.
Isabel is not a believable main character. She goes from early in the book being like "Ewww Jewish people gross" to two pages later "Sure I'll dress as a boy and follow you to a Torah study session." There was no real struggle. She's spent her entire life as a faithful Catholic, praying to the Virgin Mary, going to mass, taking communion. Then someone tells her that her family is really Jewish. After one token "Oh no" she throws herself into Judaism without much question.
As a reader, her sudden change was hard to accept. I wanted the struggle, the questioning and the decision between two faiths. The questions are what makes religion interesting to read about. This book had a real opportunity to delve into the subject of faith. But it didn't deal with that all. Even though Judaism was a potential death sentence, Isabel just tagged along blindly. She didn't really make a choice, she just followed a cute boy to Torah lessons. (Yes really. Obviously that made me angry).
We need to have intelligent conversations about religion. Children need to be introduced to acceptance at a young age. We live in religiously hostile society. It's not just Christian versus Jews or Jews versus Muslim. In America, it's often denomination versus denomination. In my experience many parents fight these battles through their children.
That's why I want books like this to be better. Because discovering who you are and what you believe is important. Learning to accept people who are different is important. If you're going to go there you have to really go there. Telling a one sided surface-surfing story does a disservice to everyone. If the book isn't going to help it's probably going to hurt.
March 7, 2012
4 STARS!! This is a great read. I would recommend checking it out.
The Last Song is a YA historical fiction based in a time period that you really don’t read much about; the Spanish Inquisition. It seems like it has been forever since I read a YA historical fiction, and I had forgotten how much I love them.
The subject matter and the plot of this book are compelling and interesting. I learned a lot about the Spanish Inquisition that I did not know before.
Some of the characters felt a little cookie-cutter to me and that is why I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5. But don’t let that deter you from checking it out, it is an excellent story and I loved the original concept behind it.
Very good! Highly recommend for historical fiction buffs looking for a weekend read.
I received this book for free from goodreads first reads program, but that in no way influenced this review. Thank you Tundra Books for the BEAUTIFUL hardback copy of this book, and the opportunity to read it.
The Last Song is a YA historical fiction based in a time period that you really don’t read much about; the Spanish Inquisition. It seems like it has been forever since I read a YA historical fiction, and I had forgotten how much I love them.
The subject matter and the plot of this book are compelling and interesting. I learned a lot about the Spanish Inquisition that I did not know before.
Some of the characters felt a little cookie-cutter to me and that is why I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5. But don’t let that deter you from checking it out, it is an excellent story and I loved the original concept behind it.
Very good! Highly recommend for historical fiction buffs looking for a weekend read.
I received this book for free from goodreads first reads program, but that in no way influenced this review. Thank you Tundra Books for the BEAUTIFUL hardback copy of this book, and the opportunity to read it.
March 15, 2012
Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!
2.5 out of 5
When I first came upon Eva Wiseman's novel about 15th century Spain, it sounded like it had everything going for it: an intrepid and conflicted main character, an infamous villain for the ages, an often-ignored but compelling event in history - until I opened the first chapter. What this ended up as was rather superficial story that is too short and too undeveloped to carry any kind of depth or real feeling. I was quickly disillusioned with what was in store for me in this very short young-adult historical novel because my expectations were severely let down by obvious and predictable plotting, little-to-no-characterization and inconsistencies. The Last Song tells the story of fourteen-year-old Isabel, and her family of Converso Catholics in the middle of the Inquistion of Torquemada, and was one I felt rather lukewarm about while reading.
Though this is a novel that cameos visits and appearances from actual historical personages (Ferdinand & Isabel, Torquemada, Isaac Abravanel) in addition to its cast of imaginary people, none of them have life. Torquemada is the architect of all the strife in the book but he is neither distinctive, compelling or charismatic as a villain. Much like Isabel's mother/Isabel's father/Isabel's love interest Yonah (seeing a pattern yet?), he is simply there, wooden and undeveloped. I also had issues with Caterina and Isabel after their husband/father is taken away twice by the holy Inquisition - this will get a bit spoilery so be warned! The family has had a plan in store for SEVENTY PAGES, one prepared for this exact event, and it has to happen twice with weeks before they use their "failproof" plan. I was so frustrated by this obvious cluelessness on behalf of the women that I saw it as a cheap method used to drive the plot forward. Seriously, how do two scared women fighting for their lives and family forget their "Get Out of Torture Free" card/letter?
The plot follows a fairlytotally predictable route from the beginning on and never diverges into something greater, more original. Isabel's struggles and problems are no more unique than a thousand historical fiction YA heroines betrothed to someone they loathe with feelings for another, impossible match. It's hard to review a character with so little to recommend or distinguish her, because like I said earlier, Isabel was there. She was serviceable, she did what was required of her for the plot advancement and nothing more. If you erase "Isabel"'s name and input "Luis" "Caterina" or any other, the result would be the same: they played their defined roles and nothing less.
All that aside, I really do like the cover. It does a nice job of hinting at the blood and pain that accompany Torquemada and his familiars wherever they go.
2.5 out of 5
When I first came upon Eva Wiseman's novel about 15th century Spain, it sounded like it had everything going for it: an intrepid and conflicted main character, an infamous villain for the ages, an often-ignored but compelling event in history - until I opened the first chapter. What this ended up as was rather superficial story that is too short and too undeveloped to carry any kind of depth or real feeling. I was quickly disillusioned with what was in store for me in this very short young-adult historical novel because my expectations were severely let down by obvious and predictable plotting, little-to-no-characterization and inconsistencies. The Last Song tells the story of fourteen-year-old Isabel, and her family of Converso Catholics in the middle of the Inquistion of Torquemada, and was one I felt rather lukewarm about while reading.
Though this is a novel that cameos visits and appearances from actual historical personages (Ferdinand & Isabel, Torquemada, Isaac Abravanel) in addition to its cast of imaginary people, none of them have life. Torquemada is the architect of all the strife in the book but he is neither distinctive, compelling or charismatic as a villain. Much like Isabel's mother/Isabel's father/Isabel's love interest Yonah (seeing a pattern yet?), he is simply there, wooden and undeveloped. I also had issues with Caterina and Isabel after their husband/father is taken away twice by the holy Inquisition - this will get a bit spoilery so be warned! The family has had a plan in store for SEVENTY PAGES, one prepared for this exact event, and it has to happen twice with weeks before they use their "failproof" plan. I was so frustrated by this obvious cluelessness on behalf of the women that I saw it as a cheap method used to drive the plot forward. Seriously, how do two scared women fighting for their lives and family forget their "Get Out of Torture Free" card/letter?
The plot follows a fairly
All that aside, I really do like the cover. It does a nice job of hinting at the blood and pain that accompany Torquemada and his familiars wherever they go.
March 6, 2012
This was a surprisingly quick read, not due to length, but the fact that one can't really put it down. It's fast paced, to the point, rich in history.
The Spanish Inquisition is wreaking havoc all over Spain. Isabella doesn't quite understand why. She just knows it's because of the Jews, and she's been taught they are horrible people. Imagine her surprised when she finds out that she's one of them. Her father, the court physician, is a descendant of Jews... The story unfolds, revealing to the reader the desire of a young girl to find her roots, honor her family, and that you can't believe everything you hear.
In times of peril, you find out who your real friends are...as is the case for Isabella and her family. Some will shun them, some will aid them, love can be found or destroyed.
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
The Spanish Inquisition is wreaking havoc all over Spain. Isabella doesn't quite understand why. She just knows it's because of the Jews, and she's been taught they are horrible people. Imagine her surprised when she finds out that she's one of them. Her father, the court physician, is a descendant of Jews... The story unfolds, revealing to the reader the desire of a young girl to find her roots, honor her family, and that you can't believe everything you hear.
In times of peril, you find out who your real friends are...as is the case for Isabella and her family. Some will shun them, some will aid them, love can be found or destroyed.
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
March 19, 2012
Actual Rating: 3.5
It has taken me a while to review The Last Song because I have struggled with how to approach it. You see, I am precisely the type of person who would be inherently interested in it, but not at all Wiseman's intended audience. I am well read in both the middle ages and Jewish history and culture. In short, I know too much. That is not to say that Wiseman is in any way ignorant, or that she is wrong; merely that I wanted more detail, more nuance, and more depth from this story than she provided. The fault, therefore, lies in my expectations and not The Last Song.
First and foremost I want to applaud Wiseman for even tackling the Alhambra Decree and the Spanish Inquisition. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have tried - in vain - to put the Holocaust into its proper prospective. When people ask, 'How could that have happened?' the answer for any student of Jewish history would be, 'Easily!' European countries have a long and sordid history of treating Jewish people abysmally - everything from laws which classified them as second or third class citizens to expulsions. It is nice to see something about Jewish history for young readers which is not about the Holocaust. It saddens me sometimes to see how popular perception had ossified Jewish history and the Holocaust into one and the same thing.
So few people know that the Spanish Inquisition started primarily because conversos (or Jewish people who had recently, ahem - as in within the past few generations, converted to Christianity were enjoying very high levels of financial, political, occupational, and intellectual success. Never mind that this was a period of fierce intellectualism within the Jewish community - in stark contrast to the rather ostrich-like approach Christians were taking to the world at the time. Wiseman does a very good job of highlighting most of these issues within The Last Song without ever getting too dark. So many things about this time period were made softer, toned down, simplified. Nobody important dies. Spaniards who are really close to Isobel never really betray her. Her family makes it out of Spain safely, as do her friends, and she has her happily ever after with the boy she loves.
