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The Mapmaker's Daughter (2014)

by Laurel Corona(Favorite Author)

3.64 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

140228649X (ISBN13: 9781402286490)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Sourcebooks Landmark

review 1: A well-researched historical novel and an accurate description of Jewish (and converso/anusim) life in the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th century. In the notes at the end of the book the author states that there is no history written about females during that time therefore the female characters are imaginary. The story is told by Amalia Riba switching between the past and the present before they are forced to leave their home during the time of the Spanish Inquistion. Amalia is a Jew in a time when that is a dangerous thing to be, and grows up under the looming shadow of persecution and eventual expulsion under the reign of Isabel and Ferdinand. Though she was born as a converso, her mother has secretly remained a Jew while outwardly appearing to be Christian. Her grandf... moreather and father are the famous Cresques who were cartographers drawing maps for Spanish royalty and well known for the Catalan Atlas. It was only at the end of the book when I googled the names of the families that I realised how cleverly Laurel Coroner had woven her protagonist into the history of two real and very distinguished Jewish families. A very interesting read about a woman’s love of faith and family. 4 stars
review 2: I enjoyed reading this book. I liked learning about the Jewish culture and traditions. This book takes us through the persecution and racism that occurs as Amalia’s family goes through time. Amalia was her father’s right hand man and the book tells of their close relationship. This was a little unusual, but he had no son, so it was accepted. Amalia must make many decisions through out her life often at her own expense. This book contained strong female characters. It has a couple of places where it is just a little racy and explicit. I would recommend it for adults, not young readers. I also got a little bogged down at the end. The story needed to wind up a little quicker.I find it interesting that way before Hitler the Jews were under persecution. I give this book 4 out 5 stars. less

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