"Telynor" wrote: One fascinating book I read was A Drizzle of Honey, that was taken from Inquisition accounts in Portugal and Spain, and not just that, but also recipes. Really helped me to figure out the period and setting, along with some mouthwatering cookery. One of the best books on Judaism that I've come across is the new edition of Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, who not only can write very well, but also can convey some very complicated ideas into a very understandable format for both Jews and non-Jews. His other books are excellent as well -- I found Words that Hurt, Words that Heal one of the best books on the role of forgiveness and compassion in society.
I don't know as much about the Marranos as I should, so thanks for that recommendation. And if you liked the last book, read Sunflowers - on the possiblities and limits of forgiveness, by Simon Wiesenthal, which is an entire collection of essays by famous people on the role of forgiveness. Beautifully written, with much to consider.
BTW someone (Teylnor?) mentioned anti semitism in books. If the author has a character being antisemitic, it doesn't surprise me because so much of the time, that attitude was pervasive in the society of the time and place. But I agree, if the author herself is making anti semitic descriptions, then I'd have a problem. That being said - what do you do with an author like Irene Nimrovsky, the famous writer of Suite Francaise who died in Aushwitz, and who was a convert and often wrote anti semitic segments of her books?