The Last Song is a gentle introduction to Jewish history, but it is still a true one. There are no easy lies, perhaps only careful omissions. So, while I may have expected the quintessential (and completely un-PC) medieval insult slinging; the dirt and poverty and despair in the Juderia; the families and friends ripped apart by betrayals and arrests - they weren't necessary. The Last Song was safe enough that it was fun to read, and real enough to make kids think. And that, to me, makes this a very good book indeed.
Blogged at Chronicles of a Book Evangelist
It has taken me a while to review The Last Song because I have struggled with how to approach it. You see, I am precisely the type of person who would be inherently interested in it, but not at all Wiseman's intended audience. I am well read in both the middle ages and Jewish history and culture. In short, I know too much. That is not to say that Wiseman is in any way ignorant, or that she is wrong; merely that I wanted more detail, more nuance, and more depth from this story than she provided. The fault, therefore, lies in my expectations and not The Last Song.
First and foremost I want to applaud Wiseman for even tackling the Alhambra Decree and the Spanish Inquisition. I cannot even begin to count the number of times I have tried - in vain - to put the Holocaust into its proper prospective. When people ask, 'How could that have happened?' the answer for any student of Jewish history would be, 'Easily!' European countries have a long and sordid history of treating Jewish people abysmally - everything from laws which classified them as second or third class citizens to expulsions. It is nice to see something about Jewish history for young readers which is not about the Holocaust. It saddens me sometimes to see how popular perception had ossified Jewish history and the Holocaust into one and the same thing.
So few people know that the Spanish Inquisition started primarily because conversos (or Jewish people who had recently, ahem - as in within the past few generations, converted to Christianity were enjoying very high levels of financial, political, occupational, and intellectual success. Never mind that this was a period of fierce intellectualism within the Jewish community - in stark contrast to the rather ostrich-like approach Christians were taking to the world at the time. Wiseman does a very good job of highlighting most of these issues within The Last Song without ever getting too dark. So many things about this time period were made softer, toned down, simplified. Nobody important dies. Spaniards who are really close to Isobel never really betray her. Her family makes it out of Spain safely, as do her friends, and she has her happily ever after with the boy she loves.
The Last Song is a gentle introduction to Jewish history, but it is still a true one. There are no easy lies, perhaps only careful omissions. So, while I may have expected the quintessential (and completely un-PC) medieval insult slinging; the dirt and poverty and despair in the Juderia; the families and friends ripped apart by betrayals and arrests - they weren't necessary. The Last Song was safe enough that it was fun to read, and real enough to make kids think. And that, to me, makes this a very good book indeed.
Blogged at Chronicles of a Book Evangelist
August 7, 2012
Sweet and simple story, easy read for a summer night.
January 18, 2026
I went in blind on this one and I was surprised to actually devour this small book.
That packs a lot of weight. Now, I had no clue of what was the Spanish Inquisition was but now I do!
This story is written in the 15th Century and I learned a few things.
This story is fiction but has a lot of actual historical context.
Isabel is a devout Catholic but through a series of events the identity of her family’s religion is Judaism. Her father has to come out and say the truth. They are Jewish!
That causes a lot of problems since the Grand Inquisitor is out to punish non Christians. If they don’t repent,
they can be put in prison for life, hard labour or burnt alive in public places.
Once again history is against the Jews. In the book, it’s mentioned they are driven out of Egypt and now they have again escaped for their country and start anew. It seems history has been repeating itself.
That packs a lot of weight. Now, I had no clue of what was the Spanish Inquisition was but now I do!
This story is written in the 15th Century and I learned a few things.
This story is fiction but has a lot of actual historical context.
Isabel is a devout Catholic but through a series of events the identity of her family’s religion is Judaism. Her father has to come out and say the truth. They are Jewish!
That causes a lot of problems since the Grand Inquisitor is out to punish non Christians. If they don’t repent,
they can be put in prison for life, hard labour or burnt alive in public places.
Once again history is against the Jews. In the book, it’s mentioned they are driven out of Egypt and now they have again escaped for their country and start anew. It seems history has been repeating itself.
January 13, 2015
THE LAST SONG introduced me to a part of history that I don’t know too much about outside of the Inquisition’s persecution of witches. The Jews having to outwardly convert to Catholicism in order to save their lives is something I’ve known about but really only in passing and not in any depth. I knew of the terror that the Inquisition struck in people, the religious fervor it riled up and the hundreds of thousands of lives it stole but THE LAST SONG gave me a look from a slightly different perspective of the persecuted.
Isabel is basically a spoiled brat living under the wings of rich parents who want to marry her off outwardly because it’s a good match that will ensure all of their safety during the Inquisition, while inwardly her parents are doing it in an attempt to draw attention away from being newly converted as opposed to old Christians with solid roots that the Inquisition couldn’t dig up. At the beginning Isabel didn’t know about her real roots, nor did she know that her parents secretly practiced another religion, but she was adamant in not wanting to marry Luis, her intended. He was a rather vile little thing anyway.
Isabel is kind and she eventually acquiesces to her parents for they are adamant that they know what’s best for her in the situation. To them having their daughter marry someone who will no doubt beat and rape her is better than being found out Jewish. What does that say about the political/religious climate of the time? Granted marriages at the time didn’t usually take into account how the husband was going to treat his wife but it’s made clear that Isabel’s parents are concerned for her and they’ve weighed the options and come up with the lesser of two evils. Eek.
Of course Isabel makes some stupid decisions that could be ruinous for all involved but luckily (or rather unluckily) for her everything comes tumbling down around her so her sneaking off goes unnoticed. Where her family once thought themselves protected now find themselves at great risk and they must find a way to save their lives when they have no one, not even people whom they thought were close friends, to turn to.
I liked the story and the characterization of the dominant players gave me just enough to root for them and want to see them all get to safety but it was all really thin. It would be a stretch to call this a solid YA book. Upper middle grade, lower young adult would be more like it. I had just enough detail to paint a scene, to discern characters, to get emotions. The writing was very simple and conveys very basic points. I think the book would have been fantastic had it been fleshed out more but that would change the target audience.
It’s a good story and I think THE LAST SONG provides a solid peek into a part of history I don’t think people know too much about, not in this narrow a view, anyway. It paints the picture of a struggle of a people and just how brutal the Inquisition was. But it’s all rather scant. This is really a children’s book, meant to teach history in a way that’s more colorful than a textbook but not as in-depth as an older person’s historical fiction. It’s unfortunate because it could have been so much better. But it was still good for the demographic it was written for.
3.5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Isabel is basically a spoiled brat living under the wings of rich parents who want to marry her off outwardly because it’s a good match that will ensure all of their safety during the Inquisition, while inwardly her parents are doing it in an attempt to draw attention away from being newly converted as opposed to old Christians with solid roots that the Inquisition couldn’t dig up. At the beginning Isabel didn’t know about her real roots, nor did she know that her parents secretly practiced another religion, but she was adamant in not wanting to marry Luis, her intended. He was a rather vile little thing anyway.
Isabel is kind and she eventually acquiesces to her parents for they are adamant that they know what’s best for her in the situation. To them having their daughter marry someone who will no doubt beat and rape her is better than being found out Jewish. What does that say about the political/religious climate of the time? Granted marriages at the time didn’t usually take into account how the husband was going to treat his wife but it’s made clear that Isabel’s parents are concerned for her and they’ve weighed the options and come up with the lesser of two evils. Eek.
Of course Isabel makes some stupid decisions that could be ruinous for all involved but luckily (or rather unluckily) for her everything comes tumbling down around her so her sneaking off goes unnoticed. Where her family once thought themselves protected now find themselves at great risk and they must find a way to save their lives when they have no one, not even people whom they thought were close friends, to turn to.
I liked the story and the characterization of the dominant players gave me just enough to root for them and want to see them all get to safety but it was all really thin. It would be a stretch to call this a solid YA book. Upper middle grade, lower young adult would be more like it. I had just enough detail to paint a scene, to discern characters, to get emotions. The writing was very simple and conveys very basic points. I think the book would have been fantastic had it been fleshed out more but that would change the target audience.
It’s a good story and I think THE LAST SONG provides a solid peek into a part of history I don’t think people know too much about, not in this narrow a view, anyway. It paints the picture of a struggle of a people and just how brutal the Inquisition was. But it’s all rather scant. This is really a children’s book, meant to teach history in a way that’s more colorful than a textbook but not as in-depth as an older person’s historical fiction. It’s unfortunate because it could have been so much better. But it was still good for the demographic it was written for.
3.5
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2012
Fourteen-year-old Isabel de Cardosa lives a privileged life as the only child of wealthy parents in Toledo, Spain in 1491. She lives in a nice house and has beautiful clothes. Her parents have always given her everything she wanted. But then everything changes. Her parents announce that she will be betrothed to Luis, a boy from a wealthy and respected family. Although Luis is her own age, Isabel hates him because he is cruel and selfish. She doesn’t understand why her parents, who always planned to choose a husband Isabel liked, would suddenly decide she must marry someone she hates.
