By Fire, By Water by Mitchell James Kaplan
Review by Mirah W. (mwelday)
When I plan to travel to a new place I like to read books set in that location prior to my visit. I feel it gives me one more way to connect to a place and it bridges two of the things I love most in life: reading and traveling. In preparation for my trip to Spain this summer, I found ‘By Fire, By Water’ by Mitchell James Kaplan. Set in the late 1400s, the novel explores the Inquisition during the reign of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella. At the heart of the novel is Luis de Santangel, the Chancellor of Aragon and a converso, meaning he is of Jewish descent but converted to Christianity. Throughout the novel Luis learns life lessons through his various trials and relationships. The novel takes place in several cities I will be visiting, including Seville, Toledo, Cordoba and Granada.
Having not read much about the Inquisition, I was looking forward to learning more about Spanish history. What Kaplan created is an almost living, breathing account of the events. The characters came across as very real and genuine and the depiction of society was disturbingly real. I can’t imagine life during that time; even if a person was doing nothing wrong, he or she would have been constantly concerned with how someone might misconstrue an action or word. The Inquisition tore apart families and communities and it seems even those in positions of authority had their hands tied against challenging the system.
At a time of so much persecution it is easy to imagine how someone could lose sight of his or her true identity. At one point in the story, Luis contemplates his life, relationships and decisions. This was his conclusion: ‘A person was a web of relationships with social and religious groups, with society as a whole, with God. To change these affiliations was to alter one’s being. To sever them was to destroy oneself.’
As a reader who likes to have all the loose ends tied up, I appreciate when the author gives me the complete tale. In my opinion, certain stories are not conducive to an interpretive ending and I think this is one of those stories. So fear not, Kaplan provides an epilogue to let us know what happens to the characters, aside from what we all know happens for Christopher Columbus and the New World. At least, I don’t think I’m spoiling anything by letting that cat out of the bag.
The Author’s Note provides some of the historical facts and persons included in the novel. There is no doubt Kaplan did his research and, in the end, it helped him create a story that is simultaneously heartbreaking and hopeful. I am glad I chose this book to help me get ready for my trip. When I’m walking through Seville or Cordoba or exploring the Alhambra I’ll have a perspective, and perhaps a different appreciation and understanding, I wouldn’t have had without reading this book.
