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Doña Gracia’s Gold Pendant: A Historical Novel
Imagine having to guard the secret of your family under the threat of mortal danger
This historical novel is a story of love, jealousy, intrigue, mortal terror – of family secrets, courage, and devotion. It depicts the wide-ranging journey of Doña Gracia Nasi, a wealthy young Jewish widow from a family of forced converts, exiled from Spain in the 16th Century. Doña Gracia’s turbulent history comes to life, from age 12, when she is first told the secret of her forcibly converted family, to her escape from the terrors of the Inquisition in Portugal finally to Constantinople, via London, Antwerp, Venice, Ferrara, Lyon and Saloniki.
The true story of Doña Gracia – forced convert, tycoon, charmer of kings, savior of her people!A successful businesswoman and visionary in a world in which women had no rights, Doña Gracia risks her life and her immense fortune to save her persecuted people. She powerfully bends kings to her will in an era of flourishing culture and the religious battles between Christians, Jews, and Moslems. Heralded the “Queen of the Jews,” she succeeded in obtaining a royal decree from the Ottoman sultan to settle the city of Tiberias. Meanwhile, her heartbreaking feud with her sister, Brianda, nearly sparked a world war!
Scroll up now to get your copy of Doña Gracia’s Gold Pendant!- GenresHistorical Fiction
512 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2015
195 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 25, 2018
Dona Gracia de Nasi, heroine
I have read much about this remarkable woman over many years. This historical novel brings to life a painful era in the history of the Jewish people, the Inquisition of the Catholic Church. Personalizing this tragedy allows us to learn and understand the passions of this time. Cruel antisemitism murdered, tortured, robbed and ghettoized Jews all over Europe for centuries. Dina Gracia was one of the few bright lights of hope during her life. The author has placed her in a meticulously researched historical context and maintained an intense and wonderfully written work.
I have read much about this remarkable woman over many years. This historical novel brings to life a painful era in the history of the Jewish people, the Inquisition of the Catholic Church. Personalizing this tragedy allows us to learn and understand the passions of this time. Cruel antisemitism murdered, tortured, robbed and ghettoized Jews all over Europe for centuries. Dina Gracia was one of the few bright lights of hope during her life. The author has placed her in a meticulously researched historical context and maintained an intense and wonderfully written work.
September 16, 2018
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
In Dona Gracia’s Gold Pendant, main character Dona Gracia Nasi, a wealthy young Jewish widow from a forcibly converted family, shares her life story with the reader. The book starts out with Dona Gracia being barely twelve years old and being told the terrible secrets haunting her family, and follows her as she grows up, flees the terrors of the inquisition in Portugal, and risks everything to save her persecuted people, even the wrath of kings.
This book was downright amazing. I had never heard of Dona Gracia before, but she’s such a charismatic, strong, determined woman that I couldn’t help but be inspired by her strength and courage. The setting was described in great detail, making the historical scenes come to life on the pages. The rich culture, the historical details, all of this gave the book an authentic, plausible feel.
Ideal for fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists.
In Dona Gracia’s Gold Pendant, main character Dona Gracia Nasi, a wealthy young Jewish widow from a forcibly converted family, shares her life story with the reader. The book starts out with Dona Gracia being barely twelve years old and being told the terrible secrets haunting her family, and follows her as she grows up, flees the terrors of the inquisition in Portugal, and risks everything to save her persecuted people, even the wrath of kings.
This book was downright amazing. I had never heard of Dona Gracia before, but she’s such a charismatic, strong, determined woman that I couldn’t help but be inspired by her strength and courage. The setting was described in great detail, making the historical scenes come to life on the pages. The rich culture, the historical details, all of this gave the book an authentic, plausible feel.
Ideal for fans of historical fiction and strong female protagonists.
January 4, 2019
Unlike most readers, I was already familiar with the Dona Gracia story. Naomi Ragen's book, "The Ghost of Hannah Mendes" was also based on it. I genuinely appreciated the details of her life that were fictionalized here, but stayed true to the essence.