Soon, Isabel learns the real reason for her parents’ decision. Although Isabel has been raised a devout Catholic, her family is Jewish. Her grandparents were forced to convert to save their lives, but her parents have continued to practice Jewish traditions in secret. Her parents hope that Isabel’s marriage to Luis will protect the family from the Inquisition, since Luis’s family is an old Catholic family. Isabel isn’t sure what to think at first. Curious about her heritage, she becomes friends with Yonah, a Jewish boy her age. Their friendship would be forbidden by her parents if they knew, because Yonah is openly Jewish and only the son of a craftsman. Soon her friendship with Yonah seems to be turning into something more, but then her father is arrested by the agents of the Inquisition. Isabel is desperate to find a way to save her father, no matter what the risks to herself.
I mainly wanted to read this book because it is about historical events not often written about in young adult fiction. Most historical fiction I have read with Jewish characters has been about either immigration to the United States (usually to New York City) or the Holocaust. While certainly those are very important topics, they are not the entirety of Jewish history. I love when young adult historical fiction explores events from history that are not frequently written about. Isabel, the main character of this book, is very brave and willing to do anything to save her family. The relationship between her and Yonah was very sweet and I would have liked to see it developed more, but perhaps that might not have been realistic given the historical setting. Although this book is about sad events, it’s not all depressing, it’s a very hopeful story too. I think readers who love young adult historical fiction but want to read something different than the typical book from this genre would enjoy this book.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
Soon, Isabel learns the real reason for her parents’ decision. Although Isabel has been raised a devout Catholic, her family is Jewish. Her grandparents were forced to convert to save their lives, but her parents have continued to practice Jewish traditions in secret. Her parents hope that Isabel’s marriage to Luis will protect the family from the Inquisition, since Luis’s family is an old Catholic family. Isabel isn’t sure what to think at first. Curious about her heritage, she becomes friends with Yonah, a Jewish boy her age. Their friendship would be forbidden by her parents if they knew, because Yonah is openly Jewish and only the son of a craftsman. Soon her friendship with Yonah seems to be turning into something more, but then her father is arrested by the agents of the Inquisition. Isabel is desperate to find a way to save her father, no matter what the risks to herself.
I mainly wanted to read this book because it is about historical events not often written about in young adult fiction. Most historical fiction I have read with Jewish characters has been about either immigration to the United States (usually to New York City) or the Holocaust. While certainly those are very important topics, they are not the entirety of Jewish history. I love when young adult historical fiction explores events from history that are not frequently written about. Isabel, the main character of this book, is very brave and willing to do anything to save her family. The relationship between her and Yonah was very sweet and I would have liked to see it developed more, but perhaps that might not have been realistic given the historical setting. Although this book is about sad events, it’s not all depressing, it’s a very hopeful story too. I think readers who love young adult historical fiction but want to read something different than the typical book from this genre would enjoy this book.
Disclosure: Review copy provided by publisher.
February 21, 2012
Isabel lives a life of luxury as the daughter of the physician in the court of Ferdinand and Isabella. Spain is known for its tolerance of different religious and cultural beliefs, but all that changes with the Spanish inquisition. Isabel has been raised as a Catholic and is very devout in her faith. When she is betrothed to a less than suitable young man from a wealthy respected family Isabel learns a secret that will change her life.
Slight Spoiler alert**************************************************************************
Isabel is shocked to discover that her family are not who they seem and practice their true faith in secret. She befriends a young Jewish silversmith Yonah, who teaches her about his faith. As her friendship with Yonah develops into something more her life takes a dramatic turn when her father is arrested and imprisoned by the Inquisition. Using a dangerous secret, Isabel races to save her father’s life and ultimately that of her family.
I was very intrigued by this book as there is not a lot of history about the Spanish Inquisition for young readers. I confess that I was unaware that many in the Jewish community lived a double life as good Catholic citizens while practicing their Jewish faith in secret. This book made me want to learn more about this history that is not well known.
I found that this was a quick read and for the most part predictable. Isabel was a likable character but I feel that because this book was so short we never really got to know her beyond what was happening in her immediate life. The other characters were very under developed as well and I really wanted to know more about them. However this did not ruin the book for me.
It was nice to get another perspective on Jewish history as many for young readers focus solely on the Holocaust (which is still an important lesson and topic). I feel that this book might open more doors into a rarely discussed moment in history. Even though it was a quick read, it was well written and left the reader wanting to learn more. I appreciate that even though the circumstances of the book were dire; the story had a hopeful ending.
4/5 starts
*Review from a pre-release copy from the publisher.
Slight Spoiler alert**************************************************************************
Isabel is shocked to discover that her family are not who they seem and practice their true faith in secret. She befriends a young Jewish silversmith Yonah, who teaches her about his faith. As her friendship with Yonah develops into something more her life takes a dramatic turn when her father is arrested and imprisoned by the Inquisition. Using a dangerous secret, Isabel races to save her father’s life and ultimately that of her family.
I was very intrigued by this book as there is not a lot of history about the Spanish Inquisition for young readers. I confess that I was unaware that many in the Jewish community lived a double life as good Catholic citizens while practicing their Jewish faith in secret. This book made me want to learn more about this history that is not well known.
I found that this was a quick read and for the most part predictable. Isabel was a likable character but I feel that because this book was so short we never really got to know her beyond what was happening in her immediate life. The other characters were very under developed as well and I really wanted to know more about them. However this did not ruin the book for me.
It was nice to get another perspective on Jewish history as many for young readers focus solely on the Holocaust (which is still an important lesson and topic). I feel that this book might open more doors into a rarely discussed moment in history. Even though it was a quick read, it was well written and left the reader wanting to learn more. I appreciate that even though the circumstances of the book were dire; the story had a hopeful ending.
4/5 starts
*Review from a pre-release copy from the publisher.
March 8, 2012
[I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
3.5 stars
Simply written and fast paced, this story is from the first person narrative of Isabel, a Spanish aristocrat’s daughter, in the early 1490s. Isabel’s world is rocked when her erstwhile indulgent parents decide to marry her in haste to a nobleman’s cruel and unpleasant son.
The reasoning behind this is soon clear: Isabel discovers that her parents are both second generation Conversos - their grandparents being Jews forced to convert to Catholicism at sword-point – and still secretly follow Jewish customs. The violent Inquisition are seeking out clandestine Jews and imprisoning and torturing them. Isabel’s parents believe that forcing her marriage into one of Spain’s oldest Catholic families is the only sure-fire way of protecting their daughter.
Raised a devout Catholic, Isabel is shaken to the core. Eventually, curious about her heritage, she strikes up a friendship with Yonah, the son of the Jewish goldsmith who created a beautiful centrepiece for her betrothal celebrations.
‘The Last Song’ covers a year in these characters’ lives and whilst the short length and fast pacing lend itself well to the young adult market, I personally would have enjoyed this story and these characters being expanded into a fully-fledged historical epic. Nevertheless, an interesting and enjoyable ‘snapshot’ into an episode of history not often approached.
3.5 stars
Simply written and fast paced, this story is from the first person narrative of Isabel, a Spanish aristocrat’s daughter, in the early 1490s. Isabel’s world is rocked when her erstwhile indulgent parents decide to marry her in haste to a nobleman’s cruel and unpleasant son.
The reasoning behind this is soon clear: Isabel discovers that her parents are both second generation Conversos - their grandparents being Jews forced to convert to Catholicism at sword-point – and still secretly follow Jewish customs. The violent Inquisition are seeking out clandestine Jews and imprisoning and torturing them. Isabel’s parents believe that forcing her marriage into one of Spain’s oldest Catholic families is the only sure-fire way of protecting their daughter.
Raised a devout Catholic, Isabel is shaken to the core. Eventually, curious about her heritage, she strikes up a friendship with Yonah, the son of the Jewish goldsmith who created a beautiful centrepiece for her betrothal celebrations.
‘The Last Song’ covers a year in these characters’ lives and whilst the short length and fast pacing lend itself well to the young adult market, I personally would have enjoyed this story and these characters being expanded into a fully-fledged historical epic. Nevertheless, an interesting and enjoyable ‘snapshot’ into an episode of history not often approached.
March 3, 2012
I recieved this as an ARC from Netgalley.
The Last Song by Eva Wiseman was a breath of fresh air. I have been reading a lot of the same style of books and it is so nice to take a step away from them, and read something so beautiful.
The Last Song takes place in Spain in the early 1490’s. During this time the Catholic Church has decreed that all Jewish people must become Christian or lose their lives. The King and Queen have an Inquisition to find all of those “Catholics” who are only Catholic by name by practice their Jewish religion behind closed doors. These heretics are then put to death.
Isabel and her family find themselves in a precarious position where they are 2nd generation Catholics who are secretly carrying on the “old ways”.
The Last Song give a beautiful look into the lives of this Jewish family who are trying to survive and maintain their faith in such a harsh religious atmosphere. Wiseman tackles a hard subject of religious oppression with grace and charm. The book is simply written and lacks many vivid descriptions, but that does not take away from the story, in fact, I think it made me like it even more. It allows you to feel hope, instead of being weighted down and oppressed. I immensely enjoyed The Last Song and would gladly read anything Eva Wiseman puts out in the future.
