cover image The Poetry of Secrets

The Poetry of Secrets

Cambria Gordon. Scholastic Press, $18.99 (416p) ISBN 978-1-338-63418-1

Set in the Spanish town of Trujillo during the early years of the Spanish Inquisition, Gordon’s absorbing fiction debut focuses on Jewish individuals pretending to be newly converted Christians in order to avoid persecution. Along with her family, 16-year-old Isabel Perez practices her Jewish faith in the cellar of their home while publicly observing Catholic rituals. Rebellious and romantic Isabel, secretly taught by her grandmother to read and write, longs for a passionate love, a creative life, and the freedom to live openly as a Jewish person. To ensure protection from growing suspicions, though, her parents agree to marry her to the powerful town warden, the much older, unattractive Don Sancho. Meanwhile, love strikes in the form of handsome Diego, son of a count, whose burning desire to be a painter is as urgent as Isabel’s to be a poet. Intricate plot developments keep the story moving swiftly as Isabel and Diego’s blossoming romance brings about brutal consequences; Isabel’s strength in the face of horrific events—as well as her passion for Diego and her deep love of family, poetry, and faith—makes her an inspiring role model. Supported by extensive back material, the book movingly explores this history of religious intolerance. Ages 12–up. [em](Feb.) [/em]