I'm also sorry I didn't read it in the original Hebrew, because there were errors in translation that most readers wouldn't pick up on. Towards the end, it talks of planting "strawberry trees." I believe the translator meant mulberry. In Hebrew "tut" means both, but are differentiated by adding "field" or "tree" and we know strawberries don't grow on trees...Just one example. So I gave the book itself 5 stars, but would have given the translator only 4..
If you ever find yourself in Tiberias, there is a Dona Gracia museum definitely worth visiting!
I'm also sorry I didn't read it in the original Hebrew, because there were errors in translation that most readers wouldn't pick up on. Towards the end, it talks of planting "strawberry trees." I believe the translator meant mulberry. In Hebrew "tut" means both, but are differentiated by adding "field" or "tree" and we know strawberries don't grow on trees...Just one example. So I gave the book itself 5 stars, but would have given the translator only 4..
If you ever find yourself in Tiberias, there is a Dona Gracia museum definitely worth visiting!
September 12, 2020
A Good Read
Succinct in its historic context this book gives a good general description of the politics in Europe in the fifteenth century providing a well described understanding of the relentless Jewish persecution history and a strong development of the main characters plight. The story is fascinating. The translations and quotes not so! In many cases the Spanish and Portuguese spellings were mixed. At other times I presume it was Ladino. Since I speak both Spanish and Portuguese and I am also a licensed translator, I paid close attention to the translations to English often not precise albeit giving a general similar idea; a shortcoming that makes one question their authenticity. The ending is abrupt and disappointing from a storytelling point of view. It felt as if the writer had simply become bored and tired.
Succinct in its historic context this book gives a good general description of the politics in Europe in the fifteenth century providing a well described understanding of the relentless Jewish persecution history and a strong development of the main characters plight. The story is fascinating. The translations and quotes not so! In many cases the Spanish and Portuguese spellings were mixed. At other times I presume it was Ladino. Since I speak both Spanish and Portuguese and I am also a licensed translator, I paid close attention to the translations to English often not precise albeit giving a general similar idea; a shortcoming that makes one question their authenticity. The ending is abrupt and disappointing from a storytelling point of view. It felt as if the writer had simply become bored and tired.
September 4, 2018
I received this book via Voracious readers in return for a honest review.
This book is not my usual type of genre, i do however have a deep interest in history. So i must state that although this book has a fictional storyline there is precise historical information within it, that i am certain could be historically verified. The characters are so interesting and as a reader you want to travel with them , meeting the people they meet and sharing their emotions throughout.
The writing flowed easily throughout , there were no points where i felt i had to go back a few pages to remind myself of a character.
This book had me hooked, it is the type of book you do not wish to put down , it grips you till the very end
This book is not my usual type of genre, i do however have a deep interest in history. So i must state that although this book has a fictional storyline there is precise historical information within it, that i am certain could be historically verified. The characters are so interesting and as a reader you want to travel with them , meeting the people they meet and sharing their emotions throughout.
The writing flowed easily throughout , there were no points where i felt i had to go back a few pages to remind myself of a character.
This book had me hooked, it is the type of book you do not wish to put down , it grips you till the very end
April 20, 2020
Interesting enough that I kept on until I finished, but not compelling at all. For one who often finishes a book in one or two sittings, instead I would read a few pages and then put it down.
The storyline is good, but the depth is lacking. When I finished the story, I didn't feel I understood Dona Gracia at all. I know only the superficial story.
I was also turned off by the author's habit of using everyone's full name every time an individual is mentioned. It turned readable prose into a chore.
I'm glad I read it - I now know something about a topic I only knew existed, but it doesn't seem like a good return on the investment.
The text itself could benefit from a proofreader.
The storyline is good, but the depth is lacking. When I finished the story, I didn't feel I understood Dona Gracia at all. I know only the superficial story.
I was also turned off by the author's habit of using everyone's full name every time an individual is mentioned. It turned readable prose into a chore.
I'm glad I read it - I now know something about a topic I only knew existed, but it doesn't seem like a good return on the investment.
The text itself could benefit from a proofreader.