The Last Song by Eva Wiseman was a breath of fresh air. I have been reading a lot of the same style of books and it is so nice to take a step away from them, and read something so beautiful.
The Last Song takes place in Spain in the early 1490’s. During this time the Catholic Church has decreed that all Jewish people must become Christian or lose their lives. The King and Queen have an Inquisition to find all of those “Catholics” who are only Catholic by name by practice their Jewish religion behind closed doors. These heretics are then put to death.
Isabel and her family find themselves in a precarious position where they are 2nd generation Catholics who are secretly carrying on the “old ways”.
The Last Song give a beautiful look into the lives of this Jewish family who are trying to survive and maintain their faith in such a harsh religious atmosphere. Wiseman tackles a hard subject of religious oppression with grace and charm. The book is simply written and lacks many vivid descriptions, but that does not take away from the story, in fact, I think it made me like it even more. It allows you to feel hope, instead of being weighted down and oppressed. I immensely enjoyed The Last Song and would gladly read anything Eva Wiseman puts out in the future.
March 5, 2012
It is so wonderful to know that there are still authors out there writing historical fiction for young adults. This takes place in Toledo Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, under Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. Isabelle's father is the royal physician and has always promised her that when she was fifteen she could choose her own husband. That changes when he betroths her to a cruel young man who is known as coming from a staunch Catholic family. What follows are family secrets and a young love with another young man. Such great history, told in a very readable and interesting manner as well as romance and the theme of religious persecution. All in all a very good read. ARC from NetGalley.
April 22, 2012
"...This book through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program, and I am really pleased that I've also received a copy of another book by the same author, because The Last Song is fantastic. I read it through in one night; it got pretty late, but I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I caught myself holding my breath through pages, anxious for Isabel and her family; I could not go to sleep without finding out what was going to happen..."
For full review, please visit me at Here Be Bookwyrms on Blogger:
http://herebebookwyrms.blogspot.com/2...
For full review, please visit me at Here Be Bookwyrms on Blogger:
http://herebebookwyrms.blogspot.com/2...
May 23, 2019
CAN$19.99 U.S.$17.95
Tundra Books
Pages: 225
Genre: Tragedy, historical events
Duration:
Finish Date: Oct 29th. 2015
Reading Duration: About 3 days.
Stars: 3*/5*
They should not be punished. They should have a good life. However, because they lived in Spain during the holy inquisition, they should leave, they should die, and they should go to hell. They didn’t do any harm, but they needed to tolerate what all people had done to them, without any complaints. Fray Torquemada was the Inquisitor General of the Holy Inquisition and the confessor of their beloved queen. Although he was a new Christian in his soul, he punished the Jews as harsh as he could, and also the new Christians, who were Jewish or Muslims. People hated the Jew; we could see that very significantly in page 7 of the book:
“Heretics!” cried a woman in front of us. “The pox on you!”
“May your souls rot in hell!” an onlooker taunted the prisoners.
People seemed to think they could do whatever they wanted to them. “At the front of the group of the male prisoners walked an older man whose dignity shone through his degradation. He held himself straight, as would a soldier leading his men into battle. As he passed us, the butcher Garcia hoisted a bucket of blood and flung it into the man’s face. The man wiped his eyes with his sleeves and walked by his tormentor silently, not even glancing at him.
This book is about the culture and history in Spain around 1491, and the protagonist’s family had the most irony situation in those two years. At first, they had their own estate, and a lot of servants, deep influence to the society they lived in, and had a lot of loyal friends to talk with, and had a party every day. Then, the main character, Dõna Isabel, found out that her parents were Jews, who were heretics, and these were not allowed to be rich or high social status. Then, she started to talk with a Jewish boy, who was the son of a silversmith. She fell in loved with the boy, but she knew that if someone else found this out, she would be punished not only by her own parents but also the whole society. They would burn her at stake. She was going to be married, at the age of 14, but it was not the person she loved, which was Yonah. She was taught to marry Luis, who could give her protection, although they didn’t like each other. Luis was a cruel person. He stepped on the things that other people cherish.
They were discovered, and those followers of the “holy inquisition” were captured the father. To save his father, the daughter of this lord, pulled out the last cards in her hands. She went to see the head of all this mess and pulled out a letter that showed the relationships between that leader and her own family. At last, the father was back, but they needed to leave Spain because they heard from the slaves in that leader’s house that they were going to captured not only the father, but also the mother, and their only daughter as revenge. They were kind to people, and they got a strong support from the back. The ending of this story was when they finally saw the sea from Egypt, and they might have a better life.
The story was very realistic, moved a lot of real history into this short story, and the story itself was even based on them. This could be read as one of the sources you learned. However, what it moved me was not like this. It was very sincere, and it was written in the first person point of view. The main character was alive in the story; she had her own limitations and thoughts. She had her own characteristic and strategies. I was moved when she decided to go save her father even when she knew she had a high risk of being captured and killed without saving her father. She was very intelligent in fact, and she had even more courage than her mother, who was very depressed when she noticed that the informer who reported them to the inquisition organization was her own best friend, her daughter’s godmother.
The history could not be changed, and people could only felt regret about what they had done. We could control the future though, in some ways, and the history and the past could always make me better, and more civilized if we remembered them, and cherish them as experiences instead of a shame.
There were dialogues, and there was romance. The structure of this book was like a diary. There were some funny events in the story. There were struggles, as in real life. However, the struggles had different levels. There were choices about life. The book could teach you about what you could do when you were having struggles. It was really a good book, and it made me felt smart when I finished the book. I knew a lot about the history, and this was what I was learning in the school, which was quite fortunate for me because I was eager to have a book about this.
Tundra Books
Pages: 225
Genre: Tragedy, historical events
Duration:
Finish Date: Oct 29th. 2015
Reading Duration: About 3 days.
Stars: 3*/5*
They should not be punished. They should have a good life. However, because they lived in Spain during the holy inquisition, they should leave, they should die, and they should go to hell. They didn’t do any harm, but they needed to tolerate what all people had done to them, without any complaints. Fray Torquemada was the Inquisitor General of the Holy Inquisition and the confessor of their beloved queen. Although he was a new Christian in his soul, he punished the Jews as harsh as he could, and also the new Christians, who were Jewish or Muslims. People hated the Jew; we could see that very significantly in page 7 of the book:
“Heretics!” cried a woman in front of us. “The pox on you!”
“May your souls rot in hell!” an onlooker taunted the prisoners.
People seemed to think they could do whatever they wanted to them. “At the front of the group of the male prisoners walked an older man whose dignity shone through his degradation. He held himself straight, as would a soldier leading his men into battle. As he passed us, the butcher Garcia hoisted a bucket of blood and flung it into the man’s face. The man wiped his eyes with his sleeves and walked by his tormentor silently, not even glancing at him.
This book is about the culture and history in Spain around 1491, and the protagonist’s family had the most irony situation in those two years. At first, they had their own estate, and a lot of servants, deep influence to the society they lived in, and had a lot of loyal friends to talk with, and had a party every day. Then, the main character, Dõna Isabel, found out that her parents were Jews, who were heretics, and these were not allowed to be rich or high social status. Then, she started to talk with a Jewish boy, who was the son of a silversmith. She fell in loved with the boy, but she knew that if someone else found this out, she would be punished not only by her own parents but also the whole society. They would burn her at stake. She was going to be married, at the age of 14, but it was not the person she loved, which was Yonah. She was taught to marry Luis, who could give her protection, although they didn’t like each other. Luis was a cruel person. He stepped on the things that other people cherish.
They were discovered, and those followers of the “holy inquisition” were captured the father. To save his father, the daughter of this lord, pulled out the last cards in her hands. She went to see the head of all this mess and pulled out a letter that showed the relationships between that leader and her own family. At last, the father was back, but they needed to leave Spain because they heard from the slaves in that leader’s house that they were going to captured not only the father, but also the mother, and their only daughter as revenge. They were kind to people, and they got a strong support from the back. The ending of this story was when they finally saw the sea from Egypt, and they might have a better life.
The story was very realistic, moved a lot of real history into this short story, and the story itself was even based on them. This could be read as one of the sources you learned. However, what it moved me was not like this. It was very sincere, and it was written in the first person point of view. The main character was alive in the story; she had her own limitations and thoughts. She had her own characteristic and strategies. I was moved when she decided to go save her father even when she knew she had a high risk of being captured and killed without saving her father. She was very intelligent in fact, and she had even more courage than her mother, who was very depressed when she noticed that the informer who reported them to the inquisition organization was her own best friend, her daughter’s godmother.
The history could not be changed, and people could only felt regret about what they had done. We could control the future though, in some ways, and the history and the past could always make me better, and more civilized if we remembered them, and cherish them as experiences instead of a shame.
There were dialogues, and there was romance. The structure of this book was like a diary. There were some funny events in the story. There were struggles, as in real life. However, the struggles had different levels. There were choices about life. The book could teach you about what you could do when you were having struggles. It was really a good book, and it made me felt smart when I finished the book. I knew a lot about the history, and this was what I was learning in the school, which was quite fortunate for me because I was eager to have a book about this.
