Comments on: Review: People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks

By: Yvonne Blegen

Yvonne Blegen — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 20:50:15 +0000

I loved the writing and the storyline was intriguing, but I couldn’t get through the book. It was historically inaccurate and incredibly biased against Catholics and favorable towards Islam. No problem if the facts were correct. But half truths stand for whole lies to me. Yes, the Jewish population were expelled from Spain, in 1492 by the King and Queen. There is no excuse for that.

No, the inquisition did not try those non-Catholics, Jews or Muslims,but there were those who pretended to be Catholic, known as cons-versos. Con-versos were considered a threat to the State.

But who sticks with the facts anyway. Spain had just won a 700 battle against the Ottomans in 1492 and they were deeply concerned about maintaining their security.

There are actually unbiased and well-researched accounts of the true Spanish Inquisition, but that would just get in the way of the agenda the author intended.

By: Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks)

Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:58:46 +0000

This is one of my favorite books this year (so far!). I love the history of "the people of the book" and the lesson it can teach us ... how so many people protected what they knew was sacred, even if the book itself wasn't in line with their belief system. i.e., tolerance! My review is here. Geraldine Brooks appeared at our local bookstore last month, but I haven't yet written a post about it. Her personal story about her interaction with the Sarajevo Haggadah is amazing! Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks)’s last blog post..Official answer to the “unspoken code” of lending paperbacks

By: S. Krishna

S. Krishna — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:20:28 +0000

I enjoyed this book, nice review! S. Krishna’s last blog post..North of Beautiful - Justina Chen Headley

By: Meghan

Meghan — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:17:08 +0000

It’s the British cover! I actually like it better than the American one.

By: Ruth @ Bookish Ruth

Ruth @ Bookish Ruth — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:50:33 +0000

I’m reading this one right now, so I just skimmed your review (I’ll be back later to compare notes!), but I absolutely adore the UK cover! I love the US cover, too, but the purple on the UK cover is so eye-catching.

By: Nymeth

Nymeth — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 20:28:24 +0000

I've been wanting to read this ever since I first heard of it. Thank you for reminding me of why I really should. Nymeth’s last blog post..Sorrow by John Lawson

By: Sandra

Sandra — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:16:13 +0000

I loved this book too, a very satisfying reading experience. Good review, I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. Sandra’s last blog post..Weekly Geeks A Quote a Day

By: Darlene

Darlene — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:38:09 +0000

Great review. I just picked this book up the other day. Mine does not have this lovely cover though. I wish it did. I've not seen this cover anywhere before. Darlene’s last blog post..New Giveaway Winner for Hungry Woman in Paris

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:14:32 +0000

I'd love to read this one. It sounds so good. Great review. Kathy’s last blog post..Review: This Is Water

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:12:45 +0000

I got so absorbed in each of the stories in the book. When I was in one of those , I had to read through til the end. The end kind of wrapped up a bit to quickly. A lot happening out of nowhere, but overall so good. Nicole’s last blog post..Secret Daughter: A Mixed Race Daughter and the Mother Who Gave Her Away, by June Cross