Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti - Question 3 #readalong #blogtour

Welcome to Question Three of our Readalong of Aristotle for Novelists by Douglas Vigliotti.

Q Describe your favourite book in less than 25 words and see if we can guess what it is.

A  Widowed father is bringing up his son and daughter. He is a lawyer who is instrumental in defending a man who is wrongly accused.

What do you think is my favourite book?

The Red Citadel by Michael Lynes - #bookreview #blogtour #IsaacAlvarezSeries

 

As the muezzin's cry announced another dawn, shafts of sunlight from behind the peaks of the Sierra Nevada crept across the face of the Alhambra - situated high on the Sabika hill - suffusing the citadel's red walls with a saffron glow. The variegated light glided down the brick ramparts of the fortress to find Granada at its base. It moved on to illuminate the city's terracotta tiled rooftops, pomegranate studded trees, and blue and white mosaic tiled fountains. It even insinuated itself into the shadowy alleyways of the labyrinthine Albaicin, creeping into the homes of the Mudejares finishing their prayers, most too afraid of their Catholic masters to complete their devotions in the few remaining mosques. The sun did not discriminate though - it lit the houses of poor and rich alike...

***

Isaac Alvarez is a heretic, a reluctant spy, and a murder suspect. Can he prove his innocence and quell a rebellion to reunite his family? Granada, Andalusia, 1499 Forced to convert to Catholicism Isaac remains a Jew at heart. Exiled from Seville by King Ferdinand for heresy he is suspected of murdering the Grand Inquisitor, Torquemada. Did he? Andreas, a priest, has been accused of the murder and imprisoned. Alonso, Torquemada's previous deputy and an old foe of Isaac's, has now returned from exile in the Indies determined to prove his childhood friend's innocence. Isaac now lives with Abdul Rahman - a wealthy Muslim spice merchant - his wife Fatima, and his brother Ali Sina, the last apothecary in the city. He works for Archbishop Talavera. Granada is in turmoil. The rulers coerce Muslims to embrace Catholicism. A rebellion is developing, led by Abdul Rahman. The King instructs Isaac to spy on the rebels. He is conflicted by his loyalty to the brothers and his love for Fatima, but reluctantly agrees.

***

This is the third book in the Isaac Alvarez series. If you would like to read my spoiler free reviews of the previous two books, Blood Libel and The Heretic's Daughter you can do so by clicking on the titles.

I have very much enjoyed reading this series. The book has much to say about religious intolerance, albeit in an historical setting, but there are still lessons that apply to the modern world in which we live.

Isaac is a strong character who we have met in the previous books, and this book continues to develop his personality. I feel as though I know him, and his headstrong daughter Isabel very well by now and I shall miss reading about them as this is the final book in the series. I am unaware whether the author is planning on continuing with his characters but I would be thrilled if he was.

This book continues on from the persecution and intolerance suffered by the Jews in Seville during the Spanish Inquisition. This develops the theme when we see the same attitude focused on those of the Islamic faith.

The book is atmospheric, and Mr. Lynes does an excellent job at bringing his historical environment to life with his vivid and vibrant descriptions. I could almost smell the fires and feel the heat whilst reading. The author has clearly researched his material thoroughly, and it really shows in these books. It was easy to understand the chaotic and bewildering environment in which these people lived.

I learnt more of this difficult period in history through these books, and it was an easy and accessible way in which to become more familiar with the times.

This has been an excellent series which I highly recommend to historical fiction fans.

ISBN: 978 1739185749

Publisher:  Romaunce Books

Formats:  e-book and paperback

No. of Pages:  358 (paperback)

About the Author:

Michael writes the Isaac Alvarez Mysteries, set in late 15th century Andalusia. He won a prize for his debut, Blood Libel, at the 2020 Emirates Literature Festival. Best-selling author Sophie Hannah called it, 'immensely gripping,' and the Historical Novel Society said, 'Lynes knows his history and tells the story with verve.' He published his second novel, The Heretic's Daughter, in 2022. Awais Khan, author of The Company of Strangers, said it had, 'everything a historical thriller should have, and more.' He is hard at work on the third book in the series, The Red Citadel, to be published in 2023. Michael is a member of the Crime Writers' Association - he is the founding convenor of the Gulf Chapter - the Historical Novel Society, and The Alliance of Independent Authors. He is an alumnus of the Faber Academy's Writing a Novel course. Originally from London, he lives in Dubai with his family.

(book and media courtesy of Love Books Tours)

(all opinions are my own)

The Maids of Biddenden by G.D. Harper - #BookReview #Blogtour

 

Avicia knelt and prayed. Prayed for wisdom, to know what action would be righteous and true. For strength, to cope with the horror of what she would shortly be forced to witness. Above all, for compassion towards the unfortunates now in her care; compassion sufficient to displace any revulsion her face might betray when she saw them for the first time.

She stood up and looked around the abbey chapter house. Mid-morning prayers were over and the room had been decorated with wildflowers to celebrate her arrival. Celebrations could wait, however. She had felt elation at her appointment - for the first time, Malling Abbey would have its own prioress - but later, Bishop Gundulf had told her of the abbey's dark secret...

***

‘There is no me; there is no you. There is only us.’

The Maids of Biddenden is inspired by the real-life story of conjoined twins Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, born in 1100 into a wealthy family from a small Kent village.

Joined at the hip, the sisters overcome fear and hostility to grow into gifted and much-loved women – one a talented musician and song-writer, the other a caring healer and grower of medicinal plants. Entangled in the struggles for power and influence of the great Kent nobles of the time, they achieve much in their lifetimes and leave behind a legacy in Biddenden that survives to this day.

This is the heart-warming and inspirational story of two remarkable women leading one joint life, challenging adversity to become the best they can be.

***

It is rare that historical fiction with a unique perspective comes along. I certainly have no recollection of the genre featuring conjoined-twins so this made for a fascinating and insightful read.

Based on factual accounts of Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst who lived in Biddenden, Kent during the 12th century, the author has researched her subject and has given a voice to these two women.

It was interesting viewing the first half of 12th century society through their eyes. Although conjoined the author did an excellent job at portraying them as individuals. Both voices were distinct and at no point was I confused by which twin's thoughts or words I was reading. She allowed the reader to absorb their personalities through the words on the page and she did this extremely well.

Although considered freakish during their early lives, as they grew their condition afforded them opportunities that would not have been available to other women of their status. They attracted attention from the upper echelons of society and were able to advance the prospect of their family.

I think anyone who enjoys historical fiction or women's history will enjoy this book.

ISBN: 978 0993547874

Publisher: Ginger Cat

Formats: e-book and paperback

No. of pages: 432

About the Author:

GD Harper became a full-time self-published author in 2016, publishing three novels under the pen name GD Harper. He has been both a Wishing Shelf Book Award finalist and Red Ribbon winner, been shortlisted for the Lightship Prize, longlisted for the UK Novel Writing Award and longlisted for the Page Turner Writer Award. The Maids of Biddenden was a finalist in this year’s Page Turner Book Award for unpublished manuscripts, longlisted for the Exeter Book Prize and the Flash 500 Novel Award, and shortlisted for the Impress Prize. 

(Book provided courtesy of Love Book Tours)