Eva Wiseman Boeken

It is 1957 and Alexandra’s immigrant family is living the North American dream. Her father is a respected doctor, and she has a warm circle of good friends from church, from girl guides, and from school. Perhaps her mother is nervous and a bit odd – she seems incapable of leaving the house alone – and there is never any talk of the life they left behind in Hungary, but every family has its quirks.Alexandra’s world is turned upside down when she discovers a secret that her parents have kept. They are not Catholic, as Alexandra believes. They are Jewish. Alexandra’s view of her parents, of her friends, and of the society in which she lives is turned upside down by her discovery. Who is she and where does she really belong?

Set against a backdrop of a heartbreaking historical episode, the narrative follows a young servant girl in the late 1800s. Through her eyes, readers experience the struggles and challenges of her time, capturing the emotional weight and societal issues of the era. The story highlights themes of resilience and the human spirit amidst adversity, providing a poignant exploration of both personal and historical struggles.

Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Inquisition, the story follows Isabel, who believes her family's status will protect them from persecution. Raised as a Catholic, she remains unaware of her Jewish heritage, which poses a grave danger. The narrative intensifies when her father, a court physician, is arrested by the ruthless Grand Inquisitor Torquemada. In a race against time, Isabel devises a desperate plan to save both her father and herself from the looming threat of death.

Focusing on the struggles of a teenage girl within a fundamentalist Hasidic community, the narrative delves into her aspirations for a life beyond the constraints of her upbringing. As she grapples with her identity and desires, the story highlights the tension between tradition and personal freedom, offering a poignant exploration of faith, family, and the quest for self-discovery.

Set during a devastating plague in Europe, this captivating historical fiction novel immerses readers in a tumultuous time. The gripping narrative crafted by a prominent Canadian author unfolds with tension and urgency, leading to an electrifying climax that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.