October 2, 2018
This is the story of a woman of courage. The story is about a brave Jewish widow lady Dona Garcia Nasi. This is, in fact, a real historical novel that depicts the turbulent life of Dona Garcia right from the age of 12. At 12, she comes to know about the forcible conversion of her family and to safeguard herself from this torture, she plans to escape out of it. Her escape takes us to various places and countries she travels to. It is a story of her risks and how she converts threats to her into fortunes. A real story of courage that every woman should read to learn how to be courageous to transform every failure to success.
November 8, 2018
*Recieved an ARC from VRO in exchange for an honest review*
I read a lot of historical novels so I am quite surprised that I've never even heard of the events that happened in this book. Doña Gracia seems to be an amazingly strong and independent woman considering the time that she lived in coupled with the fact that she was Jewish. I have always had great sympathy for Jews and the unfair persecution that they have faced time and time again. This is a hard read in that it deals with sensitive and emotional subjects but it is rewarding and educational. On a negative note, I did find Doña Gracia to be quite miserly with regards her family, especially after her sister died.
Also, some of the words used were anachronistic, such as 'going on a date', and so a bit jarring but this would be the fault of the translator, not the author.
I read a lot of historical novels so I am quite surprised that I've never even heard of the events that happened in this book. Doña Gracia seems to be an amazingly strong and independent woman considering the time that she lived in coupled with the fact that she was Jewish. I have always had great sympathy for Jews and the unfair persecution that they have faced time and time again. This is a hard read in that it deals with sensitive and emotional subjects but it is rewarding and educational. On a negative note, I did find Doña Gracia to be quite miserly with regards her family, especially after her sister died.
Also, some of the words used were anachronistic, such as 'going on a date', and so a bit jarring but this would be the fault of the translator, not the author.
October 12, 2018
Education thru historical story telling
I had no knowledge of Dona Gracia and her work on behalf of Jews. I thought antisemitism began in the 30s. I knew about Sephardic, Spanish Jews, and never realized Ashkenazi was in Germany. Nor did I realize how the Jews came to live in Israel. I enjoyed the length of the story and the depth. I also liked the use of letters to move the action.
I had no knowledge of Dona Gracia and her work on behalf of Jews. I thought antisemitism began in the 30s. I knew about Sephardic, Spanish Jews, and never realized Ashkenazi was in Germany. Nor did I realize how the Jews came to live in Israel. I enjoyed the length of the story and the depth. I also liked the use of letters to move the action.
November 10, 2018
I really enjoyed this sweeping epic about a woman who changed the face of history. Great characters and pace. The author brought the era to life in all its grisly, frustrating, unjust detail. My heart was in my mouth following Doña Gracia and her family's trials and tribulations. Well written, although there were occasions where I got a bit lost and had to flip back, as it seemed like I'd missed a page.
February 5, 2019
Fascinating Story
This book may be factual but is in sore need of a stylistical and fact checking team. You don't plant strawberry trees for silk worms its Mulberry trees chests filled with good coins are far too heavy to be transported as described. People are on their death beds or have a headache are all cured by Rosewater rather than rose hips. Marches Like a Tim e line but far from portraying the horrible holocaust of The time.
This book may be factual but is in sore need of a stylistical and fact checking team. You don't plant strawberry trees for silk worms its Mulberry trees chests filled with good coins are far too heavy to be transported as described. People are on their death beds or have a headache are all cured by Rosewater rather than rose hips. Marches Like a Tim e line but far from portraying the horrible holocaust of The time.
October 12, 2018
From a New Christian to a Jew
Wonderfully researched this book is a must read for women of all ages. It is set in the XVI century and shows how a courageous woman became a bastion for the conversos of her time. Her business talents, her ethics, her bravery are all conducive to her success.
Wonderfully researched this book is a must read for women of all ages. It is set in the XVI century and shows how a courageous woman became a bastion for the conversos of her time. Her business talents, her ethics, her bravery are all conducive to her success.
November 16, 2018
Fascinating and educational
The storyline was well organized and encompassed so much information. I was excited to know that for the most
part the store was true. She was an
extraordinary woman who truly changed the world for the better in a time when women usually were unable to have much impact on their own lives, much less a whole people group.
