Review: Quite Believable Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 5, 2014
If not the best, this is one of the best historical accounts I have every enjoyed. The fictional characters are easily blended into the history and they are, for most part, likeable. The history of the Spanish conquest of the Caribbean islands and the genocide committed on the natives puts Columbus and his men into a less favorable light than what we were taught about the misadventures of 1492. Zelvin includes reality in her telling of the story, which occurs during the inquisition. Two main characters are Jewish and have to flee because of the persecution delivered upon anyone not Christian. Zelvin admits to taking some liberties with the story, but the result forgives that.