April 4, 2018
The book The Last Song by Eva Wiseman was an excellent book if you are looking for a historical fiction novel. This book consists of a few plot twists and is quite humorous. I found this book quite interesting because I have an interest in history and this book gave me another point of view to look at the Spanish Inquisition from. An adjustment the author might want to consider to make would be to not over explain things. This is a recurring theme throughout the text. One might recommend this book to 10th to 12th graders. It is challenging to understand who is who with the foreign names.
An element that occured quite often throughout The Last Song would be the setting. The setting is always changing as Isabel is constantly moving through Toledo, Spain. The author says “My cloak covering me from head to toe, I followed Sofie as she used her elbows to cut a path through the throng clogging the streets of Toledo” (3). This quote shows that in the very beginning, she is traveling the streets of Spain along with her African slave. Isabel is the main character in this story and early off Wiseman gives you the depiction that she is very adventurous. However she is only wearing a cloak because she cannot be seen in the streets of Toledo as royalty. Eva also skips around a lot instead of filling in the gaps. She will skip a few days or weeks at a time. There is no good quote to prove this but the beginning of the chapter states the dates and you have to do the math. However, it does show that the author believes it is not necessary to fill in these voids.
Another aspect that is evident in the story is the progression of the character. Wiseman starts Isabel off with no knowledge once so ever of her actual culture. Later she finds that she is of Jewish heritage and not of Christian descent. To stay safe she must marry Luis de Carrera of Aragon to keep the secret of her being a Jew. Eva states “I told myself that Luis was actually quite handsome, except for the meanness of his eyes” (21) This shows the reader that Isabel will not enjoy marrying to a man that she dislikes at the age of 15. Later on in the story she learns about her faith and decides to join a Jewish boy named Yonah who is a silversmith. Yonah takes her to a secret meeting under a bakery to meet with other Jews and discuss the Torah. The text says “‘Her name is Isabel, Rabbi. She is one of the anusim, the forced ones. We thought it would be safer is she disguised herself as a boy. She wants to know more about us’” (72). What this quote is explaining is that she is lead into a dark room under a bakery and is curious to learn more about her Jewish state. After the attack on the bakery, the group has to meet elsewhere. It is a hard life for Isabel to live at the age of 15 during the Spanish Inquisition but she fights through it.
An element that occured quite often throughout The Last Song would be the setting. The setting is always changing as Isabel is constantly moving through Toledo, Spain. The author says “My cloak covering me from head to toe, I followed Sofie as she used her elbows to cut a path through the throng clogging the streets of Toledo” (3). This quote shows that in the very beginning, she is traveling the streets of Spain along with her African slave. Isabel is the main character in this story and early off Wiseman gives you the depiction that she is very adventurous. However she is only wearing a cloak because she cannot be seen in the streets of Toledo as royalty. Eva also skips around a lot instead of filling in the gaps. She will skip a few days or weeks at a time. There is no good quote to prove this but the beginning of the chapter states the dates and you have to do the math. However, it does show that the author believes it is not necessary to fill in these voids.
Another aspect that is evident in the story is the progression of the character. Wiseman starts Isabel off with no knowledge once so ever of her actual culture. Later she finds that she is of Jewish heritage and not of Christian descent. To stay safe she must marry Luis de Carrera of Aragon to keep the secret of her being a Jew. Eva states “I told myself that Luis was actually quite handsome, except for the meanness of his eyes” (21) This shows the reader that Isabel will not enjoy marrying to a man that she dislikes at the age of 15. Later on in the story she learns about her faith and decides to join a Jewish boy named Yonah who is a silversmith. Yonah takes her to a secret meeting under a bakery to meet with other Jews and discuss the Torah. The text says “‘Her name is Isabel, Rabbi. She is one of the anusim, the forced ones. We thought it would be safer is she disguised herself as a boy. She wants to know more about us’” (72). What this quote is explaining is that she is lead into a dark room under a bakery and is curious to learn more about her Jewish state. After the attack on the bakery, the group has to meet elsewhere. It is a hard life for Isabel to live at the age of 15 during the Spanish Inquisition but she fights through it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2017
A lovely and heartbreaking tale of the Spanish Inquisition and the calamities suffered by Jews during that time.
14 year old Isabel is a devout Catholic as raised by her parents - her father being the chief physician for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. The Spanish Inquisition is something that's far from her world until she comes close to a jewish boy Yonah and finds out the truth of her family and ancestors. She has to delve deep to find her her heart lays, how strong her faith is during the perilous times.
I enjoyed reading the book as there haven't been many about the Spanish Inquisition that I've come across. Isabel's choices are true-to-life and rare to hear during our times. It's a terrifying point in history and while the author doesn't touch on specific horrors in detail (thankfully), there is just enough to bring to light what happened to those taken during the Inquisition. It is a book that , despite the times, is full of love and hope and true human compassion.
14 year old Isabel is a devout Catholic as raised by her parents - her father being the chief physician for Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. The Spanish Inquisition is something that's far from her world until she comes close to a jewish boy Yonah and finds out the truth of her family and ancestors. She has to delve deep to find her her heart lays, how strong her faith is during the perilous times.
I enjoyed reading the book as there haven't been many about the Spanish Inquisition that I've come across. Isabel's choices are true-to-life and rare to hear during our times. It's a terrifying point in history and while the author doesn't touch on specific horrors in detail (thankfully), there is just enough to bring to light what happened to those taken during the Inquisition. It is a book that , despite the times, is full of love and hope and true human compassion.
June 16, 2017
This was a good book about topic one doesn't find readily in fiction. The main character, Isabel, is growing up during the Inquisition. Raised as a Catholic girl, she learns that she and her family are Jewish. Forced to convert and denounce their religion generations ago, the family is well-respected in the kingdom. A marriage mismatch leads to the discovery of the family's true background and to persecution. A thin love story rounds out the telling, making it a perfect choice for young teens who seek less romance with their fiction. Though the ending is abrupt and some of the characters are not well-developed, the strength of the story lies in its relation of Jewish rituals, a strong female character's self-discovery, and grounding in an unusual period of history.
August 8, 2021
Grabbed this to pre-read before handing to Porter in preparation for his trip to Spain/Portugal next year. It's a rather melodramatic tale of a "converso" girl and her family during the time of the Inquisition. It's fairly annoying at first - but one must consider the audience and then it's tolerable. I'm not sure Porter will appreciate it, but it does feature the expulsion of the Jews, historic figures (Torquemada, Ferdinand & Isabella, the Reconquista, etc) and events to inspire (I hope) curiosity of what those things and people were.
October 11, 2019
When I skimmed the inside of the flap on this book I assumed it was about WWII. Turned out that it was actually about the Spanish Inquisition. I've never known much about that era and I was fascinated! The book was a wonderful read. I couldn't put it down.
June 21, 2019
Didn't really like this book. Recommended for those interested in reading about the Spanish Inquisition in young adult form or for those who want a quick historical read.
January 30, 2021
I really liked this book
May 25, 2024
Think that this author captured the reality of a dark period in time. Beautifully written, credible characters, and moments of hope.
May 1, 2012
[review copy from Netgalley
Originally published here: http://irisonbooks.com/2012/05/01/the...]
I have always found Spain at the time of the Reconquista a fascinating subject. There is something so fascinating about a society in which Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together, with at the same time the religious tensions and wars, and the role of the Inquisition, in particular during the reign of Ferdinand III of Aragon and Isabella of Castille. I am not an expert, at all, but what I have read on the subject has made an impression.
And so, when I saw The Last Song up on Netgalley, a YA novel set in Spain around 1490, I was excited. In it, Wiseman tells the story of a girl called Isabel, whose father is a respected court physician. She has been raised Catholic. What she does not know, however, is that her parents are what were called “new Christians” and have Jewish roots. In a society in which the Inquisition becomes more powerful each day, Isabel’s parents try to safeguard their child’s future by arranging a marriage with a boy from a well-established Christian family. However, despite these arrangements, Isabel’s family is not safe..
I am sorry to say that Eva Wiseman’s latest novel turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. What sounded like a promising story fell flat for several reasons. The book was so concise that did not do the complexity of the story and its setting justice. The prose at times it felt like a disengaged retelling of events, and therefore I found it hard to feel immersed in the story. Moreover, there were some convenient plot resolutions that took away from the natural flow of the story.
I respect that Spanish society around 1492 was complex, and that the religious issues tackled might make it an even more difficult subject to write about. I was elated to find Isabel confused about her parents’ Jewish heritage, given that she’d always been taught to loathe them. I also appreciated that fact that she was curious about Judaism, but at the same time felt at home with Catholicism and found comfort in praying to the Virgin Mary. And so the beginning of the book made me feel hopeful. But all too soon Isabel starts changing her views, and suddenly, she starts sneaking out to learn about Judaism, despite knowing of the danger to her family and friends, and despite the fact that I’m pretty sure her parents would have liked to tell her about their roots just as well. Isabel’s actions throughout the book were erratic, difficult to understand when the story tries to impress you with the dangers of the situation, and some of her decisions just made no sense at all, except that they led to plot developments a few pages on.