The storyline was well organized and encompassed so much information. I was excited to know that for the most
part the store was true. She was an
extraordinary woman who truly changed the world for the better in a time when women usually were unable to have much impact on their own lives, much less a whole people group.
May 8, 2020
I reading the book, it was well written and interesting.
I know about Dona Gracia Nasi for many years and read about her before and still I learn some new things.
She was the riches woman in the world, in a world of men, and the book shows her as a person and the hardships she needed to face.
I enjoy reading the book
I know about Dona Gracia Nasi for many years and read about her before and still I learn some new things.
She was the riches woman in the world, in a world of men, and the book shows her as a person and the hardships she needed to face.
I enjoy reading the book
April 26, 2024
What an absolutely fantastic book.
It was so interesting learning about the Inquisition and delving into the lives of the Crypto Jews.
Dona Gracia Nasi made me a proud Jewess. She was such a strong woman and fought for the Jewish people.
Sadly, not much has changed in our world from the 1500’s - Jewish people are still being persecuted for simply existing.
It was so interesting learning about the Inquisition and delving into the lives of the Crypto Jews.
Dona Gracia Nasi made me a proud Jewess. She was such a strong woman and fought for the Jewish people.
Sadly, not much has changed in our world from the 1500’s - Jewish people are still being persecuted for simply existing.
April 24, 2022
Days of Persecution
I enjoyed this novel set in the 1500s when Europe looked far different than it does now, and the politics of money and the politics of religion reigned. Great historical insight to a dark time in history, and how good prevailed. A great read.
I enjoyed this novel set in the 1500s when Europe looked far different than it does now, and the politics of money and the politics of religion reigned. Great historical insight to a dark time in history, and how good prevailed. A great read.
June 24, 2023
Great story
A life story that should be always remembered. In the times of intolerance, Inquisition and religious. turmoil, as well as male dominated societies we read about a brave and intelligent woman who used her riches to help her persecuted brethren.
A life story that should be always remembered. In the times of intolerance, Inquisition and religious. turmoil, as well as male dominated societies we read about a brave and intelligent woman who used her riches to help her persecuted brethren.
May 20, 2024
This book was amazing and by far one of the best historical fiction books I have ever read. I learned so much about European history and particularly the struggles of the Jews during the Sixteenth century.
It was quite a coincidence that I selected to read this book at this point in time because was in Spain and had just heard some lectures about the Muslims and Jews in Spain, and their subsequent deportation.
This is also based on the life of a person who actually existed and did become one of the richest women in Europe. Dona Gracia led a wonderful, very fulfilling life. There were obstacles due to the prejudice against Jews but she was able to escape some tricky situations and also do a lot of humanitarian work for fellow Jewish refugees. It is so fabulous reading this history of the Jewish people and it helped me to better understand another book I read recently, The Source by James Michener.
It was quite a coincidence that I selected to read this book at this point in time because was in Spain and had just heard some lectures about the Muslims and Jews in Spain, and their subsequent deportation.
This is also based on the life of a person who actually existed and did become one of the richest women in Europe. Dona Gracia led a wonderful, very fulfilling life. There were obstacles due to the prejudice against Jews but she was able to escape some tricky situations and also do a lot of humanitarian work for fellow Jewish refugees. It is so fabulous reading this history of the Jewish people and it helped me to better understand another book I read recently, The Source by James Michener.
October 24, 2018
It took forever to get this completed.
November 4, 2018
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Voracious Readers Only. I attempted to read the book but it is just not my cup of tea. Best of luck to the author in future books.
February 11, 2019
Excellent!
Tremendous insight to a time and place which I had no knowledge of. Great history lesson. This book will challenge me to learn more of this time in history.
Tremendous insight to a time and place which I had no knowledge of. Great history lesson. This book will challenge me to learn more of this time in history.
Read
August 11, 2019Based on a true story with lots of greed, betrayal, jealousy, and persecution.
No sex
No violence
No sex
No violence
July 23, 2020
Not my usual genre
I was pleasantly surprised at the way the story held my interest. Initialy I did not realize it was based on a real person.
I was pleasantly surprised at the way the story held my interest. Initialy I did not realize it was based on a real person.