Furthermore, the good-bad divide of the story felt a little too convenient. Basically, all the Jews or new Christians we meet are good. Of course, it makes sense to highlight their awful situation, but.. I don’t know. In contrast, most of the Catholic characters were depicted as spoiled, used to getting what they want, and willing to negate the welfare of others to protect themselves. Hints were given to the power of the Inquisition and the fear for their own safety, but none of these Catholic characters’ division of loyalties was developed well enough for me to feel satisfied. I wondered at the absence of Muslims from the story, but perhaps that has to do with its focus being on converted Jews, as Jews were the first to be expelled from Spain? Isabel’s family has one slave who has the Muslim name Yussuf, but he is not given much of a voice, although he is portrayed as loyal. On the topic of slavery I felt you could, again, notice the author struggling with it being a part of the historical setting, and it being an uncomfortable topic for modern readers. I liked that slavery was accepted as natural, as it might have been back then (again, I don’t know enough about the specifics), but at the same time the treatment of slaves across different families a little too conveniently tied in with the Catholic-New Christian divide. I do understand some of the decisions Wiseman made, and I want to acknowledge how difficult a setting this is to navigate, however, I felt that, overall, this complex situation could have been handled better, perhaps by allowing the novel to be a little longer?
There were times that I felt The Last Song had a lot of promise. There were a few scenes that worked well. But overall, I am sorry to say that this was a disappointing read. One that I did not mind reading so much, but that did not make a lasting impression.
Originally published here: http://irisonbooks.com/2012/05/01/the...]
I have always found Spain at the time of the Reconquista a fascinating subject. There is something so fascinating about a society in which Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived together, with at the same time the religious tensions and wars, and the role of the Inquisition, in particular during the reign of Ferdinand III of Aragon and Isabella of Castille. I am not an expert, at all, but what I have read on the subject has made an impression.
And so, when I saw The Last Song up on Netgalley, a YA novel set in Spain around 1490, I was excited. In it, Wiseman tells the story of a girl called Isabel, whose father is a respected court physician. She has been raised Catholic. What she does not know, however, is that her parents are what were called “new Christians” and have Jewish roots. In a society in which the Inquisition becomes more powerful each day, Isabel’s parents try to safeguard their child’s future by arranging a marriage with a boy from a well-established Christian family. However, despite these arrangements, Isabel’s family is not safe..
I am sorry to say that Eva Wiseman’s latest novel turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. What sounded like a promising story fell flat for several reasons. The book was so concise that did not do the complexity of the story and its setting justice. The prose at times it felt like a disengaged retelling of events, and therefore I found it hard to feel immersed in the story. Moreover, there were some convenient plot resolutions that took away from the natural flow of the story.
I respect that Spanish society around 1492 was complex, and that the religious issues tackled might make it an even more difficult subject to write about. I was elated to find Isabel confused about her parents’ Jewish heritage, given that she’d always been taught to loathe them. I also appreciated that fact that she was curious about Judaism, but at the same time felt at home with Catholicism and found comfort in praying to the Virgin Mary. And so the beginning of the book made me feel hopeful. But all too soon Isabel starts changing her views, and suddenly, she starts sneaking out to learn about Judaism, despite knowing of the danger to her family and friends, and despite the fact that I’m pretty sure her parents would have liked to tell her about their roots just as well. Isabel’s actions throughout the book were erratic, difficult to understand when the story tries to impress you with the dangers of the situation, and some of her decisions just made no sense at all, except that they led to plot developments a few pages on.
Furthermore, the good-bad divide of the story felt a little too convenient. Basically, all the Jews or new Christians we meet are good. Of course, it makes sense to highlight their awful situation, but.. I don’t know. In contrast, most of the Catholic characters were depicted as spoiled, used to getting what they want, and willing to negate the welfare of others to protect themselves. Hints were given to the power of the Inquisition and the fear for their own safety, but none of these Catholic characters’ division of loyalties was developed well enough for me to feel satisfied. I wondered at the absence of Muslims from the story, but perhaps that has to do with its focus being on converted Jews, as Jews were the first to be expelled from Spain? Isabel’s family has one slave who has the Muslim name Yussuf, but he is not given much of a voice, although he is portrayed as loyal. On the topic of slavery I felt you could, again, notice the author struggling with it being a part of the historical setting, and it being an uncomfortable topic for modern readers. I liked that slavery was accepted as natural, as it might have been back then (again, I don’t know enough about the specifics), but at the same time the treatment of slaves across different families a little too conveniently tied in with the Catholic-New Christian divide. I do understand some of the decisions Wiseman made, and I want to acknowledge how difficult a setting this is to navigate, however, I felt that, overall, this complex situation could have been handled better, perhaps by allowing the novel to be a little longer?
There were times that I felt The Last Song had a lot of promise. There were a few scenes that worked well. But overall, I am sorry to say that this was a disappointing read. One that I did not mind reading so much, but that did not make a lasting impression.
August 5, 2012
The not so secret history buff in me had to have this book as soon as I heard about it, and the cover whore in me agreed. Although the cover whore in me was thoroughly satisfied, the history buff was not.
The Last Song is a teeny tiny book clocking in at 225 pages, which nowadays is almost novella short. It's shortness would not have been an issue (I rather like a little book now and again. It's like a palette cleanser), except for the fact that large amounts of the story was taken up by religious ritual description. Here's the deal, I expected a historically rich telling of a fascinating moment in history, from a YA perspective (read-requisite love story), with Judaism more a part of the story then the subject of the story. What I got was a YA telling (read- requisite love story), about discovering Judaism (with a great deal of detailed teaching about ritual), and only a small off handed side of the history of this unique moment in time.
I will grant Wiseman this, religion is a tough subject matter to deal with in an interesting manner, but still do it justice. However, detailed explanations, delivered as lessons to Isabel (who's only just learning to be a Jew), about ritual and traditions does not storytelling make. I reviewed The Dovekeeper awhile back, and I had a similar issue with the heavy handedness of all the in depth descriptions of Judaic minutiae. Although I fully appreciate the importance of the minutiae to the actual practice of the religion, and a certain amount needs to be given to give the reader a flavour of the experience, I disagree that it needs to be part of a story. After all story telling has many aspects to it, and although teaching something can be a part of it, if it becomes all of it, you have a text book.
Rabbi Abenbilla tied the afikomen, a pice of broken matzo, into a large napkin and gave it to young Smuel. The boy slung the napkin over his shoulder and left the room. When he knocked on the door, requesting entry, the rabbi addressed him.
"From where do you come?"
"I come from Egypt," Smuel said.
"Where are you going?" the rabbi asked.
"To Jerusalem."
"What are you taking with you?" asked his father.
Smuel pointed to the matzo in hi napkin.Then all of us began to chant...
My wish for The Last Song would have been for Wiseman to explore Isabel and her family more as characters rather than practitioners of a religion. By page 225 I didn't feel as if I knew any of them very well, and so was rather non-plused by ending. In the end I felt like The Last Song promised more than it delivered, but I'm curious, what are your feelings about religion in fiction? Do you like it when it's enumerated in detail? Or do you prefer it when it's integrated into a story? I'm nearing the end of Robin Wasserman's The Book of Blood and Shadow at the moment (coming out today same as The Last Song), and I think she handles religion in a truly masterful way- both instructive and fascinating. But she uses the characters personal experience and opinions to permeate the discussion about god and practice, and when she gets into minutiae its from a historical perspective and it's pertinent to the story arc. However, The Dovekeepers was hugely successful, so I may be one of very few who finds that way of dealing with it didactic. What do you think?
The Last Song is a teeny tiny book clocking in at 225 pages, which nowadays is almost novella short. It's shortness would not have been an issue (I rather like a little book now and again. It's like a palette cleanser), except for the fact that large amounts of the story was taken up by religious ritual description. Here's the deal, I expected a historically rich telling of a fascinating moment in history, from a YA perspective (read-requisite love story), with Judaism more a part of the story then the subject of the story. What I got was a YA telling (read- requisite love story), about discovering Judaism (with a great deal of detailed teaching about ritual), and only a small off handed side of the history of this unique moment in time.
I will grant Wiseman this, religion is a tough subject matter to deal with in an interesting manner, but still do it justice. However, detailed explanations, delivered as lessons to Isabel (who's only just learning to be a Jew), about ritual and traditions does not storytelling make. I reviewed The Dovekeeper awhile back, and I had a similar issue with the heavy handedness of all the in depth descriptions of Judaic minutiae. Although I fully appreciate the importance of the minutiae to the actual practice of the religion, and a certain amount needs to be given to give the reader a flavour of the experience, I disagree that it needs to be part of a story. After all story telling has many aspects to it, and although teaching something can be a part of it, if it becomes all of it, you have a text book.
Rabbi Abenbilla tied the afikomen, a pice of broken matzo, into a large napkin and gave it to young Smuel. The boy slung the napkin over his shoulder and left the room. When he knocked on the door, requesting entry, the rabbi addressed him.
"From where do you come?"
"I come from Egypt," Smuel said.
"Where are you going?" the rabbi asked.
"To Jerusalem."
"What are you taking with you?" asked his father.
Smuel pointed to the matzo in hi napkin.Then all of us began to chant...
My wish for The Last Song would have been for Wiseman to explore Isabel and her family more as characters rather than practitioners of a religion. By page 225 I didn't feel as if I knew any of them very well, and so was rather non-plused by ending. In the end I felt like The Last Song promised more than it delivered, but I'm curious, what are your feelings about religion in fiction? Do you like it when it's enumerated in detail? Or do you prefer it when it's integrated into a story? I'm nearing the end of Robin Wasserman's The Book of Blood and Shadow at the moment (coming out today same as The Last Song), and I think she handles religion in a truly masterful way- both instructive and fascinating. But she uses the characters personal experience and opinions to permeate the discussion about god and practice, and when she gets into minutiae its from a historical perspective and it's pertinent to the story arc. However, The Dovekeepers was hugely successful, so I may be one of very few who finds that way of dealing with it didactic. What do you think?
September 17, 2014
[Full disclosure: I requested and received a free ebook copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
I honestly couldn’t have been more disappointed in this novel; it’s pretty hard to make a story set in the Spanish Inquisition boring but Eva Wiseman certainly managed to. The main problem was that the writing style of this book is awful. It’s essentially this: Isabel did [x]. She didn’t know how she felt about it. Then she reacted to [y]. She felt sad about it.
Are you snoring yet? That’s basically how the entire book goes. We are told something happens, then told how Isabel feels about it without actually seeing what happens or seeing anything resembling emotions from our main character. It’s like she’s carved from wood! Not only that, there are so many inconsistencies in her character because she goes from “Ugh, Jews” to “sure I’ll go dress as a boy, sneak out of my house and go to a Torah study session with this boy I just met a couple of days ago”. We’re told she warred about the decision but it really didn’t feel like it at all. Just like when we’re told she’s worried about her father in Torquemada’s custody but you don’t really get the feeling that she is.
This is a middle grade novel so obviously some things are left out or simplified, but with this excruciatingly boring kind of writing style it was also impossible to empathize with any of the characters. They’re basically just stereotypes that you find in a thousand other middle grade novels. Isabel is the poor little rich girl who’s betrothed to a man she hates, her mother is the melodramatic sickly type, her father has always been the supportive and encouraging one who then admonishes her for thinking independently, etc. Even Yonah, a character who could have been quite interesting, was boring because Eva Wiseman never really went into the hows and whys of his character. He just exists to guide Isabel to Judaism and be the love interest, not to have anything resembling a personality.
My final problem with this book is that it was so predictable. A poor little rich girl gets betrothed to a man she hates, something comes along that makes that betrothal impossible and she gets to marry the man of her dreams, usually a person of much lower rank and/or wealth. Pretty much the whole book was summarized in the blurb above, so there were no real surprises in either the characters or the plot. The Last Song wasn’t even particularly poignant at the end, when the Jews and ‘Moors’ are expelled from Spain on pain of death. It should have been a touching, sad moment but it wasn’t. This book just totally lacked emotion.
What can I say? If you like being told a story but not actually having to think about it for yourself and discover things about the characters, I suppose this book is for you. If you like three dimensional characters or unpredictable plots, I can’t even recommend it. I just don’t see where there’s anyone who would like this novel, aside from pre-teens and early teens who have never read about the Spanish Inquisition.
I give this book 1/5 stars.
I honestly couldn’t have been more disappointed in this novel; it’s pretty hard to make a story set in the Spanish Inquisition boring but Eva Wiseman certainly managed to. The main problem was that the writing style of this book is awful. It’s essentially this: Isabel did [x]. She didn’t know how she felt about it. Then she reacted to [y]. She felt sad about it.
Are you snoring yet? That’s basically how the entire book goes. We are told something happens, then told how Isabel feels about it without actually seeing what happens or seeing anything resembling emotions from our main character. It’s like she’s carved from wood! Not only that, there are so many inconsistencies in her character because she goes from “Ugh, Jews” to “sure I’ll go dress as a boy, sneak out of my house and go to a Torah study session with this boy I just met a couple of days ago”. We’re told she warred about the decision but it really didn’t feel like it at all. Just like when we’re told she’s worried about her father in Torquemada’s custody but you don’t really get the feeling that she is.
This is a middle grade novel so obviously some things are left out or simplified, but with this excruciatingly boring kind of writing style it was also impossible to empathize with any of the characters. They’re basically just stereotypes that you find in a thousand other middle grade novels. Isabel is the poor little rich girl who’s betrothed to a man she hates, her mother is the melodramatic sickly type, her father has always been the supportive and encouraging one who then admonishes her for thinking independently, etc. Even Yonah, a character who could have been quite interesting, was boring because Eva Wiseman never really went into the hows and whys of his character. He just exists to guide Isabel to Judaism and be the love interest, not to have anything resembling a personality.
My final problem with this book is that it was so predictable. A poor little rich girl gets betrothed to a man she hates, something comes along that makes that betrothal impossible and she gets to marry the man of her dreams, usually a person of much lower rank and/or wealth. Pretty much the whole book was summarized in the blurb above, so there were no real surprises in either the characters or the plot. The Last Song wasn’t even particularly poignant at the end, when the Jews and ‘Moors’ are expelled from Spain on pain of death. It should have been a touching, sad moment but it wasn’t. This book just totally lacked emotion.
What can I say? If you like being told a story but not actually having to think about it for yourself and discover things about the characters, I suppose this book is for you. If you like three dimensional characters or unpredictable plots, I can’t even recommend it. I just don’t see where there’s anyone who would like this novel, aside from pre-teens and early teens who have never read about the Spanish Inquisition.
I give this book 1/5 stars.
October 12, 2014
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss.
1.5 stars
The Spanish Inquisition is one of those things that got skipped over in my history class. I remember hearing the name, but none of the details. That's what attracted me to the Last Song, basically; I love historical fiction, especially when it deals with historical events that don't really get a lot of attention.
The book ended up telling me some things about the Spanish Inquisition. That's basically the reason I tacked on an extra half star. I got to learn a few new things; though, quite honestly, I got the feeling while reading this that I was only getting a very general picture of the Spanish Inquisition; I am sure there are probably a lot of details that got left out. But hey, it's better than nothing!
What bugged me was the fact that these characters are soooo underdeveloped. I honestly don't have much to say about any of them this time because I feel like I didn't ever learn that much about them; none of them had a very well developed personality at all. Isabel is a blatant Mary Sue. Her character was naive--super, super naive. She seemed younger than she actually was because of it.
Then, there's Yonah, the unneeded love interest. This is one of my top 5, "bang my head against the wall I get so frustrated with them" sort of pet peeves; throwing in romance for the sake of romance will not make the story better. It will not addd anything. Yonah could have just as well been a friend; and for the amount of development that occurred in their relationship, he could have been. It was poorly written, and, as he was a pretty bland character, I quickly lost interest. And I completely checked out when Isabel declared to her father, "I don't know how I'll live without him" after only a few weeks of knowing him! How can you decide that you don't want to live without him after a few weeks?!
Plus, all the Catholic people were made out to be these awful, terrible people. Even people that Isabel considered to be very close to, like her Tia Juana, barely ever showed their nice side and were horrible for the duration of the book. I am sure that there were at least some Catholics during this period in time who weren't all for the Inquisition.
The story feels rushed. Important event moves to important event, and I had the feeling that if I blinked, I would miss something critical. The book being so short ended up not working very well; a lot of things that should have been elaborated on were not.
By the end of the book, I was forcing myself not to skim. The Last Song had so much potential to be great, but it definitely faltered in the execution. I am sad to say that I was not impressed.
1.5 stars
The Spanish Inquisition is one of those things that got skipped over in my history class. I remember hearing the name, but none of the details. That's what attracted me to the Last Song, basically; I love historical fiction, especially when it deals with historical events that don't really get a lot of attention.
The book ended up telling me some things about the Spanish Inquisition. That's basically the reason I tacked on an extra half star. I got to learn a few new things; though, quite honestly, I got the feeling while reading this that I was only getting a very general picture of the Spanish Inquisition; I am sure there are probably a lot of details that got left out. But hey, it's better than nothing!
What bugged me was the fact that these characters are soooo underdeveloped. I honestly don't have much to say about any of them this time because I feel like I didn't ever learn that much about them; none of them had a very well developed personality at all. Isabel is a blatant Mary Sue. Her character was naive--super, super naive. She seemed younger than she actually was because of it.
Then, there's Yonah, the unneeded love interest. This is one of my top 5, "bang my head against the wall I get so frustrated with them" sort of pet peeves; throwing in romance for the sake of romance will not make the story better. It will not addd anything. Yonah could have just as well been a friend; and for the amount of development that occurred in their relationship, he could have been. It was poorly written, and, as he was a pretty bland character, I quickly lost interest. And I completely checked out when Isabel declared to her father, "I don't know how I'll live without him" after only a few weeks of knowing him! How can you decide that you don't want to live without him after a few weeks?!
Plus, all the Catholic people were made out to be these awful, terrible people. Even people that Isabel considered to be very close to, like her Tia Juana, barely ever showed their nice side and were horrible for the duration of the book. I am sure that there were at least some Catholics during this period in time who weren't all for the Inquisition.
The story feels rushed. Important event moves to important event, and I had the feeling that if I blinked, I would miss something critical. The book being so short ended up not working very well; a lot of things that should have been elaborated on were not.
By the end of the book, I was forcing myself not to skim. The Last Song had so much potential to be great, but it definitely faltered in the execution. I am sad to say that I was not impressed.
September 1, 2024
I picked up this book because of the interesting cover. The synopsis also sounded interesting, and I decided I wanted to read the book. I had heard of the ‘Spanish Inquisition’ but I really didn’t know much about it, and I thought this would be a good way to learn. When I picked the book up, I did not realize it is written for young adults, though I probably should have guessed this based on the thickness of the book! The good — the book is a quick, easy read and I learned something new. The not so good — the story is a bit simplistic.
My only knowledge of the Inquisition prior to reading this book was that people were tortured. I didn’t realize that the goal was to weed out ‘pseudo-Christians’. I also did not realize that Jews were expelled from Spain at the time. Another thing I didn’t realize is that this all went on during the time of Christopher Columbus and his voyage on behalf of Spain!
While I enjoyed the book, some of the events were a bit of a stretch. Isabel, the main character, is a fourteen year old girl from a wealthy family who has been raised in the Catholic church. She has been taught that Jews are beneath her; “evil, vile creatures”. She has been promised by her family that she would be allowed her to choose her own husband and not be forced into an arranged marriage. So imagine her shock when her father returns from a business trip with the boy he has chosen to be her husband; a boy to whom she takes an instant dislike! Her father explains it is all for her own good, of course. At her engagement party, one of the ‘evil Jews’, son of a silversmith, delivers a beautiful bowl for her center piece. Overnight, not only does Isabel decide that Jews are not, after all, evil creatures, but in fact, she goes from being a devout Catholic girl to experiencing a religious conversion and secretly studying the Torah. I would have preferred a little more character development for Isabel, but of course, this is a young adult book and moves too quickly to allow much character development. I did enjoy this book and found the story interesting, but it left me wanting to know more. If you also are left wanting to know more, you may be interested in a podcast from Stuff You Missed In History Class; The Expulsion of the Jews from Spain.
My Rating: ★★1/2 2-1/2 Stars
I received a review copy of this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program and have written an honest review which appears above.
My only knowledge of the Inquisition prior to reading this book was that people were tortured. I didn’t realize that the goal was to weed out ‘pseudo-Christians’. I also did not realize that Jews were expelled from Spain at the time. Another thing I didn’t realize is that this all went on during the time of Christopher Columbus and his voyage on behalf of Spain!
While I enjoyed the book, some of the events were a bit of a stretch. Isabel, the main character, is a fourteen year old girl from a wealthy family who has been raised in the Catholic church. She has been taught that Jews are beneath her; “evil, vile creatures”. She has been promised by her family that she would be allowed her to choose her own husband and not be forced into an arranged marriage. So imagine her shock when her father returns from a business trip with the boy he has chosen to be her husband; a boy to whom she takes an instant dislike! Her father explains it is all for her own good, of course. At her engagement party, one of the ‘evil Jews’, son of a silversmith, delivers a beautiful bowl for her center piece. Overnight, not only does Isabel decide that Jews are not, after all, evil creatures, but in fact, she goes from being a devout Catholic girl to experiencing a religious conversion and secretly studying the Torah. I would have preferred a little more character development for Isabel, but of course, this is a young adult book and moves too quickly to allow much character development. I did enjoy this book and found the story interesting, but it left me wanting to know more. If you also are left wanting to know more, you may be interested in a podcast from Stuff You Missed In History Class; The Expulsion of the Jews from Spain.
My Rating: ★★1/2 2-1/2 Stars
I received a review copy of this book through the Library Thing Early Reviewers program and have written an honest review which appears above.
November 26, 2014
Last week I wrote about Voyage of Strangers, a YA novel set during the era of the Spanish Inquisition and of Columbus’ voyages to the “new” world. While written for a slightly younger audience (Random House recommends it for ages 10 and up), The Last Song also balances an engaging narrative with a frank depiction of the wrongs committed by the Inquisition.
Eva Wiseman’s The Last Song is told in the voice of fourteen year old Doña Isabel de Cardosa, daughter of the physician to their majesties, Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain. Isabel has not realized that her parents are conversos—both from families that outwardly accepted Christianity several generations ago, but that continue to live privately with Jews. As violence against Jews increases, Isabel’s parents betroth her to the son of a powerful Spaniard with a long Christian lineage, hoping this will provide protection for her within the volatile political and religious climate.
At the same time that Isabel is betrothed she finds out that she is a Jew and also befriends a young Jewish man who serves as a foil to her less-than-charming fiance. Then Isabella and Ferdinand order the expulsion of the Jews and Isabel begins learning painful lessons about the extent of friends’ and servants’ loyalties in this climate of fear.
Isabel is brave and resourceful individual who takes action to keep her family safe, both before and after her father is arrested by the Inquisition. Perhaps some of Isabel’s luck and planning pushes the limits of probability, but Wiseman makes sure her readers understand how exceptional Isabel’s case is. Wiseman offers other portraits of Jews, Moors, and slaves that convey the prejudice and violence of the time.
This book provides valuable context for Columbus’ voyages. While he is mentioned only in passing, readers see both the world he comes from and the impact of this age of conquest on Europe’s minority populations.
As a teenager interested in questions of justice—both present day and historical—I would have valued reading this book and spending time on the thinking it inspires. I expect this will be true for many young readers who are lucky enough to come across The Last Song.
Eva Wiseman’s The Last Song is told in the voice of fourteen year old Doña Isabel de Cardosa, daughter of the physician to their majesties, Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain. Isabel has not realized that her parents are conversos—both from families that outwardly accepted Christianity several generations ago, but that continue to live privately with Jews. As violence against Jews increases, Isabel’s parents betroth her to the son of a powerful Spaniard with a long Christian lineage, hoping this will provide protection for her within the volatile political and religious climate.
At the same time that Isabel is betrothed she finds out that she is a Jew and also befriends a young Jewish man who serves as a foil to her less-than-charming fiance. Then Isabella and Ferdinand order the expulsion of the Jews and Isabel begins learning painful lessons about the extent of friends’ and servants’ loyalties in this climate of fear.
Isabel is brave and resourceful individual who takes action to keep her family safe, both before and after her father is arrested by the Inquisition. Perhaps some of Isabel’s luck and planning pushes the limits of probability, but Wiseman makes sure her readers understand how exceptional Isabel’s case is. Wiseman offers other portraits of Jews, Moors, and slaves that convey the prejudice and violence of the time.
This book provides valuable context for Columbus’ voyages. While he is mentioned only in passing, readers see both the world he comes from and the impact of this age of conquest on Europe’s minority populations.
As a teenager interested in questions of justice—both present day and historical—I would have valued reading this book and spending time on the thinking it inspires. I expect this will be true for many young readers who are lucky enough to come across The Last Song.
March 7, 2013
This book is set in mid 1491 Toledo, Spain. King Ferdinand and his wife Queen are on the throne. There is much religious persecution at the time, both of Jews and Muslims. The priests and familiars of the Inquisition are actively rounding up and interrogating even those who converted to Christianity several generations earlier.
Isabel has been raised a Catholic and has no reason to fear the Inquisition, or so she thought. What secrets has her parents been hiding from her, and why are they insisting that she marry Luis de Carrera, a boy she doesn't know and has taken an instant disliking to.
The persecution of any people for any reason is a difficult topic even for adults. It is even harder to explain these things to pre-teens. Why should someone be shunned or jailed for the choices/beliefs of their parents, grand parents or even great grandparents. Author Eva Wiseman introduced the topic of religious intolerance in a way that a twelve year old could deal with. She didn't go into extreme detail, but choose to keep to the basics. Pre-teens don't want all sorts of complex detail, they want to the story to proceed and to find out what happens next. As an adult, I want those details, so this book left me a bit wanting. The characters were developed just enough for the story to move along, but not so that I felt I was getting a minute by minute detail of every thing that had happened to them before page one.
Along with Isabel, who has been living a very luxurious existence, we also meet Yonah, the son of a Jewish jeweller who lives in the ghetto. While they come from very different backgrounds, they are both honest, trustworthy people. That their relationship did develop brought hope to this story that there didn't have to be walls erected between people of different beliefs.
All in all, I thought this was a good read for the audience it was written for. I would definitely read more by Ms. Wiseman, keeping in mind the age that she is directing her stories at.
Isabel has been raised a Catholic and has no reason to fear the Inquisition, or so she thought. What secrets has her parents been hiding from her, and why are they insisting that she marry Luis de Carrera, a boy she doesn't know and has taken an instant disliking to.
The persecution of any people for any reason is a difficult topic even for adults. It is even harder to explain these things to pre-teens. Why should someone be shunned or jailed for the choices/beliefs of their parents, grand parents or even great grandparents. Author Eva Wiseman introduced the topic of religious intolerance in a way that a twelve year old could deal with. She didn't go into extreme detail, but choose to keep to the basics. Pre-teens don't want all sorts of complex detail, they want to the story to proceed and to find out what happens next. As an adult, I want those details, so this book left me a bit wanting. The characters were developed just enough for the story to move along, but not so that I felt I was getting a minute by minute detail of every thing that had happened to them before page one.
Along with Isabel, who has been living a very luxurious existence, we also meet Yonah, the son of a Jewish jeweller who lives in the ghetto. While they come from very different backgrounds, they are both honest, trustworthy people. That their relationship did develop brought hope to this story that there didn't have to be walls erected between people of different beliefs.
All in all, I thought this was a good read for the audience it was written for. I would definitely read more by Ms. Wiseman, keeping in mind the age that she is directing her stories at.
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