December 6, 2021
What an intriguing book about a woman in the 16th Century who led a family, company, and group of religious converts through a tumultuous time in history.
November 23, 2018
The Saga of a Jewish Hero
This book is a wonderful read. I know because I’ve researched and written a middle grade novel and a picture book that include Dona Gracia. Without a doubt, this telling offers the most depth in the depiction of Gracia and her relationship with her sister. It’s a story that is epic, sweeping and relevant. The author captures the complexity that Gracia must navigate in the world and in her heart!
This book is a wonderful read. I know because I’ve researched and written a middle grade novel and a picture book that include Dona Gracia. Without a doubt, this telling offers the most depth in the depiction of Gracia and her relationship with her sister. It’s a story that is epic, sweeping and relevant. The author captures the complexity that Gracia must navigate in the world and in her heart!
September 3, 2021
Magnificent book
I loved this book from cover. It explores the great depth of family relations and the hurt and disappointment that comes from those relationships. It explores two great love stories, both of them beautiful in a different way. It shows strength of character most of us never see up close and personal.
I struggled with the numerous names which I could not pronounce but which I knew were necessary to the truth of the story.
I would liked to have known Dona Gracia. Can't wait to tell my sister Ruth about this book.
I loved this book from cover. It explores the great depth of family relations and the hurt and disappointment that comes from those relationships. It explores two great love stories, both of them beautiful in a different way. It shows strength of character most of us never see up close and personal.
I struggled with the numerous names which I could not pronounce but which I knew were necessary to the truth of the story.
I would liked to have known Dona Gracia. Can't wait to tell my sister Ruth about this book.
December 1, 2019
What a wonderfully written historical fiction.
Loved reading this intriguing tale. We take so much for granted... Our ability to travel, pray as we wish and the opportunity we have in this modern world.
Loved reading this intriguing tale. We take so much for granted... Our ability to travel, pray as we wish and the opportunity we have in this modern world.
January 8, 2020
I was interested in storyline as I began to read the book. But as I was deep in the story I felt like it was not written well. There would be jumping from one topic to another. Hard to believe it was based on a true historical storyline.
January 9, 2020
Well written story of a remarkable women.
Read
August 7, 2018I'm a gigantic aficionado of chronicled fiction, so I'm perhaps not as goal as I ought to be, but rather I surmise that I don't misrepresent when I say that I didn't read something great in that class for quite a while. Generally, authentic fiction has a tendency to be excessively verifiable and turned out to be exhausting (I adore history, however in the event that I needed to peruse a chronicled book I would take some reading material, not a novel) or excessively anecdotal (isolate spaces for kids in a poor family house, normal, if it's not too much trouble and it is extremely elusive a book which will both, recorded and anecdotal, similarly enough.
Like this one for instance. This book is brimming with verifiably precise information but remains in an area of fiction. Additionally, it is an exceptionally elegantly composed book, with enchanting characters whom you need to take after wherever they go. To meet the general population they meet. To feel thing they feel.
Spellbinding and honorable, this work had me inundated from the earliest starting point. It's a one of a kind, ardent recorded fiction entwined with genuine life history. The story spilled out of scene to scene easily, and the creator demonstrates excellent capacity with regards to narrating. There are a lot of eye catching minutes in this page turner that will take the peruser on a really convincing and entrancing voyage!
Unquestionably, this is one of those books which can wrap you up and don't enable you to abandon it before you get done with perusing.
Like this one for instance. This book is brimming with verifiably precise information but remains in an area of fiction. Additionally, it is an exceptionally elegantly composed book, with enchanting characters whom you need to take after wherever they go. To meet the general population they meet. To feel thing they feel.
Spellbinding and honorable, this work had me inundated from the earliest starting point. It's a one of a kind, ardent recorded fiction entwined with genuine life history. The story spilled out of scene to scene easily, and the creator demonstrates excellent capacity with regards to narrating. There are a lot of eye catching minutes in this page turner that will take the peruser on a really convincing and entrancing voyage!
Unquestionably, this is one of those books which can wrap you up and don't enable you to abandon it before you get done with perusing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews